[CJE]

Hi Phil,

Quoting Ducimus:
However, it was found that the white band across the fin and rudder tended to break up the outline of this distinctive recognition feature and on 23rd March 1944 an order was issued requiring the removal of this band. At that time, the first natural metal finish P-51Bs were reaching Eighth and Ninth Air Force units and on these machines the identity bands were painted in matt black. Interestingly, the band across the fin and rudder was still applied in the case of the bare metal finish Mustangs. Presumably, the black band on "silver" did not have the same undesirable effect on the outline of Mustang's tail when viewed from a distance as the white band on camouflage although it has not been verified that this was the official reason.

Hope that helps.
Cheers.

Chris