Battle camouflage

[Fairlop]

Hi,

According to official Camouflage Scheme there should be s/n on two positions (rear fuselage and rudder) on A.A.S.F. Fairey Battles. Both positions were used in pre-war Battle camouflages as well. But there is a number of these light bombers too which have had (documented by photographs) s/n only on the rear fuselage in campaign after 10 May 1940. Can someone explain me why did exist such examples ?
It looks specially the 12 Sqn used mainly the fuselage position, the 105 Sqn had few of a/c in that camo too.

Regards,
Michal

[Alex Smart]

Hello Michal,

Just a thought that perhaps this was due to the Rudder haveing first the number then overpainted with the red/white/blue stripes and then the overpainting of the stripes ???

Then again perhaps they never got around to doing it on all the aircraft .

Alex

[Fairlop]

Hello Alex,

Thanks for that. I understand on what you allude but the fin stripes were applied only on vertical fin not the rudder so (unfortunately) it is not the reason.
I have doubt due to number of Battles with one s/n position the rudders were often changed / re-painted after repair etc.

Michal