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Factory fresh Mosquito HJ728 at Hatfield

Factory fresh Mosquito HJ728 at Hatfield

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.

Published at 1300 × 759 px.
Link to full-size photo: Factory fresh Mosquito HJ728 at Hatfield