Factory fresh Mosquito FB.VI HJ728 at Hatfield
The FB Mk VI Mosquito, a fighter-bomber version of the de Havilland Mosquito, adhered to a consistent camouflage pattern throughout its operational use.
Camouflage Scheme:
- From the time the FB Mk VI entered service, it was painted in the standard Medium Sea Grey base color with a disruptive Dark Green pattern on the upper surfaces.
- The spinners were also painted Medium Sea Grey, while the propellers remained black with yellow tips.
- The demarcation line between the upper and lower surfaces on the fuselage was hard-edged and located on the centerline of the aircraft, extending from the tailplane forward.
Markings:
- Black 8-inch serial numbers were positioned along this demarcation line.
- Squadron codes, measuring 36 inches, were painted in Medium Sea Grey.
- The C1 Type roundels (36 inches in diameter) were applied to the fuselage sides.
- The B Type roundel (54 inches) was retained on the upper wings.
D-Day Invasion Stripes (1944):
- During the D-Day landings, fighter-bomber Mosquitos were painted with AEAF invasion stripes (alternating black and white stripes) to aid identification by Allied forces.
- Initially, these stripes were applied around both the wings and fuselage.
- By September 1944, the invasion stripes were reduced to the fuselage only.
- By December 1944, the stripes were confined to the lower section of the fuselage.