[James A Pratt III]

"Fighting Colors" and Bombing Colors" both have August 1941 as when the order came out to go to "mid-stone and dark earth" for RAF aircraft in the Middle East. Bombing Colors does mention aircraft in this scheme being painted at the factory these colors earlier this summer.
Also of intrest in Airfix Magazine June 1972 There are photos of "Damaged Valetias of 216 Squadron after a hanger fire, late 1939. The camoflage is and and dark earth approximating to the official colours and made fom locally purchased hot distemper. Color extends under fusalage but other undersides remained doped silver. "