Dornier 17 unusual rudder markings.
 

Hi all,
I'm intrigued to know what the markings are which were worn by some Do17 s pre-blitz?

I have attached 2 images below (from Roy Conyers Nesbit book 'Battle of Britain') which show small oblong bars present on a KG2 and KG3 machine taken on 13th and 21st August repectively.

I was wondering if these could possibly be early bar system markings? Although they are much smaller than the ones which adorned many aircraft during the massed daylight raids a month later they do have a similar aspect ratio and have been applied with a brush with the later appearing to have been overpainted with distemper.

I note that these markings may have been present on the famous F1+FS 'flamethrower Dornier' which was shot down a month later on 15th September. The report states "two pink oblongs about a 12" wide outboard of both rudders".

I assumed these would have been the later larger type but the location and size of 12" (same as your school ruler) matches this smaller scale.

Many thanks for any info.

Re: Dornier 17 unusual rudder markings.
 

what about a structural repair or modification ? (made in factory)

Re: Dornier 17 unusual rudder markings.
 

Rudder hinge access?

Re: Dornier 17 unusual rudder markings.
 

Since there is nothing behind that area, perhaps just flak damage repair.

http://s33.postimg.org/bspvd548f/Rudder_Do17_Z.jpg
image hosting 30 mb