A query on behalf of a college.

He’s modelling a Gloster Gladiator which hie wants to paint to represent one of the squadrons based on Crete around the time of the German invasion. He’s been looking for references for No 33, 80 and 112 squadron but has come across only black and white pics and diagrams relating to Greece.

What he’s looking to answer is:

– What was the camoflauge scheme used while the aircraft were on Crete or was it squadron dependant. Also, did they use a solid or two-town bottom colour scheme.

– What was the roundel type in use at the time or again, did it vary by squadron.

Any answers, reference pics gratefully received.

AFAIK it will be Black/White unders with a shadow shaded top scheme – Dark Green/Dark Earth/Light Green/Light Earth. The demarcations for the top colours are approx. half way up the fuselage in a wavy line and the upper surface of the bottom wing has the lighter tones. This is the standard form for camoed RAF biplanes of the period. It also applied with colour changes to naval aircraft as well.

HTH