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| WorldWar2.ro Forum > Modelling & Art > "Bazu" Cantacuzino fighter planes profiles |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 01:03 pm |
| As my forum nickname show i am romanian ace "Cantacuzino" fan. I want to start a topic for his mounts flown as a fighter pilot in WWII. First unit of Bazu was the famous 53sq with Hawker Hurricane. His first victories were DB-3 bombers: 11 june'41 - 1 DB-3 13 june '41 - 1DB-3 15 june '41 - 2 DB-3 The total planes shot down with this unit were 4 planes ( 8 victories after rom.system of omologation) Below it's color profile of Hawker Hurricane Mk1 nr "Yelow 4" used by Bazu. Some sources stated the number 4 was red but i saw picture with this particular plane and it was 100% yellow. ( color profile courtesy -Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 01:09 pm |
| Dan, Hurricane was a terrfic fighter on the right hands, I never saw a photo from Buzu times at ARR near a Hurricane....and dressed with UK fighter pilot gear, maybe someone on here can help out ? Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 01:21 pm |
| The next famous unit Bazu joined in summer '43 ( as a replacement for the lost of Lt.Nicu Polizu) was "Grupul 7 Vt." ( 7thFG) as squadron cdt. His personal plane was a Bf-109 G2 nr "white 4". With this plane bazu shot down 2 soviet Spitfire MkV on 29 june '43. Witness for this victories were Ju-88 crews wich Bazu escorted that day. This particular plane was from the first batch of 40 Bf-109G received by 7thFG and painted in rom. colors by germans. The 22 victories painted on the fin was from Dobran journal testimony when he meet for the first time Bazu in august '43. (Artwork Dan Melinte) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 01:26 pm | ||
And a close up for his victories bars on the fin. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 01:30 pm | ||
And a fragment from Aeronautica magazine describing Dobran first meet with Bazu at Kramatorskaia when he saw the 22 victories on Bazu plane. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 01:33 pm |
| And below the only pictures with this Bf-109 ( ECPA source) with Sgt.Ursache in the cockpit of his squadron leader Bf-109G 2 nr."white 4". |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 01:49 pm | ||
Sure someone can help you. Bazu with his fellows 53 squadron. Among them Hurricane aces like Sgt.Radulescu ( in the right of the picture) and Lt.Toma Lucian sq.leader ( near Radulescu). ( Picture Razvan Bujor coll.) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 02:03 pm | ||
And Bazu with 53sq near a rom.Hurricane ( photo Aripi Romanesti magazine ) |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 02:04 pm |
| I wonder if someone would ever believe that this guy would become one day one of topace in the Balkans ? I got the photo from a Polish friend in the US Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 02:05 pm |
| And the 53 sq. emblem used for the first time on Hurricanes. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 02:07 pm |
| I guess that was his white 4 on the youth days Al |
| Posted by: Victor January 20, 2005 02:11 pm |
| The above photo is from the book Constantin "Bazu" Cantacuzino - Printul asilor by Vasile Tudor. Teh photo with him 8 years old id from the article of the same Vasile Tudor in Aeromagazin no. 5/July 2002. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 02:13 pm |
| The spinners for rom. Hurricane used on estern front was 2/3 black an 1/3 yellow. Below another picture from Aripi Romanesti WWII magazine. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 02:17 pm | ||
Probably with this mount learn the first aerobatics and hunting ducks in his grandparents garden. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 02:24 pm |
| I have a real strange question.....also Russians had Hurricanes and Spits sometimes after 1941 too.....was there ever a problem for the Russian , German and Roumanian AA teams to make a positive ID's given the aircrafts were flying higher and aircraft markings weren't clearly visible from the ground ?? Was there ever an air to air engagement between a Roumanian Hurricane and a Russian opponet on the same type or a Spit ? One of the things I may think of is that the Russian british fleets was stationed on the Baltic front rather Crimea and Ukrainian fronts Victor thanks for brighting me up...I doint know about the magazine you mentioned Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 02:37 pm | ||
At the begin of Barbarosa the rusian didn't have hurricanes. Rom. Hurry meet in combat mostly I-16, I-153 and Mig 3 and bombers like DB-3. When soviet got the leand- lease Hurricanes in large numbers the romanian were forced to take out from the first line their Hurricanes( and replaced with IAR 80) for not confusing the rom. AA gunners. Below it's a 1/24 ( Airfix) scale model made by Dan Melinte with rom. marks. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 02:39 pm | ||
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| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 02:42 pm | ||
The cammo was the standard before Batlle of England with half black and half white undersurface. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 03:37 pm |
| Dan, great job on your Hurricane,thanks for posting and congrats. on your officer rank Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 20, 2005 04:10 pm | ||
Thanks Alex. This new topic with Prince 'Bazu" Cantacuzino help me to get my first officer rank on this forum. Contrary of Bazu military career I start from soldier and work hard to be in elite class of forum officers. Dan. |
| Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu January 20, 2005 04:20 pm | ||
Anyone knows where I buy this book from ? |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 04:22 pm |
| Dan thanks for your comment and I want to highlight your aviation knowledge , professionalism and for starting this topic ,after all Buzu fame went far beyond the borders of Roumania,was a legend not only in the Balkans but also through the WWII american pilots and WWII Luftwaffe pilots , was an example of an officer, pilot and gentelmen ( despite his divorces) and was backbone of the long and standing Roumanian tradition in the military and civil aviation since Aurel Vlaicu ......I want also to post 3 photos I liked most from Denes book Roumanian Aces of WWII which may have been seen alot though for me were new , and also to recommend his book for all those who don't have it yet in Roumania and out of Roumania forum members because it focuses to the bottom line the history of military aviation and aces of ARR of WWII it contains many photos, is a book no one who cares about Roumanian military aviation history should miss. Is available through Osprey Publications, Squadron and I think Yahoo too . Al All photos courtesy of Denes Bernard from the book ROMANIAN ACES OF WWII by Denes Bernard published by Ospery Publications |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 04:49 pm |
| Bazu again, bytheway Gen esc.aviator Emanoil Ionescu wears on this photo the Knight Iron Cross order as victor stated earlier on the single pilot and officer who got this order ( not on flight line) |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 04:51 pm |
| This photo speaks for itself eventhough Buzu is not there |
| Posted by: Dénes January 20, 2005 05:57 pm | ||
Sublocotenent Cantacuzino, this Dan Melinte appears to be quite a talented, multi-faceted guy (historian, modeller, artist, author, etc.)...   Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Dénes January 20, 2005 06:00 pm | ||
I believe all three photos were published for the first time in my book. Moreover, the bottom two photos should be a novelty even for historians from Rumania, as they come from German sources. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 06:22 pm |
| Yes indeed Denes, many photos which I never saw before, even my uncle who served at ARR AA units didnt see some of them ! extraordinary captures and time frame records Alex |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 06:59 pm |
| Denes I have a question regarding Gen. Aviator de esc. Ionescu......was a he a pilot on his career if yes why doesnt he wears the ARR pilot badge on the right side of the tunic instead he wears on there the iron cross , if he wasnt a pilot why the rank Gen Aviator ? Alex |
| Posted by: Victor January 20, 2005 07:04 pm | ||
It's been out of print for a long time. Alex, gen. Ionescu wasn't the only ARR general awarded the Knight's Cross and I don't think I left out gen. Ermil Gheorghiu from my other post. Both won the RK for the activity at the command of the 1st Air Corps. Ironically, Ionescu ended up supporting the Communist regime, despite the many photos of him displaying the German orders (notice he isn't wearing any Virtutea Aeronautica Order, although he was one of the few who won all the classes). The reason why he isn't wearing a pilot's badge is that he was an observer, not a pilot. However, this does not take away his airman status. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 08:12 pm |
| Victor thanks for letting me know, I have an other question which may sound to top historians like you and Denes very silly : Howcome Ionescu just as Flight Observer become one of the top commander of the ARR which of course would put him on top with experienced pilots who held both ratings Pilot/Observers and on top of more capable Airmen and officers....or did he have a vitamin P with Antonescu...? the other question was Gen Jienescu a pilot and based on what merits was Gen Ionescu awared the RitterKreuz ? was Ionescu more powerful as Jienescu depite Jienescu was Air Minister given Ionescu achievements in Krim and Basarabia ? Also based on what grounds Puaker and Mauerer alowed Ionescu to stay immune after the war and safe from prisons when other pilots in the lower chain of command were imprisoned by the communists ? what line of duties had Ionescu with Forzele Aeriene ? Thanks Al |
| Posted by: Dénes January 20, 2005 08:26 pm |
| In ARR, there was no class (or "caste", if you will) difference between pilots and observers. Both were airmen. Moreover, on multi-crew airplanes - particularly bombers - the on-board observer was the aircraft commander (not the pilot) and outh to be an officer. Therefore it's entirely plausible for an observer to hold high ranks in ARR. This is off topic, however. We should open a new thread, as I wouldn't like this one, dealing exclusively with Bâzu Cantacuzino, to drift away... Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu January 20, 2005 08:31 pm |
Did anyone scan the book about Bazu ? Or is there anyone from Bucharest who could borrow me the book ? (I won't ruin it I promise  ). |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 08:37 pm |
| Denes, I agree and you have a good point, that brings me to my next Q & A ......I think this thread about Buzu should be expanded on Internet to eventually encourage more participation from outside sources of this forum both in Roumania and abroad perhaps , thus gather more resources and photos of Buzu we may haven't heard of and seen yet... ? what do you think ? Al |
| Posted by: Dénes January 20, 2005 08:44 pm | ||
This forum is on the internet... Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 20, 2005 08:48 pm |
| what I mean is SEARCH ENGINES of the Internet ...as such if someone looks for Buzu he will find details directly on the forum and not ARR of WWII website Al |
| Posted by: Victor January 21, 2005 06:44 am |
| I doubt someone would actually search for Buzu. Maybe for Bâzu. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 21, 2005 11:41 am |
| And a picture taken from a rom. He 111 ( nr.5) with rom Hurricane flown probably by Cantacuzino. The observer and the pilot said that the Hurricane pilot get very close to them and wave the hand to encourage them. Only a reserve officer (and civil pilot) could make not allowed maneuver for a military pilot.( I don't believe that Toma Lucian or other military career from 53 squadron to do that). It was not for the first time Bazu made this. Also Cpt. Popescu Oita remember in one mission Bazu made the same maneuver because he knows many pilots from LARES are bombers pilots in WWII. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 21, 2005 11:44 am |
| And from Il-2 FB sim. a nice shot with rom.Hurricane nr.3 ( flown also by Agarici) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 21, 2005 12:02 pm | ||
And below a picture with Bf-109 G2 nr. "white 20"ocasionally flown by Bazu escorting Ju- 88 in '43. The author of the picture Slt.Dan Stoian was the pilot of the Ju-88 wich Bazu close to warn him about loosing formation. |
| Posted by: Iamandi January 21, 2005 12:30 pm |
| Hey, i used this picture (IL 2 skin Hurricane) at this image: http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=1671&view=findpost&p=22297 Iama |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 21, 2005 12:54 pm |
| [QUOTE]Hey, i used this picture (IL 2 skin Hurricane) at this image: http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?sh...indpost&p=22297 Iama [QUOTE] Sorry Iama I didn't pay your copyright. But i have mmade myself a movie clip( with FB editor) with rom.Hurricane and soon i will post it here some nice shots.  |
| Posted by: Iamandi January 21, 2005 02:02 pm | ||
I will give you my count nomber soon ... PS - You posses a web site? Were you have your work posted on the net? Iama |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 21, 2005 02:38 pm |
| Thats an outstanding photo, is a wonder they still exist ,thanks for sharing it Dan Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 24, 2005 10:38 am | ||
And a color profile version of this (unfortunetly poor quality) picture of Bf 109G2 nr 20. ( artwork Dan Melinte). |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 24, 2005 01:08 pm | ||
And below 53sq Hurricanes camouflaged near forest at Saltz airfield.( picture Aripi romanesti) |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 24, 2005 02:31 pm |
| You've got talent Dan ! Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 24, 2005 02:43 pm | ||
No i think the PC paint programms are very good if you know how to use it. |
| Posted by: Artur January 24, 2005 03:58 pm |
| Hello friends. I would like to thank you so very much for this post as it falls right in with my current modeling subjest. I was intending to build Bazu's ( sorry for not having the right font on my keyboard ) Me 109G4 with the white "A" on the fuselage. I got several wonderful prints from Alex ( thanks again Alex :-) but unfortunately I do not know the appropriate copyrights so cannot post them here. My question is, when was the white "A" used and did it fight over Romania against the USAAF?, was this a pretty successful machine under Bazu, or just a machine assigned to him that did not really see much action? Artur. |
| Posted by: Dénes January 24, 2005 04:29 pm | ||
The white 'A' was painted on the rudder, underneath the Rumanian tricolour, not on the fuselage. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 24, 2005 04:47 pm |
| Dan here is a great photo from Denes book Roumanian Aces of WWII which most probably was not seen so freuently. The photo was taken near IAR 81C at Turnisor Airfield near Sibiu in Oct 1944, several pilots are wearing new Luftwaffe jackets and boots worn by the Lufwaffe primarily on the Eastern Front on cold einvironment Courtesy Denes Bernard from his book PS : Arthur : Gzien Dobre Dan may be able to solve your issue Alex |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 24, 2005 04:50 pm |
| Here is Buzu again at a decoration ceremony which seems not to make a too great effect on him or simply he had in his mind other urgent issues from Denes book Roumanian Aces of WWII Al |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 24, 2005 04:53 pm |
| Here's a Buzu photo which is needless to comment from the same book of Denes Alex |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 24, 2005 04:59 pm |
| Here's Buzu again 1945 by the end of the war in a slightly modified uniform , no Whermacht cross and near the ARR Stuka at Luceneck airfield in Slovakia giving interviews to journalists along with Capitan Aviator Dan Vizanty , Mihai Viteazu orders are distinctively worn on the uniforms, from Denes book Roumanian WWII ACES Al |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 24, 2005 05:04 pm |
| here's again a photo I liked very much from the Denes book , maybe less related to Buzu but it depicts the glorious days of ARR, Serbanescu is seated on the middle from Denes book ROUMANIAN ACES of WWII ***edited by admin*** ***see photo below*** |
| Posted by: Dénes January 24, 2005 05:22 pm | ||
Below is a better copy of that last photo, which I like very much (taken from the Start page of my own web site):  I believe the following top ARR aces are seated around the table (from right to left): Cpt. av. Serbanescu, Of. ech. av. Milu, Adj. av. Mucenica and Lt. av. Dusescu. These four outstanding pilots had a combined score of 146 ARR victories (by the end of the war)! Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 24, 2005 05:23 pm | ||
Hello Arthur, yes i know your wonderfull intention ( the source for doc. about that specific Bf-109 you'v got it from me via Alex but i think he forgott from whom got the e-mail  ) .If you are not in a hurry i will post more data about Bf-109 "white A" ( it was one of my long reserch with best results) but as you can see i start this topics for all known fighter planes flown by Bazu. So in my next order will be "white 24" and after it will be your wanted project "white A". PS: I will say a few words about it ( as an advertise) and answers to your question. -Yes, this specific plane was used by Bazu in spring ( from begin of april to end of june) in home teritory defence against U.S. attacks ( from Pipera airfield) and also on moldavian front against soviet air force. He won many victories with this specific mount among them B-24,Yak's,Aircobras,Il-2. But like i said you have to wait a litlle bit for more info,picture and other nice stuff about Bazu planes. Cheers, Dan. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 24, 2005 09:14 pm | ||
Yea Dan its my fold I forgot it was from you...you have emailed it to me shortly as I have enrolled this forum Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 10:35 am | ||
And below the 7th FG squadron rooster list in august '43. As we can see Bazu was the 58sq leader and the first plane assigned to his squadron was "white 4". ( This is an extras from the book : "Constantin Bazu Cantacuzino"- from romanian aces series by author Tudor Vasile) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 10:58 am |
| And another Messerschmitt ocasionally flown by Bazu in summer '43 was Bf-109 G4 nr "white 24". With this mount on 16 august '43 in 3 missions ( in one day) Bazu score 3 victories ( 1 Lagg3, 1 Il-2, 1 Lagg-5) and one probable ( Lagg-5) against russian planes near Kramatorskaia . Below it's the color profile of this mount Bf-109 G4 "white 24" wnr. 19607. ( color art courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 11:04 am | ||
And Bazu in the cockpit of "white 24" helped by his mechanic to prepare for take off for an Fw-189 escort mission in the Kramatorskaia area.( picture SMP source) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 11:09 am | ||
And below the Bf-109G4 "white 24" after a force landing and damaged by other pilot from 7th FG in august '43. The plane was scrapped. ( picture courtesy Romanian Military National Museum ) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 11:14 am | ||
And below an extras from the same book of Tudor Vasile ( Constantin Bazu Cantacuzinul-Printul asilor) depicting 3 missions in one day ( 16 august'43) flown by Bazu with "white 24" and how he got that 3 victories and one probable over soviet planes. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 11:35 am |
| And below it's the list for Bazu victories ( official omologated) in 1943 with 7thFG. ( made by Ion Taralunga and published in Aeronautica magazine) 1 Spitfire V - 29-04-'43 1 Spitfire V - 29-04-'43 1 Lagg-3 - 17-07-'43 1 Il-2 - 18-07-'43 1 IAK - 19-07-'43 1 IAK - 27-07-'43 1 Pe-2 - 27-07-'43 - 2 victories acording to rom. sist. for omologation. 1 IAK - 02-08-'43 1 Il-2 - 03-08-'43 1 IAK - 03-08-'43 1 Il-2 - 03-08-'43 1 Il-2 - 04-08-'43 1 Il-2 - 05-08-'43 1 Il-2 - 05-08-'43 1 IAK - 05-08-'43 1 Lagg-3 - 16-08-'43 1 Il-2 - 16-08-'43 1 Lagg-5 - 16-08-'43 1 Lagg-5 - 27-08-'43 1 Il-2 - 30-08-'43 |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 25, 2005 11:38 am |
| Dan, I dont know if you noticed but Buzu wears a normal civilian shirt while being strapped on its seat at Krematorskaya...also please pots more photos of Buzu if you have available Thanks Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 11:50 am | ||
Probably just arrived from a visit to one lovely lady ( with his personal Fleet plane) with his "white shirt" and black trousers . ( and his wife thinking of him fighting with red enemy and not blond ladies ) Ok, just joking |
| Posted by: Artur January 25, 2005 02:31 pm |
| Thank you very much for the photo. It is greatly informative as it is one of those rare photos that show the tops of the wings. Apparently the aircraft first had german factory markings that were later painted out with a lighter shade of gray :-) Likewise the swastika seems to be painted out with the same shade of gray, making a distinct lighter square on the tail. Any ideas what the color was? RLM 75 would seem like a good fit as it was one of the standard colors in use at the time and being in Russia the Romanians should be able to get a hold of it from the Germans, right? Ahh...what I would give for a color photo Artur |
| Posted by: Artur January 25, 2005 02:39 pm |
| ...also notice the thin narrow yellow band on the tail and the fact that the factory, radio call signs are still showing through. I think it is pretty crucial in modeling Axis aircraft to account for the fact that originally they all bore crosses and swastikas...and the call letters, which were later painted out better or worse before the other insignia was applied. I have seen this repeatedly with Finnish, Hungarian and now with Romanian aircraft. Thanks again for the great picture, for a modeler like me it is priceless! Artur |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 25, 2005 03:01 pm |
| I find it rather strange, that given the glorious past of Cantacuzino..his remains were never brought back to Roumania, neither photos after the war from Spain were ever available , nor any clear details and records about his flying activities in Spain are available. Maybe anyone can comment this ? Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 25, 2005 03:50 pm | ||
Alex, in Romania were published some articles ( aviation magazines) and books about Cantacuzino but only in romanian language. In other language only few articles like in Denes book-Romanian Aces or french "Airmagazine" ( in 2 issues) were given data for the romanian Prince saga. There also some photos with Bazu in Spain in these published articles. Regarding his remains in Spain from my point of view it's better are there. We romanian aviation fans know what happens with other heroes (Limburg, Rosescu,Lungulescu,Arapi,Manea) burrial graves from Ghencea Military cemetery who disappear and replaced with expensive marble graves for today generals because as you said "Money talks, bullshit walks". Cheers, Dan. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 25, 2005 04:02 pm |
| Alright Dan, but still there could be someone who may have Cantacuzino records from Spain and photos of its grave, it cant be that he just disappeared like that .....do you know in what city is he burried in Spain as I may look for it next time I am in Spain Alex |
| Posted by: Artur January 25, 2005 04:07 pm |
| Alex, I am afraid the answer is simple to that one and somewhat mirrors the same treatment of all countries behind the iron curtain. With the new communist regime the new People's Government wanted to purge all the remnants of its military past, and that is regardless of wether it was with the Allies ( like Poland and Czechoslovakia ) or with the Axis like Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia. The past became tabu and none would speak of it, discuss it or god forbid publish it. Only since 1989 has there been some interest in the historical heritage of people like Contacuzine or Serbanescu, but by that time our countries were inveloped in Market driven pragmatism and there was not enough interest in history to resurrect such personalities like Bazu, Stoyanov or Szentgyorgy. Just recently the top Polish ace of aces has passed away forgotten, robbed and abused in a "senior home". Nobody seemed to notice the fact that the Polish Ace of Aces was withering away in anonymity untill he was gone. Then when the date for the funeral was originally set for Wednesday it was suddenly realized that it was the president's birthday and he did not wish to share the spotlight with a notable funeral, thus it was moved to friday. The sad summary of this is that besides a few die-hards like the ones on this forum nobody gives a damm about the people that fought for what we have. For that reason I appreciate living in the US, for they seem to pay more attention to these matters then they do in Europe. The veterans are discussed in schools on November 11 and Memorial Day people go to the cementaries and put flags on the graves....who does that in Europe anymore? Artur |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 25, 2005 04:44 pm |
| Dzien Dobre Kammard ! I agree in 100% with your comments as well about the US , please dont forget to post photos of the Bazu ME-109 when you get it ready .Roumania should be proud of Bazu but as Cantacuzino stated there is a sad way they comemorate his memories ....ultimately I wana hope that the street named after him in Bucharest still exists Alex |
| Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu January 25, 2005 04:52 pm |
| There is a street in Bucharest with his name ?? |
| Posted by: Dénes January 25, 2005 04:53 pm | ||
That particular airplane (Werknummer 19607) was damaged during landing by Adj. stag. rez. av. Iosif Moraru of Gr. 7 vân. due to pilot's error, near Kramatorskaya airfield, on 18 August 1943. However, the airplane did not suffer major damages, estimated at 30% - as the enclosed photo prooves - and therefore was not scrapped, but rather returned to the Germans, who subsequently repaired it. Instead, ARR received a replacement airplane, numbered 24A (Werknummer 13902), a G-2. Note that an area below the cockpit - possibly where a former Luftwaffe emblem was placed - is also apparently painted over with a lighter shade of grey, similarly to the former Luftwaffe markings. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 25, 2005 05:04 pm |
| Piaza Cantacuzino langa Calea Victorie, not really a market place but a square place ( it was still there in 1963) Alex |
| Posted by: Artur January 25, 2005 05:44 pm |
| Alex...your polish is getting better with each post, you almost got it right, just one letter off. Dzien dobry instead of Dzien dobre....but hey a few more posts here and i will start writing Romanian...incidentally how do you say Hello Friends in Romanian? I hope the modern, post communist era Air Forces of our respective countries of origin will elect to continue some of the rich traditions started during the two world wars. In case of Romania the cloverleaf and the Mickey Mouse insignia comes to mind, in Poland there is the famous "Kosciuszko squadon badge"...first designed and used by American volunteers who fought in the Bloshevik war of 1920. Those insignias would look great on modern jets and draw on the rich aviation history of both air forces. And yes, of course I will post the Bazu White "A" once I make it...and maybe Stoyanov's and one Hungarian ( still undecided which ace to make ) as well. Artur |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 25, 2005 07:17 pm |
| Thanks for all compliments Arthur , I do my best maybe if you know where Jaruselsky lives I may join his staff as aviation adviser if he needs one, I look forward for seeing the models, also please take a photo of the IAR 81 diorama defending Ploesti and repost it under the topic called Tidalwave , Zenquie Alex |
| Posted by: C-2 January 25, 2005 07:59 pm |
No street named after Cantacuzino.  But planty of stupid names of streets;Scolarul,penarul tablita-I don't evan want to translate |
| Posted by: Victor January 25, 2005 08:00 pm | ||
I do not think that it was named after Bazu Cantacuzino (i. e. Constantin Cantacuzino). There were other men from his family with this name, most notably the 17th century Wallachian scholar (historian, geographer). Presently there are two streets in Bucharest named after Cantacuzines: str. Ion Cantacuzino and str. Gheorghe Cantacuzino. The tomb of Bazu Cantacuzino is in Madrid. A photo of it was published in the book of Vasile Tudor. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 25, 2005 11:02 pm |
| Thanks for your remarks Denes...though someone on this forum ( possibly Dan) must have this CC books and I would suggest this tomb should be scanned and posted Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 07:30 am | ||
Ok, Alex i will find the picture and post it soon. Regarding Bazu records in Spain, below it's a picture with him in the cockpit of a Bucker ( bought by rom.comunity from Spain) when participated in aviation meetings ( for money like american pilots after WWI). ( photo courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 07:34 am | ||
And an inverted low pass with the same Bucker. ( one of favorite Bazu maneuver). ( photo courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 07:42 am | ||
I have this book, but i want help from romanian guys ( from this forum) to translate in english some fragments with Bazu exploits as a fighter pilot in WWII. ( Guys, I can't do it only by myself  ) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 07:47 am | ||
Thanks Denes for the details.( sorry i put the issue with scrapped plane as a trap for you because I know you have more details from german archiv about romanians Bf-109 fate )Dan. |
| Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu January 26, 2005 08:41 am |
| Cantacuzino pls PM me with what you want translated - or send it to mytzuATd13-th.com |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 09:01 am | ||
Ok Mytzu i will do it. But you can start with the pages allready posted on this thread with the fight near Kramatorskaia of Bazu with "white 24". Thanks. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 26, 2005 09:09 am |
| Victor , C-2, Mytzu sorry I wasnt aware that Bazu would be so little honored in Roumania given his past and achievements and the place carries the name of someone else of a dinasty from the long past. Is also sad to know that a man with his fame which went far beyond the borders of Roumania before, during and after WWII would be of no interest to the Roumanian government ....Î will get in touch with my friends at Maxwell AFB where Cantacuzino records are being kept ( Ops Reunion and Gunn III) and maybe at a later point in time we can bring the subject to the public in Roumania.......who knows there could be some echo Al |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 26, 2005 09:11 am |
| Dan, thanks for posting Bazu fantastic photos and the working on the grave issue , keep it up mate Alex |
| Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu January 26, 2005 09:51 am |
| Alex unfortunatelly our so called politicians were not even interested in the peoples wellfare so asking them to remember our heroes who fought and bled for this country is too much - they were too busy stuffing their own pockets to notice that we do have something to be proud of (or maybe their comunist education prevented them to honour those men).Sorry if this has a political conotation but unfortunatelly it is the truth Let us hope for the better now. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 26, 2005 10:35 am |
| Thanks for letting me know Mytzu ......think of the next elections, maybe Iliescu may still be the right guy to preserve Roumanian Aviation History of WWII Alex |
| Posted by: D13-th_Mytzu January 26, 2005 12:21 pm |
That was a bad joke Alex  The so called politicians I was refering to are Tatucu's Iliescu's protejes. |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 26, 2005 12:32 pm |
| You got it right mate it was a poor joke, though lets return to Dans topic and hope you can contribute too with some nice photos of Bazu just in case you have some Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 12:38 pm | ||
And now the most wanted and beautifull Bazu Bf-109 markings for scale modeller fans. THE BF 109 G4 "WHITE A". |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 12:42 pm | ||
A picture with Bazu near "White A" on moldavian front in mai-june'44. ( picture courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 12:46 pm | ||
He didn't forget his childhood bike ( his first mount) used to go on the airfield to his "white A'. ( picture courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 12:50 pm | ||
And a close up with the fin of "white A" with 44 victories bars. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 12:54 pm | ||
One of Bazu squadron mate painting another victory bar to his "white A" (Picture courtesy Razvan Bujor) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 01:07 pm |
| The letters on fins adopted by 7thFG in 1944 on some Bf-109G's ( one squadron) was probably because of posible confusion in romanian sky with standard numbers used by 9thFG ( now on Tecuci airfield ). The letters were written on the fins ( with white color) from A to P ( from what i read in archiv doc.) and only Bazu ( because of victories bars) painted the letter "whiteA" on rudder ( instead on fin). Below a Bf-109G from the 7thFG made a force landing on moldavian front. The markings are very similar with the one of Bazu "whiteA". Picture from the french book " Meserschmitt roumains-TMA editor |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 01:22 pm |
| And below it's the victories list of Bazu with the 7thFG after he joined again the unit from begin of april to end of june '44. Most of these victories were made with his personal mount "white A". (list compiled by Ion Taralunga) 1 B-24 Liberator -15-04-'44 1 IAK - 28-04-'44 1 Airacobra -03-05-'44 1 IAK - 03-05-'44 1 Airacobra -05-05-'44 1 IAK - 06-05-'44 1 IAK - 11-05-'44 1 IAK - 11-05-'44 |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 02:14 pm |
| At the begin of april '44 many Bf-109 of 7thFG were not allready numbered. This is the case of Bazu plane who found enough time for painting the victories bars before his first battles in home defence ( in '44) from Pipera airfield. Below in this picture we can see that only 42 victories were painted in april on the fin of his mount ( later"whiteA"). ( picture courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 02:15 pm | ||
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| Posted by: Artur January 26, 2005 02:29 pm |
| Wow, those are what I have been waiting for. Thank you so much guys, this was the inspiration I needed all along to do a good model of his 109. Interestingly the pictures show that the aircraft carries meticulous camouflage on the sides, anotherwords it does not look like a field-applied cover up of the call sign letters as ususal. This means that perhaps this aircraft was specifiacally made for the Romanians or more likely that more care was taken in paining out the crosses and call signs on the fueselage and the tail. Great pictures. Oh, and I will post some pictures of my Ploesti Diorama on the Ploesti thread ( as soon as I figure out how to upload pictures onto the site ). As far as the translation of the book about "Bazu" I would be the first in line to read it...please, pretty please:-) Artur |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 02:54 pm | ||
It is also posible that this Bf-109G's to be from the series assembled at IAR Basov. The cammo look different from the standard Luftwaffe. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 02:59 pm |
| Post removed by editor. |
| Posted by: Artur January 26, 2005 03:41 pm | ||
I just hope that the camouflage colors were the same. What do you think RLM 74,75,76? The wings look pretty "luftwaffe" but the sides are indeed different from the Luftwaffe haphazard manner of applying irregular patches of RLM 75 over RLM 76. Artur |
| Posted by: Dénes January 26, 2005 03:56 pm | ||
Nice profile. However, a very important detail is missing: the aircraft's constr. no. (Werknummer). My copy of the same print is not sharp enough to be able to read the black five-digit number painted on the fin root, but it appears that it starts with 12. Also, the leftovers of the swastika (white diagonal line) is missing from the fin. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Dénes January 26, 2005 04:18 pm | ||
The squadron mate painting the victory bars is Adj. stag. av. Emil Balan, another ARR ace. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Dénes January 26, 2005 04:21 pm | ||
Cantacuzino, did you find any construction numbers for the mentioned 16 Bf 109Gs with white identification letters? Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 04:56 pm | ||
Yes Denes, but these details are good only if you made a big scale model ( 1/5) not 1/48 or evan 1/24 scale. It's good to know what wnr. was but from my modeller point of view doesn't matter so much if i don't put it. The big problem it's like Artur say the corect colors of cammo. You can give him an advice for this specific subject ?( considering you are an Luftwaffe Experten )Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 04:59 pm | ||
I am not so sure about this. Emil Balan was a tall guy ( the same height as Bazu) and in this picture is a very thin guy compare to Bazu ( if you look with attention). And i don't know if Balan was in april '44 in 7thFG. As far as i know was in 9thFG.( someone must check this) Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 26, 2005 05:01 pm | ||
Not yet, unfortunetly. |
| Posted by: Dénes January 26, 2005 05:19 pm | ||
Don't try to 'pass the buck', Cantacuzino.  As I wrote earlier, I am not knowledgeable enough in wartime camouflage colours (it's not my immedaite interest either). I don't generate colour airplane profiles and don't build model kits either. By contrary, it's you who does all these things; therefore, it should be you who could give him (and anyone else) advice on wartime colours. All I can do is to merely voice limited comments on existing artwork/kit/information involving colours. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Dénes January 26, 2005 05:21 pm | ||
From the point of a historically accurate coloured airplane profile, the Werknummer is important. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Artur January 26, 2005 06:31 pm | ||
Yes, Denes from the factory files it is possible to find out some info about the plane's original configuration. In the case of this one, however it was painted anyway by the Romanians in the field. Dan, thanks for those great closeup pictures of the tail, that is especially important as it shows a partial outline of the swastika and the partially obscured werke number. In the case of modeling accuracy I believe a compromise can be achieved. Put on the swastika and then partially cover it up with overspray just so the outline will show. Apply a random Werke Number starting with a 12 and then obscure the rest of it by overspary and also by covering it up with the victory bars. Did you notice that the bars are not exactly alligned with the Werke number...one of those sweet, juicy details that make modeilg so much fun! Thanks guys. Artur |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 09:02 am | ||
Artur i notice that werke number was written different from what i know. It is not alligned with the flight line position but with the line of ground taxi position. Wich make me think that probably werkenr. was rewritten by romanians after the zwastika ( togheter with Wnr. by mistake) was overpainted . If the plane was still in Luftwaffe evidence the wnr. should be put it back . Other opinions ? Cheers Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 09:08 am |
| Another picture with Bazu next to his mount in april'43.( picture courtesy Aeromagazin). |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 09:13 am |
| And below Bazu with Cpt. Dan Scurtu ( in the cockpit) talking about next mission somewhere in Russia summer '43. ( picture "Aripi Romanesti" magazine) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 09:18 am |
| And a rare picture of Bazu wearing the Iron Cross on his chest. Near him is Sgt. Stefan "Bebe" Greceanu and Lt.Dobran Ion.( picture from Aripi Romanesti , coll. Ion Dobran) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 10:28 am | ||
And below it's the tombstone of Cantacuzino family (from Madrid) where Prince Constantin "Bazu" Cantacuzino rest in peace. The date of death written on the stone is 26 mai 1958.( picture courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 27, 2005 10:42 am |
| Dan Many thanks for posting this...it looks Bazu is burried in a grp grave along with other family members or dinasty members of his. Sad way to end a shinning glorious carrer of an air ace Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 12:36 pm |
| And below the picture of one lucky pilot who flew Bazu Bf-109 "white A" . Sgt. Marinciu Ioan, one of the best 7th FG pilot.( courtesy Ioan Marinciu ) On 15 july '44 saved the life of Cpt.Toma Lucian by driving away a 52FG Mustang from his tail near Turnu Severin.  |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 12:47 pm | ||
And today a venerable WWII vet. the sole romanian pilot surviving from the 10 june '44 fight with lightnings attacking Romana-Americana refineries. He was credited that day with one Lightning shot down at Giulesti near Bucharest.( picture courtesy Dan Melinte) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 01:24 pm | ||
And below a file from Marinciu WWII missions log. His personal mount in april -june '44 was Bf 109G 4"white M". On 24may'44 he provided escort for Antonescu Ju-52 visit on the front. On 30 may '44 he flew 2 escort missions for rom. Hs129 on moldavian front with Bazu plane "white A'' confirming that Bazu left 7thFG a day before for joining 9thFG (Tecuci airfield ) of Cpt.Serbanescu from begin of june '44. At the same time the 7th FG was removed from moldavian front ( Bacau airfield) and sent to Boteni and Pipera for home defence against american raids.. Also we can see his claim, a Lightning on 10 june '44 near Giulesti (NW of Bucharest) with his Bf-109G "white M". ( courtesy Ioan Marinciu ) |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 27, 2005 01:57 pm |
| Dan from your book Aviatzia Romana in WII , I found a photo of Bazu I really like Al |
| Posted by: alexkdl January 27, 2005 02:00 pm |
| Dan and All Thîs photos taken on the West front presumably Slovakia in winter 1945 where Bazu was stationed depicts a top ranking officers of the ARR visiting the Roumanian Air Divsion ( note their flying cloths and boots of the latest state) from AVIATIA ROMANA IN WII Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 27, 2005 02:56 pm |
| And below for Artur and not only, the english translation (from the book of Vasile Tudor )of Bazu fight with Bf -109G4 "white 24"on 16 august '43 near Kramatorskaia. Thanks to Toppy and Mytzu for their unpriceless help with translation. http://ram.rdsnet.ro/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=81&t=3759 The first mission flown on the 16th of August by Bazu was the escort of a german FW-189. For this, he tookoff at 4.05, with Sl. Petre as a wingman. They flew togheter with the german plane, that had to fly a recon mission over the frontline in the Slaviansk-Kramatorskaja. At about 4.45, their airbase was attacked, while they were near the roconnaissance plane. Warned from the ground, they left the german plane at altitude and in friendly airspace, and went to chase the enemy. After the bombing, the enemy was flying towards north-east, heading towards his teritory. Catching up with the last enemy plnes not very far from Kramatorskaja, Bazu engaged a tight fight with two LaGGs. From the first moments, for unknown reason, his wingman separated fom him. The engagement fought by the prince took place at low altitude, this being very convenient for him, being an ace of flying inverted, near the ground. Maneuvering inteligently and with a lot of skill, he got behind the enemy plane “administering him a severe burst”. He saw how pieces were falling from him, but, like all fighters, overwhelmed by the succes, he wanted to folow the enemy in his way to the ground. But the second soviet pilot speculatedm immediately the mistake of the temerary romanian pilot, dropping on his back, in a classical position for shooting him down, with 100% chances of succes. And since his wingman was missing, probably this would have been his fate. Luckily adj.av. Ursachi, who was nearby, and turned towards the place of the fight, making the soviet to breake, giving up any other attemp of attack. In the air, the adjutant, did not knew wo he was helping, he only saw the number 24 on the fusselage of the romanian plane. And since our pilots could not keep their planes, they were flying on the available ones, only at the airfield he found out it was Bazu, who hurried to thank him, especialy since he confirmed his victory. The fight had been heared from the airfield too, so they were welcomed with lots of joy, while the smell of the exploded bombs was still in the air. After having breakfast, he hurried for a a second escort mission of a german plane. Togheter with lt.av. Nicolae Batranu, he tookoff at 8.20. The flight near the reconnaissance plane evolved without problems, not being disturbed by by enemy planes. On the way to the airfield, around 9.10, while they were flying over the Dolina Gora area, they observed several assault planes, that were attacking out ground positions. Aldough they were not far from the fuel limit, Bazu dived quickly, manageing to hit an enemy plane, who, rolling more and more, went down to the ground. Since he was diving from very high, the speed surplus, forced him to breake, pulling up sharpy. This way, he was able to get back behind the plane that was in formation with the one he hit on the first pass. This one, probably didn’t noticed the intervention of the romanian fighters, and being very well placed, Bazu opened fire behind him. When the gunner of the enemy plane, retorted dangerously, he went behind him, firing his guns from 20-25m and seeing very well how his bullets that hit the plane exploded. After a few seconds, the enemy plne entered a dive near the vertical, falling in the enemy lines, north of the area of the fight. After Bazu’s first attack, it was the turn for Batranu, who also hit a plane in his left wing, damaging it. He turned tightly and camed back for a second attack, also, firing from below the fuselage, not giving him many chances to return to base. He gaved up chasing him only whenwhen he was attacked by enemy fighters, rejoining with his leader. The fight took place between 200 and 500m, for wich reason Batranu fired in the second plane hit by bazu. Anyway they were leaving behind them 3 planes shot down for sure, hurrying both toward their airfield, because they were already out of time. A third executed by Bazu on 16th of August 1943 and recorded by documents was the one in wich he had to make the protection some He-111 bombers and a free hunt in the sector. For this, togheter with the same Nicolae Batranu, he tookoff at 10.40. It was upposed to be a small presence in the sector, in order to assure the acces of several formation that would hit the enmy in Izium. Around 11.30, exactly when a german formation consisting of six planes was bombing the target, five soviel LaGG-5 planes, closed in on the target area, with the intention of intercepting them at the exit of the antiaircraft defences area. Noticeing them Bazu attacked quickly, manageing to get behind one of them, from where he fired several bursts. Since the romanian fighters were only two, it wasn’t very difficult for the soviets to retort, thus, closely engaged, our ace had to break away, without knowing if the airplane in wich he fired was shot down and where. He was hoping that it was seen by his wingman, who, normally, was supposed to follow him. But, he, probably because of the disputes he had with his leader after the prevoius mission in wich Batranu had fired upon and even shot down a plane on wich Bazu also had claims, during the fight they got separated. It was told that because of the prince insisteces of not giving up on even half of a victory to the wingman or to anyone else, he lost some of them, and even some of the kills that they, aggrieved, didn’t confirmed them to a “civilian” who had no use in kills. After aproximately 15minutes, while he was flying alone in an area south-east of Izium, he met another He-111 formation, that bombed their target, and was returning home. But one of them, left behind at about 500m, was folowed by four LaGG-5 planes. Seeing them, Bazu imediately headed towards the bomber that was already under attack. The fight wan’t easy, because of the numerical superiority of the enemys, but, self-confident, Bazu intervened, shooting down one of them. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 28, 2005 10:28 am |
| And a nice picture with Prince Cantacuzino. In the back his personal Fleet with Kinner engine. ( courtesy Aeromagazin) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 28, 2005 02:49 pm | ||
Denes, regarding serial numbers for these Bf-109 with letters on fin. Bazu was in squadron 57 ( 7thFG ) from the end of march '44 with Rozariu, Andrei Pop, Filoti, Pavel Barbu, Catana, Marinciu,I.Florea,Constantin Ilie, Hapaianu, Vasile Carciovaianu. From my reserch the Bf-109 with letters were from this squadron. At the begin the planes arrived without sq. indentification nr. (like Bazu Bf-109). Later ( middle of april ?) were painted the letters on the fin from A to P. But one of this planes was crashed ( before letters marking ) with it's pilot Slt.Vasile Carciuvoianu death in training flight on 31 march '44. The werknr for his Bf-109 was 14656. Mayby this could help you to indentify from where are coming this series of Bf-109G4 to 57th Sq ( 7thFG)in spring '44. Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 28, 2005 03:09 pm |
| Below Bazu smiling with his 53sq. mates. ( courtesy Aeromagazin). |
| Posted by: Dénes January 28, 2005 03:25 pm | ||
It's interesting to note that at that point Bâzu still was a Locotenent (1st Lt), so the photo was probably taken in early wartime. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 28, 2005 03:40 pm | ||
Yes, Denes 53sq with Hurricanes was active in early wartime. Dan. |
| Posted by: Dénes January 28, 2005 04:33 pm | ||
I know. You did not mention during which time period of Esc. 53 vân.'s existence was this photo taken, that's why I noted that it must have been in the early period. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Dénes January 28, 2005 04:48 pm | ||
Very nice document. So, the highest letter of the Bf 109Gs he flew was 'P'? That means 16 aircraft for the squadron (if all letters were used), 12+4 reserves. Did he fly '109Gs, with identification signs other than letters? Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: cipiamon January 28, 2005 05:44 pm |
| In that picture whit Bazu in a "bunker" are they in a [ cort finlandez ] ? |
| Posted by: Dénes January 29, 2005 12:14 am | ||
I have the same data, Bf 109G-2, W.Nr. 14656, stalled and crashed at Colentina on March 31, 1944. No additional info or lead. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino January 31, 2005 07:25 am | ||
The answer is : YES. Because after heavy loses from american raids the group planes were mixed no matter what squadron. He flew also planes with three digits on the fin starting with number 2. And in the late august flew Bf109 G6 with wnr. starting with 166 ( no fuselage number). Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 03, 2005 09:49 am |
| Another sport hobby of Cantacuzino was motorbikes racing prior WWII. But he used his skills also for airfields trips. Below Bazu with BMW ( or Zundapp) on western front.( courtesy Razvan Bujor) Dan. |
| Posted by: Artur February 09, 2005 03:55 pm |
| What is interesting for fabric cover planes was impact explosion bullets were not so much danger for them only incendiary tracers bullets could set on fire. Dan. Indeed, Dan, the Hurricane was generally a very sturdy machine ( and my favorite fighter of WWII ) much stronger then the Spitfire and the Messerchmitt. It was used in the cold of Northern Russia and in the Desert of Africa. It was used in field hopping such as the French campaign of 1940 and on aircraft carriers where it could withstand the heavy impact of carrier landings. Are there any records that would tie a particular airframe number and markings to one of Bazu's Hurricane victories? Artur |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 09, 2005 05:20 pm | ||
No Artur, unfortunetly i don't have such info. The only number found in documents Huricane flown by Bazu was "4" . But with the same plane number " 4" lost his life Cpt.Rosescu Ioan. At that time Bazu didn't have a personal plane. It was not a squadron leader. Dan. |
| Posted by: Carol I February 11, 2005 11:37 pm | ||
I have heard that the reason for Bâzu leaving his 109 in Italy was not the fuel, but rather the one in the photo below.  Originally http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showtopic=1613&view=findpost&p=26181 by C-2. |
| Posted by: Artur February 12, 2005 03:16 am |
| .I have heard that the reason for Bâzu leaving his 109 in Italy was not the fuel, but rather the one in the photo below. Good photo. I did not see it before. I wonder if it was the fuel, the huge American flag on the side ( which could have been painted out with some USAAF issue Olive Drab and Neutral Gray ) or the collapsed tailwheel. I wonder what ever happened to this plane afterwards? Artur |
| Posted by: Carol I February 12, 2005 10:15 am | ||||
The story I know is that one American pilot wanted really bad to try the plane, being convinced that he could handle it. But not knowing the finesses of piloting the 109, he damaged the landing gear (whether this was during take off or at landing I cannot remember). The fuel myth was invented to hide the truth.
The American flag was painted in Romania, before the plane left for Italy. |
| Posted by: Artur February 13, 2005 06:34 pm | ||
The American flag was painted in Romania, before the plane left for Italy. I know that, but what I was getting at is that if Bazu flew the same plane back it would not get the same reception from the Germans, which I understand were still there when he flew the mission. Artur |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 14, 2005 04:07 pm | ||
Artur, Bazu was a fighter pilot prepared any time to fight ( no matter who were the enemies) His Messerschmitt for Foggia was loaded with ammunition. When he came back with the Mustang he got out from the formation ( 31FG escort) and checked the guns of his P-51 ( in case some germans appear) he was satisfied when he discover the americans gave him the plane loaded with amunition. Dan. |
| Posted by: Carol I February 14, 2005 10:33 pm | ||
When Bâzu left Romania with that large US flag on his plane the Germans were still there so I cannot see why the return would have been more difficult than the departure. I would think that the actual return in an American plane was even more dangerous since the silhouette of the Mustang would have immediately been recognised by the Germans as an enemy plane than that of a 109. Anyhow, as Cantacuzino mentioned, Bâzu was a very good fighter pilot and as it was proven there was no problem for him to fly either plane in those troubled days. |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 14, 2005 11:02 pm |
| There were specific reasons Bazu was given a P-51 for to return in formation with other P-51's rather than ME-109...... formation led by a US ARMY AF Col. who had the order to shot Bazu down should abything go wrong at Pipera Airfield prior landing.....On the other hand good pilot skills and good knowledge is not enough for a pilot to just jump in the cockpit and fly a new type of an airplane with different performance ,characteristics and different switches just like this. From what I hearc from those who have the records at Maxwell AFB who were close with Col Gunn III...Bazu had one day of training on the P-51 cockpit and touch and goes at Foggia with a local senior pilot. Finally, I am not sure that the avgas octane available with 15th AF at Foggia would be equivalent with this for ME-109 nor if could have been provided by the Americans on short notice. Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 15, 2005 07:35 am | ||
No matter the reasons for not flying the Bf 109 back, what is for sure Bazu for long time wanted to fly the P-51 Mustang. So i think it was happy with this ( to fly Mustang instead Bf-109 on return). Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 15, 2005 11:45 am | ||
Many romanian pilots managed to fly new planes only with summary check of instruments board. The experience and native talents were enough for them to fly those different planes in performance but the same in instruments and control( except the american gauges who were in miles ) . Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 15, 2005 11:50 am | ||
Below it's a fragment from the book "Mustang Ace" by Robert Goebel with Bazu easy learning to fly the Mustang. |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 15, 2005 01:52 pm |
| Dan , I knew he had to be checked out on the P-51 , sppedsm, switches and cockpit lay out ......from Maxwell AFB in Alabama I've heard there are photos of him during training and meetings at Foggia during the 3 days he stayed overthere. I need special permission to obtain but maybe I will as I know people who served there and they may help If you have any photos please post them Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 15, 2005 02:20 pm | ||
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| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 15, 2005 02:21 pm |
| From the same book "Mustang Ace" |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 15, 2005 02:26 pm |
| Below the picture of Col Daniel ( down on the left) P-51 HL-B who escorted Bazu on the way back. ( picture from 31FG website) |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 15, 2005 03:18 pm |
| Thanks Dan, great photo Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 16, 2005 08:54 am |
| Below pictures with "Bazu" Bf-109 G6 for Foggia ( former nr. 31). |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 16, 2005 08:55 am | ||
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| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 16, 2005 08:56 am | ||
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| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 16, 2005 08:57 am | ||
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| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 16, 2005 08:58 am | ||
And the color profile courtesy Cornel Nastase. |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 16, 2005 08:59 am |
| Dna Bazu ME-109 photo where was it taken ??? Pipera or Foggia..I havent seen yet that one Alex |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 16, 2005 09:00 am |
| The ME-109 Bazu/Gunn profile is an outsnading one !!! Many thanks Dan |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 16, 2005 09:10 am | ||
All the pictures were taken at Foggia. BTW it is a WWII footage movie from US in the series with Ploesti movies doc. The name of the movie is "Secret" and it's related to "Reunion" mission in Romania. In this movie we can see Bazu and his Bf-109 at Foggia. I have a bad copy of the movie. Alex ask your friends for a better quality movie. Dan. |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 16, 2005 11:24 am |
| Dan You have to make a copy of this film to alert my US friends, as neither me or them at MAXWELL AFB have an idea about such records, because otherwise they would have alerted me Alex |
| Posted by: cipiamon February 16, 2005 11:31 pm |
| A screenshot depicting a secret movie about Cantacuzino's adventure to Italy. |
| Posted by: cipiamon February 16, 2005 11:32 pm |
| As you can see the quality of this film is verry poor, other sequnces are allmost anrecognizable. |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 16, 2005 11:37 pm |
| Many thanks anyway CIP Alex |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 17, 2005 07:28 am | ||
Actually only the name of the movie is "Secret" because it's depicting the secret mission "Reunion" for taking out the americans POW from Romania, away from germans retrait and soviets advance. The movie it's not secret and it's in the US archives WWII doc. movies about 15th Air Force in MTO theather ( including Ploesti missions). Dan. PS: Probably someone, somewhere had a better quality for this WWII movie. |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 08:49 am | ||
Below is the Bazu's Me-109 G 4 "white" A with victories bars on the tail. This is a 1/72 scale model made by Ed. Bad, a very good friend of mine |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 08:53 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 08:55 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 09:00 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 09:02 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 09:06 am |
| and the Bazu's Me-109 G 4 "White A" profile artwork by T.L.M. and D.M. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 17, 2005 10:04 am | ||
Nice model, but the pictures are poor quality. Next visit to Eddy will help with my digital camera for better pictures for his Bazu Bf 109 "white A". Dan. |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 10:24 am |
| I know Cantacuzino, but my camera is not so good for closer photos. BTW this model is now at my home. |
| Posted by: Fratello February 17, 2005 10:33 am |
| Cantacuzina I have also a question for you: Is it correct the wings camouflage from this Bazu's Me-109 white A ?. I think this planes was painted to IAR Brasov. What do you think? |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 17, 2005 12:06 pm | ||
It is very close to the truth from what i see in the original picture. I also think that this Bf-109 is from the batch assembled at IAR Brasov . Dan. |
| Posted by: Victor February 17, 2005 04:31 pm |
| You should use the Macro function of your camera, when taking pictures this close to the subject. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 18, 2005 07:56 am | ||
Maybe his" SMENA" camera doesn't have the macro function. |
| Posted by: Fratello February 18, 2005 10:08 am | ||
I think these photos are better. |
| Posted by: Fratello February 18, 2005 10:11 am | ||
Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 18, 2005 10:13 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 18, 2005 10:16 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 18, 2005 10:17 am |
| idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 18, 2005 10:19 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Fratello February 18, 2005 10:20 am |
| Idem |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 18, 2005 11:23 am | ||
This one is the best.  |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 21, 2005 04:25 pm |
| Below pictures from Il-2 fb with Bazu Bf 109. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 21, 2005 04:26 pm | ||
|
| Posted by: Cantacuzino February 21, 2005 04:29 pm |
| And from the same virtual sim, the Col.Daniel planes. |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 21, 2005 05:06 pm |
| http://www.romanianwings.tk/Dan who's website is this of ARR ? Alex |
| Posted by: Dénes February 21, 2005 05:59 pm | ||
The answer is on the bottom of the main page: Streza Huzum. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: dragos February 21, 2005 06:37 pm |
| He is also a registered member of this forum. |
| Posted by: alexkdl February 21, 2005 08:18 pm |
| Thanks for the feedback...under what nickname is he registred..I never saw him on here under the name he posted on his website Al |
| Posted by: dragos February 21, 2005 08:20 pm |
| I guess he is member http://www.worldwar2.ro/forum/index.php?showuser=374. Though he never posted. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 03, 2005 11:12 am | ||
Below a rare picture with Bazu next to rom. Ju- 88 escorted by him on estern front missions. ( Aripi Romanesti magazine) |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 03, 2005 11:19 am |
| And Bazu (with one mate) next to a soviet fighter wrecks ( YAK ?? ) probably one of his 50+victories . ( Aripi Romanesti magazine) |
| Posted by: alexkdl March 03, 2005 11:55 am |
| Dan You made the correct observation it could be a YAK7 or YAK 9 due to the large ventral cooling intake used on the YAK's ...while also P-40's had a cooling intake though was under engine nacelle and not under the fuselage and was more oval shaped and smaller.Though it still could be a P-40 or Hurricane becuase is oval shapped .YAK didnt have such ovals cooling intakes on the engine nacells and under the airframe What was the year of the photo of the shot down Russian fighter ? Alex |
| Posted by: Dénes March 03, 2005 01:56 pm | ||
Ju 88A No. 109A was shot down at Bolshoi Tokmak on 28 Sept. 1943. So the photo was taken before that date. BTW, does anyone know if a replacement Ju 88 (No. 109B) was given to ARR? Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 07, 2005 07:45 am | ||
The wrecks are from a IAK -1 or IAK - 1M. The shape of radiator it's the same like in the picture. Dan. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 07, 2005 10:12 am |
| Bazu with Cpt.Dan Scurtu checking the map for the next mission in summer '43. Picture from Aripi Romanesti magazine. |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 07, 2005 10:22 am |
| Prior WWII, two great romanian aerobatic pilots Bazu and Papana. In WWII until 23 august '44 they were in oposite sides. Bazu was fighter pilot in Axis forces and Papana was a pilot instructor in U.S., training american pilots to fight against Axis forces. Picture courtesy Razvan Bujor. |
| Posted by: alexkdl March 07, 2005 10:45 am |
| Dan , do you have more details and photos of Papana ? ( carrer details in the US during andf post WWII) Thanks Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 07, 2005 10:52 am | ||
I think there are some articles about Papana, i have to look for them. Soon as i will find something i let you know. Dan. PS. It is also a movie with Papana at an U.S. aerobatic show with his Buker Jungmeister prior WWII. |
| Posted by: alexkdl March 07, 2005 11:15 am |
| Yes I saw Papana on your CD performing aerobatics at the Miami Intl Airport inaugural prior WWII |
| Posted by: Dénes March 07, 2005 01:48 pm |
| There is also a Rumanian book about Papana. Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 10, 2005 04:32 pm |
| One of Bazu sport hobbies was motorbike races. Below Bazu riding a "JAP" bike. Picture courtesy Razvan Bujor. Dan. |
| Posted by: Artur March 21, 2005 04:15 pm |
| Well, here is my model of Bazu's white A. |
| Posted by: Artur March 21, 2005 04:17 pm |
| and here is a close up of the tail |
| Posted by: Artur March 21, 2005 04:18 pm |
| up front ( the business end ) :-) |
| Posted by: Dénes March 21, 2005 04:32 pm |
| Very nicely done kit, Artur. What scale is it? Gen. Dénes |
| Posted by: Artur March 21, 2005 04:48 pm |
| It is a 1/48 scale Hasegawa kit. The decals were scratched up from several different sources. I bought a standard G2 and added the wing bubbles and the different tailwheel. Artur |
| Posted by: 109 March 21, 2005 05:49 pm |
| Lovely model! I can agree with Fratello that "white A" is the most beautiful marking for an ARR 109G! I'm about to finish one in 1/72. |
| Posted by: alexkdl March 21, 2005 09:57 pm |
| Outstanding Job Arthur, the same model I did several years ago though it had a pilot too.....didnt u intentionally remove the the pilot ? I dont have air brush therefore my work is far from your results Best Regards Al |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino March 22, 2005 06:58 am | ||
Congrats. Artur. Thanks for the nice model of Bazu plane "White A". Dan. |
| Posted by: Bernard Miclescu May 21, 2008 09:36 am |
| Hello Dan, I was wonderring if the emblem with Mickey Mouse (for Agarici's Hurricane) was applied on both sides of the copckit. Hasegawa put the emblem only on the right side. I didn't saw any photo having the emblem on the left side. Thanks for help, MB |
| Posted by: Petre June 26, 2011 02:18 pm |
| http://www.wincustomize.com/explore/wallpapers/44181/ |
| Posted by: Cantacuzino June 27, 2011 06:19 am | ||
Bazu didn't flew Bf 109 E. "Nella" was Vinca aircraft.  |
| Posted by: David Henyk April 10, 2014 09:10 am |
| Hello guys I recently bought 1/72 AZ Messerschmitt Bf-109G6 "Danubian users" and one of the markings in the box is G-6 with "white 3" used by CC. At least guys from AZ say that ...Does anybody have at least one photo proving that "white 3" was really CC's personal plane? TIA!! I can not add picture, I hope link will be ok.. http://www.azmodel.cz/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=713 http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/magazine/2004/11/stuff_eng_profile_farr.htm In second link scroll down for the last profile. |