Stuka spinner colours and unit relationships

[David E. Brown]

Gents,

Is anyone aware if there has even been a published analysis of the spinner colour(s) of Stukas as related to their respective geschwader and gruppen (and possibly staffeln)?

Looking over the many extant photos covering the entire war period, there appears to be a relationship between units and spinner colours (single, multicoloured, varying band/ring widths, hierarchy, etc.) that differed from unit to unit. It also appears that these markings showed little change over the years.

Any thoughts or guidance on this topic is appreciated.

Cheers,

David

[SMF144]

David,

The same thing applies for most of the Commonwealth squadrons during the Second World War...but like you have noticed, it has gone undocumented - unless I missed the boat?

Full steam ahead.

Stephen

[David E. Brown]

Hi Steve,

Yes, some of the most obvious features of well known aircraft (and units) have escaped serious study for whatever reasons. Indeed, there has yet to be a solid treatment of the Ju 87 and Ju 88 up to modern standards.

Hope all is well with you!

Cheers,

David

[Gianandrea Bussi]

Even though it's not a recent study, I may mark out that vol. I of "Markings and Camouflage Systems of Luftwaffe Aircraft in World War II" by Karl Ries contains a three pages colour section about spinner markings.

Best regards

Gianandrea

[David E. Brown]

Hi Giandrea,

Thanks for the tip. I have this reference and referred to it first. I was wondering if the subject had explored by others since then - over 40 years ago!

Cheers,

David

[Graham Boak]

Spinner colours and Commonwealth units - news to me!

The only times spinner colours identified WW2 RAF units, to my knowledge, were the Spitfire Mk.VIII units in the final Burma campaign, and the Mustang escort fighters in East Anglia in 1945. Neither of these were particularly linked to Commonwealth units as such, although individual units were involved.

Ruy - can you shift this over to the Allied board or should I repost it? Please leave it here for a little while so that Stephen notices it.

[SMF144]

Graham,

Study the Beaus and Mossies of Coastal Command and take a look at the late war and post war Spits of the Occupation Air Force. Oh, and don't forget to look at the heavies as well.

Stephen

[Franek Grabowski]

Ahem, apart of some markings applied sometimes to denote leading aircraft and mentioned Mustang markings, RAF aircraft were pretty uniform. BAFO aircraft are essentially post-war ones, so do not fit into the category.

[Graham Boak]

Hmm, Coastal Mossies in 1945 yes perhaps, though I don't recall seeing any description of such, but then I haven't seen a full listing of the escort Mustangs either. However, Beaufighters don't have noticeable spinners - and as you mention heavies neither do Halifaxes. So that leaves us with Lancasters, which are not actually renowned for their colour, or indeed the need for squadron markings? Are you specifically referring to RCAF Lancs? If so, this is getting a bit specialised and very late war.