White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

I know we already talked about this, but I can't find the thread.
These temporary markings were applied during an exercise before "Jubilee", if I do remember well.
But which exercise and when?
Thanks in advance.

Chris

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

Chris,

Don't have my books with me right now but I think this was for Operation Rutter.

Cheers,

Tim

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

Yes!
That's right.
Thanks.

Chris

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

Yes, this was Operation Rutter. I don't have the dates, but it was in early July-42. 72 Sqn ORB mentions the order to paint white stripes on the cowling and horizontal tailplanes on most, but not all, of their Spits. The painted planes were not allowed to fly near or over the coastline until further, operations having to be performed with the unmarked planes. Some while later, the order came to remove the stripes.

Stein

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

Hi
Whilst on the subject of op rutter,
Anyone know if there was a single engine scheme and a twin engine scheme, ( like the later starkey op?),
Or just one scheme for all aircraft involved ?
cheers
Jerry

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

IIRC the markings applied specifically to single-engine fighters of 11 Group, so no twin-engine scheme.
They were not for the operation Rutter (which was not an exercise) - they were introduced about the time when the operation was cancelled.

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

According to pilots/groundcrew of the North Weald Wing, they were.

Nils

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

If it was not an exercise, what was it?
I have always thought it was a large scale rehearsal before "Overlord".

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

IIRC they were not introduced prior to the operation (which should have been the case if they were intended for the operation). But there may have been some connection and certainly they were applied around the same time.

Re: White stripes on Spitfire cowlings in 1942
 

"Rutter" was the first attempt at what was eventually done as "Jubilee". I understand that "exercise" is something performed without enemy participating. "Rutter" was intended as a military operation against real enemy.