RNZAF Markings

[Kiwi]

Before starting on the markings we just need to clarify the organization of the RNZAF in the Pacific during WW 2.

A word of explanation as to why so many RNZAF aircraft do not have squadron codes applied in the Pacific..Because of the distances involved, particularly from New Zealand, the RNZAF, in the latter half of 1943, abandoned the traditional system of more or less self contained squadrons in favour of of a system whereby land based aircraft were allotted to servicing units which remained in the forward area indefinitely,whilst squadrons consisting almost entirely of aircrew were attached to servicing units for an operational tour lasting 6 to 8 weeks. The Engineering Officer of the SU was responsible to the Squadron Commander for the provision of airworthy aircraft. The system was not popular at first as it was said to destroy the close working relationship of aircrew and groundcrew, but it worked well enough in practice. This is the reason that so few RNZAF aircraft, in the operational area, carried individual markings or were associated with particular crews. The major exception to this were the Dauntless aircraft, as they were only used by No 25 Squadron, which had it's own dedicated Servicing Unit (also numbered 25)

My father served with No 10 SU which initially had Hudsons and then were re-equipped with Venturas. Unless you know the date of a photo it is not possible to say which squadron was flying the aircraft.

Toward the end of the war the RNZAF was operating over an area some 3000 miles by 2000 miles to the north of New Zealand yet in all this area (about 35% greater than Europe) there were only 36 allied airfields in 23 different places.

If in trouble it was standard practice for pilots to head for the sea where there was a chance they would be picked up by a "Dumbo" Catalina. There was vitually no chance of survival for aircrew who crashed or parachuted into the mountainous jungle islands of the Solomons or New Guinea.

Having cleared that up, I will do the first part of the markings next.

 

[Kiwi]

Prior to World War 2, RNZAF aircraft color schemes simply followed RAF practice – overall silver with RAF roundels and flashes with sometimes black or dark green turtle decking and blue fuselages flashes in conjunction with red, blue or black codes.

A suprising variety of color schemes appeared on RNZAF aircraft during the war however, particularly since the number of aircraft involved was only about 2,400. It was customary for most wartime aircraft to serve for months or even years in the American, British or civilian schemes in which they were delivered to the RNZAF before eventually most were repainted in color schemes of local origin.

The RNZAF required, by necessity, during this period to have its paints mixed in New Zealand by local paint manufacturers. Prior to this time many paints were imported.

Being a commonwealth country with close ties to Britain it was only natural that BS381c Standard would be chosen as the paint mixing guide. However, in most cases, New Zealand mixed paints were only a near match to BS381c colors, and on some occasions there was quite a difference in the final paint used on various aircraft, even though specific BS381c numbers were given for them.

There are several reasons for this, the most common one being a shortage of paint. Consequently, the paints were hand mixed on stations and bases, with perhaps no more than a faded aircraft, or part of an aircraft, to match the color with. This resulted in many variations of a given color. For example, it was quite normal to see various machines of the same type in different shades of Ocean Blue, Duck Egg Blue or Yellow etc, even though they were all intended to be the same.

To add further to the confusion, there are many other reasons why a shade varied from one aircraft to another, e.g. fading (especially in the tropics), abrasion, different batches of paint, top coat applied over different colored primers/undercoats, differing paint thicknesses, etc. If it were possible to have had painted all wartime aircraft of a given type, using exactly the same preparation in the way of primers, undercoats and topcoats, from the same batch and tin, with the same person spraying each aircraft in exactly the same manner , then it might have been feasible to look down a line of parked aircraft and say “they are all the same color” (this to a large extent equally applies to post war aircraft).

You often see in many publications from time to time comments regarding the actual shades on a certain aircraft as being “slightly lighter” or “slightly darker” than the color originally sated. The fact of the matter is that probably all are correct!

Over the years there has been much confusion with some of the New Zealand mixed paints. One particularly controversial color is a Blue/Grey shade used on Ansons, Harvards, Kittyhawks, Hudsons and Venturas . It has been called all manner of names such as “Pale Blue”, “Blue/Grey”, “Dirty Blue””, “Pacific Blue” and most commonly “Ocean Blue”. Officially it was “Blue Sea Grey” BS381c No 636.

I will cover this color in the next installment

 

[wonwinglo]

Great first hand knowledge Kiwi,keep up the good work on the subject.

 

[Spitfire]

Hi Guys

Well Kiwi, I am enjoying your thesis thus far. I will look forward to part two with relish.

I will have to put some thoughts together with a few more questions for you.

Kind regards

Spitfire

Prior to World War 2, RNZAF aircraft color schemes simply followed RAF practice – overall silver with RAF roundels and flashes with sometimes black or dark green turtle decking and blue fuselages flashes in conjunction with red, blue or black codes. A suprising variety of color schemes appeared on RNZAF aircraft during the war however, particularly since the number of aircraft involved was only about 2,400. It was customary for most wartime aircraft to serve for months or even years in the American, British or civilian schemes in which they were delivered to the RNZAF before eventually most were repainted in color schemes of local origin.

The RNZAF required, by necessity, during this period to have its paints mixed in New Zealand by local paint manufacturers. Prior to this time many paints were imported.

Being a commonwealth country with close ties to Britain it was only natural that BS381c Standard would be chosen as the paint mixing guide. However, in most cases, New Zealand mixed paints were only a near match to BS381c colors, and on some occasions there was quite a difference in the final paint used on various aircraft, even though specific BS381c numbers were given for them.

There are several reasons for this, the most common one being a shortage of paint. Consequently, the paints were hand mixed on stations and bases, with perhaps no more than a faded aircraft, or part of an aircraft, to match the color with. This resulted in many variations of a given color. For example, it was quite normal to see various machines of the same type in different shades of Ocean Blue, Duck Egg Blue or Yellow etc, even though they were all intended to be the same.

To add further to the confusion, there are many other reasons why a shade varied from one aircraft to another, e.g. fading (especially in the tropics), abrasion, different batches of paint, top coat applied over different colored primers/undercoats, differing paint thicknesses, etc. If it were possible to have had painted all wartime aircraft of a given type, using exactly the same preparation in the way of primers, undercoats and topcoats, from the same batch and tin, with the same person spraying each aircraft in exactly the same manner , then it might have been feasible to look down a line of parked aircraft and say “they are all the same color” (this to a large extent equally applies to post war aircraft).

You often see in many publications from time to time comments regarding the actual shades on a certain aircraft as being “slightly lighter” or “slightly darker” than the color originally sated. The fact of the matter is that probably all are correct!

Over the years there has been much confusion with some of the New Zealand mixed paints. One particularly controversial color is a Blue/Grey shade used on Ansons, Harvards, Kittyhawks, Hudsons and Venturas . It has been called all manner of names such as “Pale Blue”, “Blue/Grey”, “Dirty Blue””, “Pacific Blue” and most commonly “Ocean Blue”. Officially it was “Blue Sea Grey” BS381c No 636.

I will cover this color in the next installment

 

[Kiwi]

The colour commonly called “Ocean Blue or Pacific Blue” has been, for a long time, a confusing subject.

Official reference to it has now been found, and it can now be given it’s correct title of “Blue Sea Grey”.

The official source is a “Schedule of Aeronautical Paints and Dopes” that was promulgated in on 20 June 1945. Part 1 of the schedule set out contract items which were supplied by B.A.L.M. (NZ) Ltd, and under the heading “Camouflage Colours” the following appeared.

Description Stores Ref.

Dark Olive Drab Cam. Nitrate 133B/31

Neutral Grey Cam. Nitrate 133B/34

Dark Slate Grey Camouflage 33B/222

Sky Grey Camouflage 33B/293

Light Slate Grey Camouflage 33B/234

Blue Sea Grey Camouflage 33B/N118

Foliage Green Camouflage 33B/183

All of these were to Standard Specification DTD308, and the stores references were all for 4-gallon containers except for 33B/234 which was one gallon. Manufacturer’s were given as S13-192, 196, 905, 907, 923, 934, and 983 respectively.

To appreciate more the significance of this information, a short lesson on stores references is in order. If you have read the Fighting/Bombing Colours series of books you will be aware that Section 33B of the RAF Stores Reference system referred to paints and dopes. The number which followed specified a colour and the size of container. The RNZAF adapted this system to indicate items from other sources. Addition of a figure 1 to the front of the Section Reference indicated stores of American origin, and the letter N in front of the final number indicated a New Zealand item.

From the schedule we can now pick out the American colour pair of Dark Olive Drab and Neutral Grey. The two New Zealand colours, Blue Sea Grey and Duck Egg Blue join with the British colours to complete the spectrum of colours available for camouflaging RNZF aircraft towards the end of the war.

Lest there be any doubt that Blue Sea Grey and Ocean Blue are one and the same, the following episodes should dispel any such thoughts.

In July 1944 the Commanding Officer of RNZAF Station New Plymouth, commenting on re-equipment with three Hudson aircraft with a different camouflage scheme to the station’s Ansons, requested permission to bring the Anson scheme into line with the Hudsons. He noted “The Hudson scheme is Duck Egg Blue, Foliage Green and Blue Grey. The Anson scheme is Duck Egg Blue, Foliage Green and Dark Earth.” He added that the Ansons spent most of their time flying over the sea and also that , as the Station had only one compressor and three spray guns, the reduction from four dopes to three would be of considerable help. Approval was given.

The omission of the world “Sea” from the official description was not unusual. Further evidence is contained in a March 1944 letter from Lauthala Bay (Fiji) to Wellington. Here it was stated (concerning the Hudson III) “considerable difficulty is being experienced with Dark Green (Ref.33B/183) and Blue Grey (Ref 33b/N118) colours peeling off the mainplanes and the fuselage.”

Note that the stores references quoted were, in fact, those for Foliage Green and Blue Sea Grey. The solution to the peeling problem was to apply Blue Grey Dope (M/485A) as used on the upper surfaces of Catalinas. The number were quoted appears to be a specification and no further clue to the exact shade is given. Nor is there any further elaboration on the inference that the Blue Grey Dope was used to replace both upper colours, i.e. do away with the disruptive pattern. The manufacturer’s number for Blue Sea Grey was passed to Dulux New Zealand Ltd, but unfortunately they could provide any further clue as to the exact shade.

The best match is a Humbrol mix of: 1-HU5 and 1-No34

Another New Zealand mixed paint which often becomes confused with Blue Sea Grey is Medium Blue (BS381c No 109), However, this paint bears only some resemblance to No109 and the following Humbrol mix gives a more correct example of the RNZAF colour.

3-HB13 + 2-No25 + 2HX3

As will be seen from when these Humbrol paints are mixed, there is not a lot of difference between Blue Sea Grey and Medium Blue, the latter being slightly more Blue of the two.

All New Zealand mixed paints, though based on BS381c, were given local names and they are listed below with the Humbrol equivalents. To enable the correct New Zealand names to be used, without confusion with similarly named overseas paints, I have added a prefix-(NZ), this is NOT an official prefix.

Note, These mixes were given to me, but I have not personally used them.

Also attached is a similar listing for the paints with the equilvalent American Federal Specification numbers

Next I will move on to Insignia. Stay tuned!

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[Kiwi]

RNZAF Roundels -Prologue

These notes on the evolution of RNZAF roundels are compiled mainly from articles from the Aviation Historical Society of New Zealand Journals of the early 1980s and in particular the research by Sqn Ldr C.F.L.Jenks.

To understand the study which follows it is necessary to understand some of the methods used. The first point to note is that the study focuses mainly on roundel proportions and not dimensions. This has meant that measurements for a variety of roundels from a variety of photographs and other sources can be directly compared. As a start point the roundel outer diameter (borders excluded) has been given an arbitrary value of 120.

This figure was chosen to give whole number values to the lesser diameters in almost every case. As an example, the standard RAF pre-World War 2 roundel (A type) has white and red diameters respectively tree fifths and one fifth that of the blue diameter. In the proportional method adopted in this study that translates to a description of 120/72/24. As the 120 is, by definition, present in all descriptions, it can be dropped and the shortened form of 72/24 used to describe this particular form of roundel.

The second point to note is that the study takes no account of colour other than to distinguish between primary colours. That distinction is made between red and blue but not between shades of red or between shades of blue.

This general discarding of actual dimensions and shades of colour helps reduce a very complex subject to an understandable one. In some cases ,however, a knowledge of dimensions is necessary to arrive at a conclusion as to the derivation of some proportions.

Notation:

As a matter of convenience in describing the myriad of roundel types the following notation system has been adopted which is an extension of the official RAF system. Note the system used here is NOT an official system.

The RAF classified the four main roundel types used before, during, and after World War Two as A, B, C and D. Many of you will be familiar with these terms and the types of roundel they describe- for those that are not they will be described later as the RNZAF used all four.

The basis of the notation uses the letter Z to indicate any roundel that was peculiar to the RNZAF. By combining the Z with the RAF letters one can produce not only a convenient label but also indicate to a degree the origin of the roundel.

This system is still not sufficient to describe all types so far identified so the letter P (for Pacific) to extend the range further- in particular to encompass the roundels that were used when RNZAF aircraft operated alongside US Forces in the Pacific.

This particular family of roundels requires yet another device to describe several variants, and a third letter has been adopted in all cases, either based on RAF roundel types or in some cases on the designation of the aircraft to which the roundel appears peculiar.

The notation takes no account of shades of colour nor gloss ratings, nor does it cater for borders around the roundels. In the RAF system, a yellow border around the roundel is signified by the addition of the figure 1 for a wide border (except for the C.1 which has a narrow border) or 2 for a narrow border. This system has been built on by extending the numbers to account for several varieties of borders, but also whether or not the bars had borders.

Pre-War roundels

Prior to 1939 the RNZAF and the NZPAF (New Zealand Permanent Air Force) before it, generally used the standard RAF roundel known as the A type. This consisted of concentric red, white and blue circles to the 72/24 ratio described in the previous post. On some aircraft it was carried in A.2 form- but with the bordering ring being white rather than yellow. This was contemporary RAF practice, particuarly on dark back grounds, and most NZPAF examples were from RAF origins. Other aircraft which came direct from the factories to New Zealand appear to have been subject to some variation from the standard. One of particular note is the DH.50A. This aircraft carried a fuselage roundel of the A.2 variety against a silver background and the proportion seems to have been 76/29, a quite significant departure from the A type proportions.

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[Kiwi]

I have just located the FS (Federal Specification)numbers for the colours used on RNZAF aircraft. These will make a useful adjunct to the RAF numbers listed above. I have included them as an appendix to post #5.

 

[Kiwi]

World War Two RAF Roundels

In the years before the outbreak of war, the RAF had developed two major variations of the roundel. One was the B type, in which the red and blue of the A were moved equally towards each other until the white was closed out. This gave a red and blue roundel proportionally described as -/48. Used initially in all positions on night bombers, its use by 1937 had been generally restricted to use on wing upper surfaces only, and this usage continued until 1947. The other major variation was the A.1 roundel. This consisted of a standard A roundel with a yellow surround of the same width as the other colours. It can be proportionally described as 168/120/72/24 (the 120 being the blue diameter of course). The A.1 generally became the standard roundel for fuselage sides of camouflaged aircraft up until 1942, when it was replaced by the C type.

In 1942 the C roundel was introduced. This was derived from the A in much the same manner as had been the b except that the white was not completely closed out. The proportional description is 60/45. The C roundel generally superseded all other RAF roundels except for the upper wing Bs, and continued in use until after the war. On fuselage sides it was normally in the C.1 form, the addition being a narrow border of yellow in the same manner as the A.2.

In general terms, RNZAF wartime policy was to use standard RAF roundels for all types initially, but from 1942 onwards forward area operational types came under different rules. Probably the first RNZAF departure from plain A roundels was the Wellington scheme when these aircraft were obtained from the UK in 1939. Fuselage sides were marked with A.1 and upper wings with B. There were no underwing roundels. During the opening months of the war Vincents were given a camouflage finish and B roundels were applied to fuselage sides and both upper and lower wing surfaces.

Kittyhawks and Hudsons were delivered with A.1 fuselage roundels and B upper wing , with the fighters also having plain A roundels under wing. This RAF practice of having under wing roundels only on day fighters was generally followed by the RNZAF until April 1942 when instructions were issued to apply A roundels to all under wing positions. This instruction was issued at a time when enemy raider were much in the minds of the embryonic New Zealand air defences, and the underwing marking was seen as necessary to avoid any unfortunate incidents.

Training aircraft and other aircraft used only within New Zealand continued to follow RAF roundel styles throughout the war, although it seems that adherence to the policy was not very strict. For example, although Dominies, Avengers and Sunderlands were delivered marked with C roundels, and many New Zealand based Hudsons and Harvards were repainted with C roundels, it seems rather more rare to find examples of Tiger moths or Oxfords so marked. Many impressed light aircraft, after being camouflaged, saw the war out marked with the A, A1, B combination.

Before leaving the RAF roundel usage in the RNZAF and moving on to the unique RNZAF roundels, there is one other peculiar roundel that must be noted. In a photograph taken in New Zealand in 1941, two Tiger Moths are shown wearing what can only be described as D type roundels . The D roundel, however, was not introduced until 1947, and it is uncertain whether these markings were coincidental, a case of foresight or

as forebears. It can be stated only that these aircraft arrived from the UK with the D roundels already applied.

Also of interest on these Tiger Moths of No 3 EFTS at Harewood (now Christchurch International Airport) are the blind flying hoods , the type B roundel of the fuselage of the third aircraft, the lack of fin flashes, serials on both rudders and fuselage and the artistic licence used by the painters of the code letters. There doesn't seem to be two of the same style! The code group presentation (in black) was an unusual and short-lived form.

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[wonwinglo]

Top notch material Kiwi,keep it flowing...

 

[Kiwi]

RNZAF roundels evolve

Following the Japanese advances in 1942, the RNZAF began to deploy aircraft into the "forward area", and the roundels began a process of evolution that led by wars end to a distinctive RNZAF operational roundel. This ultimate roundel had many forms, however, and many more were used in the process of evolution.

The two factors which influenced the changes were the use of the red disc marking - the "Hinomaru"- as the Japanese national marking, and the adoption of white bars by the Americans as additions to their national star marking. The possibility that the red centre of the British roundel might be mistaken for a Hinomaru (particularly by US forces which were not necessarily familiar with British markings) led to several changes which consisted mainly of either reducing the size of the red or replacing it with blue. The adoption of white bars to produce a national marking very similar to the US national marking, was a reflection of the growing integration of the allied forces in the Pacific theatre.

Details of the evolution are covered in the seperate paragraphs (using the notation outlined previously) and the attached diagram depicts the main variations.

ZA The ZA roundel may have been the first roundel developed particularly fo RNZAF use. the reason for its appearance has not been ascertained, but one could speculate that it was an attempt (in the manner of the British C) to decrease the amount of white showing to the detriment of camouflage. If this were true it probably made its first appearance in 1942, and it has been positively identified on Kittyhawks during 1943. It was derived from the A by moving the blue in towards the centre, stopping half way across the white. Its proportional description is thus 48/24.

Evidence is tenuous, but it may have been applied to some Catalinas. The ZA led to several other roundels, viz the ZAZ, ZAP, and ZPA. These will be described later.

AZ, CZ, and ZAZ This family of roundels represents the first attempts to overcome the Hinomaru problem - by reducing the red centre to minute proportions. Proportionally the centres seem to have ranged from around 10 to mere 4. This latter one is depicted as the ZAZ and it was applied to Kittyhawks in the forward area. Instructions for the ZAZ were issued in April 1943, and included reducing the centre from 6 1/2 inches to 1 inch. If the original roundel had been ZA then its outside diameter would have been about 30 inches. The other two in the family seem to have had centres of about 4 inches, and generally come out with a red proportion of about 10. Other than the variation in red centre sizes, the distinguishing characteristics of the three roundels are in the size of the blue rings -or the diameter of the white to put it another way.

The AZ retained the standard A proportions for blue and white. It has tentatively identified on early Catalinas, both fuselage and under-wing surfaces, and on a Walrus fuselage. The ZAZ was based on the ZA blue/white proportions and its only identified use is on Kittyhawk fuselages. The CZ arose from the C blue/white proportions and has been identified on early Venturas on the fuselage. Although Hudsons were used in the forward area during the period that these roundels were in use, evidence suggests that the type did not carry any of these three types of roundels.

Re the attached picture.

The first Catalinas delivered in mid 1943 carried this form of roundel on both the forward fuselage and underneath the wings. Of the AZ variety under the wing and the AZ.2 shown here on the fuselage, this roundel was shortlived. This photograph also demonstrates the difficulty of taking measurements from an oblique shot of a curved surface. What measurments have been gleaned suggest the AZ rather than the CZ (the RAF C type being extant at the time)

Also shown is a Kittyhawk at Espiritu Santo wearing ZAZ.1 roundels

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[Kiwi]

ZAF Proportional description 32/16. This unusual roundel seems to have used on early Dakota deliveries in 1943. It has been positively identified on the fuselage of NZ3501(the wings appeared to carry ZBP roundels at the time). It is very likely that it was applied in Hawaii for ferry purposes (hence the F) and within the bounds of photographic scale measurement and a bit of speculation, one can arrive at the conclusion that the red was painted with a 6 inch diameter, the white was 12 inches, and enough blue to comfortably cover the American marking underneath. With some degree of confidence from the photograph measurements, it can be stated that the overall diameter was very close to 42 inches. These dubious origins tend to be supported by the fact that many later Dakota fuselage-particularly of the ZP barred type-came in a variety of sizes and proportions. It may be that Dakota fuselage roundels during the war years will defy classification, and in this respect it should be noted that for the moment, NZ3501 on delivery is the only example known as the ZAF as described. This aircraft, which was bought on charge for 40 Sqn on 27 February 1943, is shown on arrival in the attachment

ZAP Proportional description 48/24. This roundel superseded the ZA, and was derived simply by substituting a blue centre for the ZA’s red. This may have occurred later than the similar treatment given to the wing roundels and was certainly evident of Catalina fuselage applications during 1943. As such it was almost invariably in the ZAP.2 form. Photographically it is often difficult to tell a ZAP from a ZA because converted roundels would often have a centre in a different shade of blue or fading would vary between two sets of the same blue. It has also been tentatively identified on Kittyhawk upper wing surfaces during early 1943 and also on a Hudson under wing surface in December 1942

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[adzam]

Excellent thread kiwi with plenty info .

 

[Kiwi]

ZB The ZB roundel is known only by two documentary references, but these are so explicit as to leave no doubt that this type of roundel did exist. The first reference, in November 1942, was to Hudsons in the forward area having “all blue roundels on the upper surfaces”. The second reference, in August 1943, indicated that Venturas were arriving at Whenuapai (Auckland) on delivery with the top surface of the wings marked with “just a large blue circle”. By the time of the second reference, however, the Hudson roundels had been modified to ZBP format and it seems that the change had been notified to Hawaii where the Venturas were receiving their New Zealand marks. The apparent origin of the ZB is quite straightforward. In blue for the red centre of the B roundel, the result was quite simply a large blue circle. From this it follows that the ZB was probably restricted to the upper wing surface only, and apart from the two types mentioned, may have also been carried by Kittyhawks of 15 Sqn- but this is unconfirmed and any case would have been only for a very short period before the ZBP was introduced.

In the photo of 1 Sqns Hudson NZ2035 SJ-F parked beside the RAAF Lancaster ED930,

A66-1 in June 1943 the ZB roundel is just discernable on the wings.

ZBP The November 1942 reference to the ZB on the Hudsons was by way of a report on a trial then underway in the forward area in which the roundel was modified by applying a white ring to it. The inside diameter of the ring was given as 12 inches and it’s width as two inches. On the assumption (made with some justification) that the overall diameter of the roundel was 48 inches, we can identify a blue-white-blue roundel of proportional description 40/30. Not much evidence has been found that such a roundel existed – in those exact proportions – but the next stage of evolution to the ZPB leaves little room for doubt. The ZBP would have been used for all wing roundels, upper and lower, on Kittyhawks and Hudsons in the forward area during most of 1943. By late 1943 Venturas would be carrying the ZBP and Catalina wings and quite possibility Dakota wings were similarly marked.

ZC, ZCP Proportional description 60/45, i.e. the same as the British C roundel. Some doubt surrounds the existence of both of these roundels. Appearing primarily on Avenger fuselages, it is quite possible that one or the other did not exist. Some of the Avengers were delivered with standard British markings which at the time were C roundels below the wings,C.1 on the fuselage, and B on the wing upper surfaces. The Avengers first moved to the forward area during January 1944, and had the white bars added before they went. Photographs show the white bars added to roundels of C proportions but with two distinct colours either side of the white ring. On the one hand it seems incongruous that the bars would be added to a red centered roundel; on the other hand there is no evidence to suggest that the centers were repainted blue beforehand (even though these Avengers were brought on charge after the first application of blue centres to the Hudson fuselage roundels and the adoption of blue centred wing roundels generally). Another possibility is that the change was made direct from C to the barred blue/white/blue (the ZPC) in which case neither the ZC or ZCP existed. While further investigation is done a photo of an Avenger in early 1944 with the roundels concerned is attached so you can make up your own mind. Note how the presentation of the code letter has necessitated the deletion of one of the white bars

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[Kiwi]

The ZP family

The ZP family of roundels, characterised by the addition of white bars to a blue-white-blue roundel, were the culmination of the development of wartime RNZAF roundels. There are many variations on these and I will try and cover the general background before continuing with the article.

On 7 December 1943 Sqn Ldr H.T.Grigg, RNZAF Base depot, Espiritu Santo sent a memo to Air Department, Wellington, New Zealand, which provided an interesting piece of information regarding the addition of white side bars to roundels. The memo is headed up “WARHAWK P-40N: WHITE IDENTIFICATION ON EMPENNAGE’, the second paragraph reads as follows:

“It is understood that White panels on either side of the roundel, similar to those in the new American national markings, are also being added at New Georgia, but until the position is a little more stable it is not proposed to ask for these to be added while the aircraft are in New Zealand, and as the area is not great, they can be readily painted on as required up here.”

This is the only known official indication that the white bars were being applied prior to 8 December 1943. The units “adding” side bars at New Georgia were Nos 2 and 4 Fighter SUs. Their attached squadrons at the time were Nos 18 and 14 respectively. Photographic evidence exists to show that 2 SU/18 Sqn were applying white bars to their P-40 roundels at least earlier than 26 November 1943. Just how much earlier is not known for certain at this time but it would certainly appear as if they were first to apply such markings, and apparently did so without official Air Department approval.

Early in December 1943 official memoranda passed between No 1 Islands Group and Air Department, Wellington, New Zealand concerning the addition of white bars to RNZAF roundels. The first of these, dated 8 December appeared over the signature of Sqn Ldr A.T.Giles on behalf of Air Officer Commanding No 1 Islands Group. It reads as follows.

AIRCRAFT NATIONALITY MARKINGS

To comply with request of American Authorities and to enable RNZAF aircraft operating in this area to be more easily recognised it has been decided to add certain markings to the roundels to coincide with those on American aircraft.

A white strip to extend each side of roundel on both fuselage and wings.

FUSELAGE

The strip to be 9 ¼ inches wide and to extend to a length of 18 ½ inches each side of roundel using centre of roundel as centre line of strip and to run parallel with centre line of fuselage.

WINGS

The strip to be 12 inches wide and extend to a length of 24 inches each side of roundel using centre of roundel as centre of strip and to a run in a line at right angles to the line of flight.

The bottom of this memo carried the handwritten comment: ”This has already been actioned and drawings despatched to units concerned.” This memo was also addressed to the Officers Commanding RNZAF Base Depot, Espiritu Santo, RNZAF NZAPO 366 Guadalcanal and RNZAF APO 308, New Georgia.

The next message, dated ( December, was from Sqn Ldr G.Ellis, Air Department, Wellington to Base Depot and copied to No 1 Islands Group:

“T.682-9 DEC

Comsopac signal 072332Z repeated to Comairsopac and Comairsols requests addition of white bar to RNZAF roundels. Obtain particulars and approval of design by AOC No 1 Islands Group. Forward final design Air Department by Air Mail. Modify all aircraft on strength.”

Comsopac = Commander South Pacific

Comairsopac = Commander Air South Pacific

Comairsols = Commander Air Solomons

The next and most interesting communication took place on the 12th with the following message being despatched by Sqn Ldr H.T.Grigg on behalf of OC RNZAF Base Depot, NZAPO. 361 to Air Department, Wellington:

NATIONALITY MARKINGS RNZAF COMBAT AIRCRAFT

In reply to your signal T 682 of 9th December enclosed herewith is one copy of drawing B.D.21001 which gives details of the white bars to be added on either side of the roundels on both wings and fuselage. It will be noticed that the bar is in the proportion of ½ radius wide by 1 radius long. The radius being that of the outer circumference of the roundel. All other markings not shown on the drawings including flashes on the fins are retained as formerly.

All units in this area have been instructed to paint in these white bars at the first opportunity.”

This memo was annotated. ”Noted: already actioned. Drg BD.21001 filed in RM Drg Office.” Signed (illegible) and dated 19/12/43

Unfortunately the copy of Drawing B.D.21001 does not survive (This situation applies to the official RNZAF records for almost everything pre – 1950. This also applies to designations of the various roundels and fin flashes. Defence Headquarters advise that official designations were issued for some of them but no record is now held)

However from the description given above, together with photographs of actual aircraft painted with roundels in accordance with the said drawing render its absence of little importance now. The prefix “BD” of the drawing number indicated “Base Depot”: the RNZAF’s most important engineering establishment outside New Zealand at that time.

 

[Kiwi]

This is just to let you know that there will be a slight delay in the next instalment whilst I co-relate note from various sources. The next part will deal with the "Pacific"roundels with the white bars.

 

[duncan]

Great stuff Kiwi, keep it coming (when you can). Some time before your namesake appears instead of a red inner spot ?

 

[Kiwi]

Duncan, about 25 years!

 

[Kiwi]

THE BARS.

Much has been said in the past with regard to White Bar Roundels worn by RNZAF aircraft during World War 2, some of which has not only been inaccurate but also confusing.

Personal experience of measuring WW 2 roundels confirms one thing as quite certain; the dimensions are not only inconsistent but also most irregular. Roundels of the same type often varied in diameter from as little as 1/8 inch up to 5 inches, sometimes more. This also applies to White Bars whose length and width not only varied from roundel to roundel but even on occasions from one side of the roundel to the other. While these roundels and bars were meant to be of uniform size and shape; more often than not they weren’t, presumably as a result of their “in-the-field” application. Therefore, it follows that is what is true for one particular marking will not necessarily be true for others- this reinforces the old adage of scale modellers, always work to a photo.

White Bar roundels fall into three categories:

1. Overpainted US Star and Bar Insignia

2. 2. Overpainted RAF Roundels with White Bars added.

3. RNZAF White Bar Roundels.

Within these broad categories there were many variations.

The diagram traces the development of American national aircraft insignia until 1947. The dates quoted are those of when the use of each type was officially discontinued. The “Star and Bar” type, which relates to the overpainted insignia, is shown in the diagram and was in use by the US Forces from August 1943 to 14 January 1947. This marking is officially described as an “Insignia White five pointed star inside an Insignia Blue circumscribed circle, having Insignia White rectangles on each side of the star and the top edges of the two star points; the borders to be Insignia Blue.”

As US forces began operating aircraft wearing these modified insignia it was discovered that the White of the star and bars was too bright when used on a dark surface; therefore the following official amendment was made.

June 1943-Insignia White

When used on upper surfaces finished in semi Gloss Sea Blue (e.g. Corsair wings) is to be replaced by a Gray Color obtained by mixing one part Insignia White and one part Light Gray.

The official colors used in American insignia along with the Federal Standards numbers and Humbrol equivalents are as follows:

Non Specular Insignia White-FS37886 = 36-No34 + 1-HU10

Non Specular Insignia Blue- FS35044 = 2-No25 + 1-No33

Non Specular Gray mix-FS36440 + FS37866 = 1-HB6+36-No34+1HU10

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[Kiwi]

OVERPAINTED US STAR AND BAR INSIGNIA

This insignia was overpainted in various ways as shown in the diagrams . Some simply had the star and circle portion of the US Insignia overpainted with an RNZAF Blue/White/Blue or Blue/White/Blue/Yellow roundel. This resulted in an RNZAF roundel which had offset US bars with Insignia Blue borders. Others had the entire US Star and Bar Insignia overpainted with an RNZAF Blue/White/Blue or Blue/White/Blue/Yellow roundel and White bars, with or without Insignia Blue borders.

OVERPAINTED RAF ROUNDELS WITH WHITE BARS.

While there were several variations of these “Bar” roundels they were fairly straight forward in that as far as is known all had centralised White Bars.

RNZAF WHITE BAR ROUNDELS

These roundels can be classified into two types:

1) Offset bars, with or without Insignia Blue Borders. These were used to duplicate the overpainted US Star and Bar Insignia on port under and starboard upper surfaces of wings.

2) Those with centralised White Bars with or without Insignia Blue borders.

Note:

The offset bars of overpainted United States Insignia/RNZAF Roundels while easily identified on the actual aircraft are sometimes difficult to ascertain from photographs. A simple check is to place a ruler parallel with the top or bottom edges of the bars. This will readily demonstrate whether or not bars are offset. This will in turn establish the following:

OFFSET BARS

1) An overpainted US Star and Circle Insignia retaining US Bars or

2) Completely overpainted US Stars and Bar Insignia or

3) An RNZAF Roundel with offset White Bars to duplicate overpainted US Star and Bar Insignia, e.g. on Corsair, to match overpainted American Insignia on wing opposite.(See diagram)

CENTRALISED BARS

1) An RNZAF White Bar Roundel or

2) An overpainted RAF Roundel with White Bars added.(See Diagram)

Note in the photo of the RNZAF roundel being applied the protective equipment that the tradesman is wearing !

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[Kiwi]

Note:

Although based on the American bars for proportion, the RNZAF bars differed slightly in having no border specified. A border was normal, however, for those aircraft delivered later with bordered US bars. The RNZAF specification was for each bar to be one roundel radius long as half as wide. In the proportional notation used in this tutorial, that equates to 60 x 30. The RNZAF also specified that the bars should be placed equally about the roundel centre which, in theory, gave a slightly different overall shape to the US marking in which the top of the bars was lined up with the arms of the star. As can be seen form the previous descriptions, what was specified, and what actually occurred, differed. In the accompanying diagram the bars have been centred and drawn to 60 x 30 proportions, but this has been for simplification . Notable exceptions are in the Avenger applications in which the proportions are more in the order of 90 x 45. Dakotas also show some considerable variations at times

Now on to the individual ZP roundels and their origins.

ZPA

Proportional description 48/24 approximately. This roundel appears to have been the standard for P-40 fuselages for forward based aircraft from January 1944 onwards, and also probably for 3 and 5 SUs. The derivation from A to ZA to ZAP to ZPA is easily seen and is the basis for the proportional description given. It is known from actual scrapyard measurements that there was variation.. These measurements from two aircraft are 30 ½, 12 and 6 ½ inches. These give proportional descriptions of 47/26 and 48/25 respectively. The 6 ½ inch centre is corroborated by documentary evidence (see under ZA) and so there seems to have been some form of standard. The puzzle is why such odd measurements were used when a logical system would have changed a 30, 12, 6 inch A type roundel to 30, 12, 6 inch type ZA, ZAP and ZPA.

The problem is exacerbated by the fact that NZ Defence Headquarters have advised that official RNZAF records for almost everything pre-1950, in relation to colour schemes and markings, no longer existed.

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