| And to add a bit of grist to the mill, British aircraft originally had the Union Flag painted on the tail, but then went to the same markings as the French. i.e blue/white/red striping with the blue leading.
However-
It was notified on August 15, 1930 that the order of colours on the rudder would be reversed. Since rudder striping had first been introduced in May 1915, it had always been blue to the rudder post, then white and red trailing. Now it was red from the rudder post, and this continues today with red leading on all fin flashes. The new instruction, issued to contractors, specified that the change would be effected on all aircraft delivered after Sept 29, 1930.
In service the red portion was to be overpainted blue and the blue overpainted red with a final coat of clear dope or varnish to fix and protect the paint. On all service aircraft, this had to be effected by the last day of October 1930. |