Halifax II Series 1 L9619 ZA-E of No. 10 Squadron RAF 1941
Camouflage and Markings of the Halifax Bomber
Initial Camouflage Scheme (1941)
When the Halifax bombers began service with RAF squadrons in 1941, their camouflage was standard for night bombers, featuring:
- Top Surfaces: Disruptive pattern of Dark Green and Dark Earth.
- Sides and Undersides: Non-reflective Special Night (black) finish.
The demarcation between these top and bottom surfaces was a wavy line roughly halfway up the fuselage sides. The initial serials on the rear upper fuselage were Dull Red, with code letters in Dark Grey, later changed to Medium Grey, and eventually Dull Red throughout the Command.
Changes in 1941
Mid-1941 saw the Night areas extend further up the fuselage, creating a wavy line between the cockpit canopy and the leading edge of the tailplane. As production ramped up, this demarcation changed to a mostly straight line.
National Markings
- Upper Wings: Matt Red and Blue Type B roundels (1923-47).
- Fuselage Sides: Initially Red, White, Blue, Yellow Type A.1 roundels (until June 1942); modified Red, White, Blue, Yellow Type C roundels (1942-47).
- Fin Flash: Red, White, Blue in equal divisions until June 1942, with modified dimensions thereafter.
Two Free French squadrons, No. 346 ‘Guyenne’ and No. 347 ‘Tunisie’, based at Elvington, had French roundels on the fuselage sides.
Middle East Deployment
When Halifax bombers were sent to the Middle East in mid-1942, they received:
- Upper Surfaces: Middle Stone over Dark Green, retained Dark Earth
- Lower Surfaces: Night finish.
Changes in Finish (1942-1945)
From 1942, Bomber Command Halifaxes began to appear in smooth Night finishes to improve performance, replacing the rough matt finish. Later in the war, the much-improved Halifax B.III had broad coloured bands on the fins and rudders to distinguish aircraft from different Groups.
Unofficial Markings
Many bombers carried unofficial markings and bombing scores below the cockpit, often reflecting crew discussions and featuring designs painted by talented ground crew members. Turret gunners sometimes painted their successes, typically in the form of swastikas near their turrets.
Post-War Usage
Post-war, Halifaxes were rapidly retired from military service. Remaining aircraft retained their wartime colours initially, with large white serials painted under the outboard wings. As these aircraft were acquired by small independent airlines, their military paint was stripped, revealing natural metal skins adorned with commercial names and civil identities.