hmsk212 Posted 11 March , 2019 Share Posted 11 March , 2019 Hi, I came across this when I was at Kew on Saturday and wondered if there are complete lists of these markings available anywhere. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topgun1918 Posted 11 March , 2019 Share Posted 11 March , 2019 The subject was covered in the book 'British Aviation Squadron Markings of World War I: RFC - RAF - RNAS' by Les Rogers. Copies are still available, but are a bit pricey. Graeme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMeech Posted 11 March , 2019 Share Posted 11 March , 2019 4 hours ago, hmsk212 said: Hi, I came across this when I was at Kew on Saturday and wondered if there are complete lists of these markings available anywhere. Steve Hi TNA, AIR 1/867/204/5/523 has letter CRFC. 1693 (G). dated 23rd April, 1916, has the original markings as applied to the BE.2 squadrons, other squadron types did not need them then. TNA, AIR 1/1589/204/82/74 has letter CRFC 1693G with markings for squadrons dated 26 August 1917. 'Camouflage '14-'18 Aircraft' by O G Thetford, Harborough Publishing, 1943, has pages 62 to 77 showing drawings of British squadron markings. 'Aircraft Camouflage and Markings 1907-1954' compiled by Bruce Robinson, Harleyford, 1956, has pages 42 to 45 showing similar drawings to above of British squadron markings. I hope that is of use. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMeech Posted 11 March , 2019 Share Posted 11 March , 2019 8 hours ago, hmsk212 said: Hi, I came across this when I was at Kew on Saturday and wondered if there are complete lists of these markings available anywhere. Steve Hi TNA, AIR 1/867/204/5/523 has letter CRFC. 1693 (G). dated 23rd April, 1916, has the original markings as applied to the BE.2 squadrons, other squadron types did not need them then. TNA, AIR 1/1589/204/82/74 has letter CRFC 1693G with markings for squadrons dated 26 August 1917. 'Camouflage '14-'18 Aircraft' by O G Thetford, Harborough Publishing, 1943, has pages 62 to 77 showing drawings of British squadron markings. 'Aircraft Camouflage and Markings 1907-1954' compiled by Bruce Robinson, Harleyford, 1956, has pages 42 to 45 showing similar drawings to above of British squadron markings. I hope that is of use. Mike Hi A 'PS', I should mention other 'temporary' markings were worn by Corps squadrons when undertaking particular tasks, these were not 'squadron' markings but were to identifying the particular aeroplane to the troops on the ground they were supporting. These tasks included Contact Patrols, Counter Attack Patrols, aeroplanes supporting Cavalry formations and Tank units as well as machines involved in ammunition dropping. These markings can be seen in quite a number of photos of RE.8s, FK.8s and BE.2s in particular, also the markings worn are mentioned in orders and instructions prior to a battle. As I mentioned these are not identifying a squadron but particular aeroplanes undertaking a particular task. For those that are interested I had an article published in the Summer 1916 edition of 'Cross & Cockade International' on this subject ('Markings worn by RFC/RAF Contact Patrol and Associated Mission Aeroplanes') which illustrates the markings that were worn in addition to squadron markings. The Corps squadrons had their squadron markings removed from the 22 March 1918 and other squadrons had their markings changed from that date. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmsk212 Posted 11 March , 2019 Author Share Posted 11 March , 2019 Many thanks to you both for your replies. I will look up the references next time I am at Kew and also keep an eye out for the books by Les Rogers and Bruce Robinson. Mike I will also look out for the Cross and Cockade International item you had published in I assume 2016 rather than 1916 unless you are a lot older than I think. Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeMeech Posted 12 March , 2019 Share Posted 12 March , 2019 13 hours ago, hmsk212 said: Many thanks to you both for your replies. I will look up the references next time I am at Kew and also keep an eye out for the books by Les Rogers and Bruce Robinson. Mike I will also look out for the Cross and Cockade International item you had published in I assume 2016 rather than 1916 unless you are a lot older than I think. Steve Hi Yes, 2016, not that old but old enough to lose a century! However, in my defence I have spent the majority of my life in the 20th Century rather than the 21st! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now