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a question of color

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1999 Closed threads from 1999 (read only)

Learn how to remove ads Page 1 of 3 1 2 3 > LinkBack 9 September 1999, 11:09 AM leon_hale Guest Posts: n/a Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes

Add Post To Favorites #1 (permalink) german aces were allowed to paint their planes in multi-colored schemes, and some french aces had brightly colored planes. why not the british? leon

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9 September 1999, 11:24 AM Tim Wilson Guest Posts: n/a

Add Post To Favorites #2 (permalink) Probably policy not to, but some squadrons did toward the end of the war. IIRC, Grinnell-Milne in _Wind in the Wires_ painted his SE-5a in some sort of garish Red and White scheme. I admit I don't have a solid source for why the British did not go for the fancy paint jobs but I suspect the authorities didn't allow it.

9 September 1999, 01:34 PM Richard_Schrader Forum Ace

Add Post To Favorites #3 (permalink) Tim hit it on the head. The British brass just didn't go for it. Some units like 56 Squadron started off with a dash of color, but were soon told to remove the color and go back to the grayish-green over nateral linen. __________________ Richard Schrader

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9 September 1999, 03:07 PM Iona Gunn Guest Posts: n/a

Add Post To Favorites #4 (permalink) The Brits had fuel and ammo. The Germans had paint.

9 September 1999, 06:03 PM PeterL just a dumb modeler

Add Post To Favorites #5 (permalink) Iona makes a good point, but there must be a serious answer. In the British case the aeroplane was Crown property and not to be defaced, was it different for Germany? Ignoring the sound tactical reasons for painting it red, was the aeroplane regarded as the property of the Kaiser or did it "belong" to a Jasta? Peter L __________________ cheers

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Peter L

10 September 1999, 02:18 AM

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Jim 'ACE' Guest Posts: n/a

All, I could be off the mark but I believe the German Aces painted their planes as not only a mark of their prowess in the air, but it also conveyed a challenge to enemy pilots which was "test me if you dare to, I'm good". It was a real feather in another fighter pilot's cap if he was able to bring down a well known enemy ace,whom if they weren't known by name then it was by their A/C paint schemes. I can't speak for the British, however American Aces were allowed a minor personalization of their A/ C. Only after the war did you see some American A/C with some garish paint schemes, the one that comes to mind is Capt. Reed Chambers Spad while they were on occupation duty. The British A/C were probably considered property of the crown (as Peter said) and if the Crown is as picky as Uncle Sam, then any unauthorized/unapproved changes and paint schemes are considered defacing government property and the perpetrator is subject to disciplinary action. VBR, Jim P.S. Oh....here's a thought. Maybe the British realized that their pilots had less of a chance of being seen, and could hug the deck and survive if that became the case. Whereas say MvR's all red plane presented a inviting target, any plane with a mottled camoflauge paint scheme would be very difficult to see from a distance.

10 September 1999, 03:56 AM Lars Larsson Guest Posts: n/a

Add Post To Favorites #7 (permalink) Jim may have a good point here.It could also be a friend/foe aspect."If it's greyish-green,then it is one of my buddies,if it's red/green/yellow/black/blue, shoot it down!" Then it doesn't matter if you can't see if it is a Fokker or a Snipe.....

10 September 1999, 03:58 AM

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mike_baram Forum Ace

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Jim, Don't forget that the British took a long time to realize that the traditional red coats were not the best way to blend in with the background. (Reminds me of the old Cosby "History at a coin toss" routine.) But as far as the German air force is concerned, what determined the use of individual paint schemes vs lozenge pattern camouflage? Mike __________________ "Both the secular Big Government progressives and the political Islam recoil from the concept of the citizen, of the free individual entrusted to operate within his own societal space, assume his responsibilities, and exploit his potential." - Mark Steyn

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10 September 1999, 04:02 AM Reinout Forum Ace

Add Post To Favorites #9 (permalink) German plane markings were also necessary to enhance in-flight communication and aircraft/ squadron recognition. For instance, J11 had a red scheme, but only one plane was totally red. Other planes carried variations ( LvR had a yellow tail) so each plane could be identified in the air. I am sure it helped German morale too and it may have diminished Allied morale - unless they won a combat! Kind regards,

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10 September 1999, 04:05 AM PeterL just a dumb modeler

Add Post To Favorites #10 (permalink) Jim, Laars, my understanding is that the German use of colour was tactical more than anything. Your suggestions that it was advantagious from the points of view of morale and recognition are of course valid, but I believe secondary. IMHO the primary purpose was to aid formation tactics in a none R/T environment. Peter L __________________ cheers

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