|
Re: Paint schemes 33 Squadron Hurricanes in Greece 1941
I think you can "pay your money and take your pick"; I'm sure James is right and the majority were Dark Green-Dark Earth-Sky ( Temporate Land Scheme) though 33 brought their Hurricane Is from N. Africa and some may have been in the Desert Scheme ( Feb. 1941).
Though officially the Dark Earth-Mid Stone-Azure scheme wasn't introduced until Dec. 12 1940 with AMO A.926 ,the Mid-Stone was in use by mid-1940 in the Med., confirmed by at least one pilot on Malta and ferry pilots.
A Circular (761) was sent to contractors on 8 May 1940 listing "emergency " colours , Dark Green/ Mid Stone and Dark Earth/Mid Stone.In the event the green was replaced by brown and most photos ( but you can't always rely on the tones) seem to show green/brown. Servicing Units in N. Africa appear to have identified 2 day schemes, Tropical Land Scheme (Dark Green-Dark Earth or Dark Green-Midstone) and Desert Scheme (Dark Earth-Mid Stone).
By mid-1941 the desert colours of Azure and Mid-Stone were in production ( Memo R & M DA3 June 6) and more available, by which time 33 had retreated to Crete and then back to Africa.
The Mediterranean theatre has been a problem as the C-in C Middle East Command had authority to adapt "standard" schemes where necessary....." RAF Overseas Commands can use special colours and markings designed to suit the terrain being overflown at the discretion of the Air Officer in Chief, commanding the region".
Incidentally Air Ministry Orders described "Duck Egg Blue" and "Sky Type S " as one and the same.
Regards
Nick
|