Spitfire (1 Viewer)

[IONA]

hHi guys
Sorry if this has come up before but i was watching a film about BOB and noticed the spitfire had markings underneath but the k+c one does not same as hurricanes
anyone no why
Regards Scott

 

[Phantom Warrior]

hHi guys
Sorry if this has come up before but i was watching a film about BOB and noticed the spitfire had markings underneath but the k+c one does not same as hurricanes
anyone no why
Regards Scott

A pattern guide in Air Publication 970 specified all production Royal Air Force fighters would be painted in a disruptive camouflage scheme of Dark Earth and Dark Green on all upper surfaces with sea grey medium under surfaces. National markings (roundels) and black serial numbers 48 inches high were to be applied under the wings. However, the large serials were rarely applied to the Spitfire.

Dowding put his finger in it and ordered that serial numbers, and then roundels not be painted on the underside of the wings of fighters, but after an RAF aircraft was shot down by an RAF fighter, Dowding ordered that the underwing roundels be put on again.

Confused ?? so were the aircraft factories.

Terry

 

[Mitch]

Iona...

I don't think it has been brought up before but, everyone was so pleased with the Spit it seemed churlish to bring it up. IMO it should have had them on but, I have a few pics where non english spits and hurricanes did not have markings under the wings. I have some of the underwing with some in light colours and some dark and some mixed light and dark so, it may be due to that. Andy may be able to tell us what the reason was for their exclusion.
Mitch

hHi guys
Sorry if this has come up before but i was watching a film about BOB and noticed the spitfire had markings underneath but the k+c one does not same as hurricanes
anyone no why
Regards Scott

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Iona...

I don't think it has been brought up before but, everyone was so pleased with the Spit it seemed churlish to bring it up. IMO it should have had them on but, I have a few pics where non english spits and hurricanes did not have markings under the wings. I have some of the underwing with some in light colours and some dark and some mixed light and dark so, it may be due to that. Andy may be able to tell us what the reason was for their exclusion.
Mitch

The mixed light/dark underwing pattern was also a temporary idea of Dowdings for a time before it was dropped. Dowding meddled a lot and many variations were applied to small numbers of aircraft including number sizes, number colours, roundel colours, glossy paint, etc. And all this was only from 1937 to the end of the Battle of Britain. Once the fighters started flying sorties over France, the scheme was found to be not effective and was changed again.

Terry

 

[Mitch]

You wonder if he sat at his desk with coloured crayons colouring in these terrific fighters and saying 'yes that will do nicely'.
Mitch