Compare with this photo of No. 257 Sqn (w/Bob Stanford-Tuck) at Coltishall.

Since the press interest for the fate of Bentley Priory has been rather shallow, here’s my humble contribution. I’ll try to involve other blogs on the web, too.

http://www.spitfiresite.com/blog/2008/01/uncertain-future-of-bentley-priory.html

I recall reading that “lamp black” (As “Lindy’s Lad” suggests…simply another word for matt paint?) would cut the speed of an aircraft by a significant amount.
Therefore, it was not too popular. True?

It also turned out to be less than perfect for concealment of aircraft at night. Later in the war, most night camouflages (Luftwaffe, Mosquito) were based on grey rather than black. BTW, it would be interesting to know why Bomber Command didn’t depart from black.

I’ve seen the other photo you mention and agree that more than one colour was used.

I have received infromation that the Bader collection is to be auctioned as one entire collection and not as individual items so as to maintain to integrity of the collection. However, checking the lots list again today I noticed that Bader’s unique Alvis car (and probably the most attractive item of the collection) has been withdrawn from the sale.

No explanation is given why. Any ideas?

http://www.zweiter-weltkrieg-lexikon.de/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=770

The second picture had been taken is in Africa, hadn’t it? In such case it is not very “early”. Despite this the photo is interesting.

Not trying to be picky at all, but somebody pointed out that she still has a Mk. V – style oil cooler fairing. Was there any particular reason for not backdating this item to Mk. I standard?

/Martin