Mosquito NS739 “Pamela” 25th BG
During World War II, the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) operated a number of de Havilland Mosquitoes, specifically Photo Reconnaissance (PR) variants and Night Fighters (NF). These aircraft were painted and marked differently based on the specific role and units they were assigned to, often with modifications to the standard Royal Air Force (RAF) color schemes.
Key Features of USAAF Mosquitoes:
1. PR Mosquitoes (Photo Reconnaissance Variants):
- Paint Scheme: Overall RAF PR Blue.
- Markings:
- British roundels were painted over using a close match to PR Blue, and American stars and bars were applied alongside.
- The serial number was retained in 8-inch high black figures near the tail.
- Tail Unit:
- In the case of PR Mosquitoes operated by the 653rd and 654th Bomb Squadron (Light) of the 25th Bomb Group at Watton, the entire tail unit was painted red.
- The individual aircraft letter was applied in white, inside a blue disc on the vertical fin.
- Specific Variant: The PR Mk XVI Mosquitoes operated by the 482nd Bomb Group at Alconbury (modified to carry H2X radar in the nose) were in a similar scheme, though without the red tail.
2. NF Mosquitoes (Night Fighter Variants):
- Unit: The only USAAF fighter squadron to use the Mosquito was No. 416 Squadron based in Pisa, Italy.
- Aircraft: The unit flew NF Mk 30 Mosquitoes.
- Paint Scheme: These night fighters were left in their original RAF camouflage scheme.
- Markings:
- Stars and bars were applied on the fuselage side and below the starboard wing, as well as above the port wing.
- The spinners were painted red by the squadron, and the RAF-style fin flashes (Cl Type) were retained on the vertical stabilizers.
3. Canadian-built F-8-DH Mosquitoes:
- Paint Scheme: Ocean Grey and Dark Green over Medium Sea Grey.
- Markings:
- RAF roundels were painted out, and USAAF insignia was applied to both sides of the fuselage, as well as on the lower starboard and upper port wings.
- The serial number was applied in yellow on the vertical fin in a stencil-style numeral (e.g., 334934).
- Propellers: All these Canadian-built Mosquitoes had Hamilton Standard manufacturer’s logos on each propeller blade.
These differences in markings, paint schemes, and unit-specific modifications reflected the need for these aircraft to blend into their respective operational environments while still maintaining distinct national identifiers during joint operations with the RAF and within USAAF units. The PR Blue scheme was particularly suited for high-altitude reconnaissance, while the camouflage schemes of the night fighters and Canadian-built models reflected their more tactical roles.