Rudder stripes first came into use by an instruction dated 7th March 1915 with blue leading. Night flying types had red and blue stripes only. Altered to red leading in 1930 and discarded in 1934.

At a meeting on 8th March 1940 at the Air Ministry, the question of recognition markings arose and the C in C Fighter Command mentioned that he had heard from the Air Component in France that the markings applied to the rudders were proving a very effective identification feature. The Coastal Command representative mentioned the work being done by 16 Group with regard to this matter. After some discussion,. the C in C Fighter Command agreed that the roundel showed up much more distinctively with a yellow ring around the outside but he appears to have thought that some form of tail marking was also required.

On 3rd April the Air Ministry wrote to Coastal Command to inform them that the idea of applying recognition markings to the tail of an aircraft was being considered, but that such marking should not be applied to the control surfaces because of problems associated with mass balance. The alternative suggested by the Air Ministry was to carry markings on both sides of the fin and on the upper and lower surfaces of the fixed portion of the tailplanes. While a yellow fin was suggested, it was realised that defeat the object of camouflaging the aircraft. The Air Ministry requested Coastal Command consider the idea of applying national markings on fixed surfaces and reply with their views.

On 1st May 1940 the Air Ministry sent signal X485 to all Commands at home and overseas amending the markings carried by RAF aircraft. Fuselage roundels were to be circled with a yellow band the same width as the existing blue band. Vertical stripes of red, white and blue were to be painted on the fins. Because those aircraft in France had set a precedent of applying vertical stripes on the rudder, and this was perceived as causing problems with the rudder’s balance, the signal stressed the new marking was to be applied to the fin. Blue should be nearest the rudder, but clear of the hinge. Because no size of the new marking was given, many different interpretations arose. On 11th May a further signal, X740, was sent stating that the fin markings of three vertical stripes need not necessarily occupy the whole surface of the fin. It was sufficient that the width of the marking was such that it was to be clearly visible. On no account were the hinge points or moveable surfaces to be painted.