World War Photos

Preparations for engine running

The prototype Mosquito, designated W4050, went through several paint schemes during its testing phase in late 1940 and early 1941. Initially, according to regulations for prototype and experimental aircraft, the Mosquito was painted yellow overall. This was consistent with other De Havilland aircraft, like the Tiger Moth, which were painted in Trainer Yellow for under surfaces.

Key Details of the Mosquito Prototype Paint Scheme:

1. Initial Scheme (Late 1940):

   • Color: The aircraft was painted yellow overall, including both the upper and lower surfaces.
   • Markings:
     • It carried the class B registration E-0234 in black on either side of the fuselage, just forward of the tailplane. This marking lasted for only two flights.
     • Shortly after, the aircraft was assigned the official serial number W4050, also applied in black on the fuselage sides.
     • There was no prototype “P” marking during this yellow overall phase.
   • Roundels:
     • The roundels on the fuselage and under the wings were AI roundels (with a proportionally smaller red center than standard).
     • The upper wing roundels were B Type, with a 54″ diameter.
   • Propellers and Spinners: Both were painted matt black, with yellow tips on the propeller blades.

2. January 1941 Repaint:

   • Underside: The yellow undersurface was retained.
   • Upper Surface:
     • The top surface was painted in Dark Green and Dark Earth in a disruptive camouflage pattern. This camouflage extended midway down the fuselage sides, ending in a hard demarcation line.
   • Prototype “P” marking: The aircraft now carried a prototype “P” symbol. Since this marking overlapped the yellow lower surfaces, it was bordered in Dark Green to make it stand out.
   • Propellers and Spinners: These remained black, and the serial number was still in black as well. There were no serial numbers applied under the wings.
   • Fin Flash: A 24″ wide, 27″ high fin flash was painted on either side of the vertical fin, with the red section leading, and the other segments were of equal proportions.

3. Further Modifications (With Two-Stage Merlin 61 Engines):

   • The camouflage scheme of Dark Green and Dark Earth over yellow remained, but the demarcation line became softer.
   • The line towards the nose now swooped down from midway up the fuselage sides near the cockpit, encircling the nose area by the glazed section.
   • The prototype “P” marking was still present, and by this time, the serial number on the fuselage was in yellow instead of black.
   • The front engine cowls appeared to be a different color in photographs, but the exact color remains uncertain.