Mosquito FB VI RS625 143 Squadron RAF April 1945
Paint scheme: Extra Dark Sea Grey upper surfaces and Sky undersides. Engine inspection panels and drop tanks aluminium or light grey. Black squadron codes , outlined in yellow. Serials in black over Medium Sea Grey starboard, Dark Green port.
The Mosquitoes engaged in coastal strike operations during World War II, particularly the FB Mk XVIII and other variants, initially followed the fighter-bomber camouflage scheme as detailed for that role. However, modifications were made to some aircraft as the war progressed, especially within No. 143 Squadron.
Camouflage and Markings:
- FB Mk XVIII Mosquitos initially carried the standard Medium Sea Grey with Dark Green disruptive pattern on upper surfaces, similar to other fighter-bombers.
- Later in the war, No. 143 Squadron’s aircraft received a unique camouflage scheme of Dark Slate Grey and Ocean Grey on the upper surfaces, over Sky undersides.
- The spinners were painted yellow with a Medium Sea Grey ring near the tip.
- The squadron codes for some aircraft, such as NE-A and NE-D, were painted in yellow with a black outline.
- In contrast, some aircraft had their squadron codes in Sky, applied high up on the fuselage, such as NE-B.
Demarcation:
- The demarcation line on coastal strike Mosquitoes was low on the fuselage, about three-quarters down the depth, running parallel to the centerline.
AEAF Invasion Stripes:
- After the D-Day landings in June 1944, AEAF invasion stripes (black and white stripes) were applied around the wings and fuselage of all coastal strike Mosquitoes.
- By September 1944, the invasion stripes were limited to the fuselage.
- By December 1944, the stripes were reduced further to the lower fuselage only.
Notable Aircraft:
- One famous aircraft, NE-D (RS625), showed evidence of having its upper surfaces oversprayed, which could indicate that it was painted in Extra Dark Sea Grey overall.
- Traces of the original camouflage scheme could still be seen behind the serial numbers, suggesting that the paint was applied over the previous colors.
Codes, Roundels, and Fin Flashes:
- Coastal strike Mosquitoes used the same roundels, fin flashes, and general marking styles as the fighter-bombers.
- The exceptions were the unique coloring applied to some No. 143 Squadron aircraft, particularly the yellow squadron codes with black outlines or Sky serials.