I am researching Squadron 31/34 history and specifically the color schemes of Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XIX’s stationed at Palam during the 1946-1947 time period, and Spits stationed in Burma during the same period. I have located several photos which show an overall aluminum scheme, whilst other photo references show overall PRU blue. Can someone clarify whether the aluminum scheme came postwar, and whether 31/34 squadrons adopted overall PRU blue at any point during the 1946-47 time period.
Thank you very much for any information or photo references.
By: antoni - 24th August 2013 at 11:51
After the end of the the war a review of aircraft camouflage and marking policy was held at the Air Ministry, on 19 October 1945. The policy which emerged from this conference was to be binding for five years but subject to review after four years. As far as the Spitfire PR.19 was concerned, the decision was taken at the conference that all Photographic Reconnaissance aircraft be “silver doped”. As a result of this policy PR.XIXs at Palam during 1946-47 were painted all over Aluminum with a Night anti-glare panel. One, PM574, was bare metal.
It was Coastal Command in 1947 that requested that their PR aircraft should retain the PR Blue scheme.
Far too much to explain here. PM me your email address and I will send you an article on PR.XIX colours that explains all about this and more.
By: Edgar Brooks - 24th August 2013 at 07:24
Can’t be specific on your particular squadron, but an Air Ministry Order, 15-5-47, decreed that P.R. aircraft were to be painted silver; 28-10-47 an amending order was issued, by A.C.R.T.O.(A) of the MoS, that P.R. aircraft were to retain their blue scheme. This did not include F.R., or survey aircraft.
Sign In
August 24, 2013 at 3:25 am