|
Werner Zirus
Werner Zirus, the former Schlachtgeschwader 2 and Schlachtgeschwader 10 pilot and author of Als Schlachtflieger im Einsatz, passed away on 18 September 2015. Werner saw service in Sicily, North Africa, Sardinia, and on the Eastern Front between 1942 and 1945, initially flying the Bf 109, and later the FW 190. He claimed several aerial victories, including a B-17 and two Il-2s.
His contribution to Morten and my Focke-Wulf Fw 190 in the Battle for Sicily book was very valuable indeed. When I first contacted him in 2003 he was (understandably) very surprised to receive a letter from a young Australian historian, but he kindly answered all my questions. He was one of the first veterans I ever corresponded with. Morten was subsequently able to meet and interview him, and had a most enjoyable visit.
As far as I know, Werner never finished Band 2 of his memoirs, but he was working on it. He had quite a few stories to tell from his time in Russia, so hopefully something becomes of the manuscript.
Cheers,
Andrew A.
|