World War Photos

Spitfire Vb XR-K EN783

The USAAF operated Spitfires in both fighter and photo-reconnaissance roles, with modifications to their markings to align with U.S. standards while retaining elements of their original RAF schemes.

Fighter Role:

1. RAF Camouflage Scheme Retained:

   • USAAF Spitfires often retained their RAF schemes, including Sky fuselage bands and Sky spinners.

2. Roundels and National Insignia:

   • USAAF stars replaced RAF roundels. This was done by filling in the blue disc of the RAF roundel and superimposing a white star on top.
   • Yellow bands on the fuselage roundels were often retained.
   • The lower wing roundels were omitted on the port side, while the upper wing roundel was omitted on the starboard side.
   • Overpainting was done to blend the areas where roundels were removed, using Dark Green for temperate schemes and Middle Stone for tropical ones.

3. Size and Placement of Roundels:

   • On the wings, the roundels remained in the same position as RAF ones (72 inches from the wingtip) but were reduced to a 32-inch diameter.
   • Fuselage roundels were also 32 inches in diameter, but when the yellow edge was retained, the overall diameter increased to 36 inches.

4. Overpainting and Fin Flashes:

   • In the European Theater, RAF fin flashes were often overpainted, whereas in the Mediterranean Theater, they were usually retained.

5. Unusual Markings:

   • Some Spitfires featured a mix of USAAF roundels on the fuselage and RAF roundels on the wings.
   • Mk IXe Spitfires in bare metal finish were seen with Olive Drab anti-dazzle panels on the upper nose cowling.
   • During Operation Torch and other large-scale operations, large American flags were sometimes applied to the fuselage for identification.

Photo-Reconnaissance (PR) Role:

1. PRU Blue Scheme Retained:

   • PR Spitfires used by the USAAF remained in their RAF PRU Blue scheme.

2. Serial Numbers:

   • Initially, the RAF serial number in light grey was retained on the rear fuselage.
   • Later, the serial was applied in larger yellow letters on the vertical fin and rudder.

3. Bare Metal PR Mk XIs:

   • Some PR Mk XIs operated by the 7th Photo Group were finished in bare metal.
   • These aircraft had a red panel on either side of the engine cowling, a Roundel Blue spinner, and an Olive Drab anti-dazzle panel on the upper nose and rudder.
   • The large serial on these aircraft was black on the bare metal sections and yellow on the red rudder.

The variations in camouflage and markings reflect the unique operational needs of the USAAF while maintaining a connection to the aircraft’s RAF origins.