World War Photos

Prototype showing the original rudder with rounded top and short engine nacelles

Camouflage and Markings of the Westland Welkin

Initial Camouflage Schemes

• Prototypes: The two Welkin prototypes, DG558/G and DG562/G, initially featured a camouflage scheme consistent with the Day Fighter Scheme outlined in Air Ministry Order A.664 issued in July 1942. This scheme consisted of:

  • Upper Surfaces: A disruptive pattern of Dark Green and Ocean Grey (MAP shade).
  • Under Surfaces: Yellow, adhering to a June 1940 directive.

• Early Production Aircraft: The first few production Welkins also received the Day Fighter Scheme on their upper surfaces. However, their under surfaces were painted Medium Sea Grey, complementing the Dark Green and Ocean Grey upper surface camouflage. Notably, the disruptive camouflage pattern on early production models differed slightly from that applied to the prototypes.

Standard High-Altitude Scheme

From June 1943 onward, a new standard camouflage scheme was introduced for high-flying photo-reconnaissance aircraft operating during daylight hours. This scheme, also applied to Welkins, comprised:

• Upper Surfaces: Medium Sea Grey.

• Lower Surfaces: PRU Blue (a specialized blue-grey mix known as PRU Blue). The sources note a low color demarcation line between the Medium Sea Grey and PRU Blue on the fuselage and engine nacelles.

Propeller Spinners

• The standard for high-altitude photo-reconnaissance aircraft dictated black propeller spinners.
• However, there were exceptions, with some Welkins featuring Medium Sea Grey spinners.

National Insignia and Markings

• Roundels:
  • Prototypes: The prototypes initially carried Type C roundels (32″ diameter) on the fuselage, Type B roundels (45″ diameter) on the upper wing surfaces, and Type C roundels below the wings.
  • Production Aircraft: The standardized high-altitude scheme introduced Type B roundels (40″ diameter) on the fuselage sides and upper wing surfaces. No roundels were displayed below the wings.
• Fin Flash: The fin flash initially consisted of two vertical stripes, Red and Blue (Red leading), each 12″ wide and 24″ high.
• Serial Numbers: Serial numbers were painted in black on the rear fuselage, initially 8″ high but later reduced to approximately 4″. The sources note an anomaly on some grey/blue Welkins where the serial number “letters” were higher than the “numerals”.
• Prototype Markings: The prototypes displayed a Yellow letter “P” encircled by a 0.5″ thick Yellow ring (36″ diameter) aft of the fuselage roundel. Additionally, their secret nature was emphasized by a “G” suffix (standing for “Guard”) appended to their serial numbers (e.g., DG558/G).

Fighter Interception Unit (FIU) Markings

The two Welkins (DX286 and DX289) assigned to the FIU at Wittering carried the unit code letters “ZQ*X” and “ZQ*V,” respectively, applied in Dull Red adjacent to the fuselage roundel. These letters were approximately 26″ high.

Welkin NF Mk. II Prototype

The sole Welkin NF Mk. II prototype, PF370, exhibited a unique camouflage and marking scheme:

• Camouflage:
  • Upper Surfaces: Medium Sea Grey.
  • Under Surfaces: Yellow, signifying its prototype status.
• Propeller Spinners: Initially Medium Sea Grey but later repainted in a dark color, presumed to be black.
• Roundels: Initially Type B roundels on the fuselage and upper wings, later replaced with Type C1 roundels (36″ diameter) on the fuselage and Type C roundels (48″ diameter) above the wings. Type C roundels (32″ diameter) were also added to the lower wing surfaces.
• Fin Flash: Retained the original two-color fin flash despite the change to Type C/C1 roundels.
• Prototype Marking: A Yellow “P” marking within a 40″ circle was positioned behind the fuselage roundel.
• Serial Number: Black, 8″ high.

Post-War Markings

After the war, the NF Mk. II prototype, used as a manufacturer’s “hack” aircraft, had its national insignia painted over. It only carried “PI7” markings in Yellow on both sides of the rear fuselage. The underside color remained Yellow.

Additional Markings

• Walkways: Black walkways were painted on the upper wing roots, along with 1″ wide walkway boundaries on the center section.
• First Aid Marking: Some aircraft displayed “FIRST AID” in Red inscribed on a White rectangle on the rear fuselage access door.
• Propeller Blades: Black with Yellow tips, occasionally featuring the manufacturer’s markings at their roots.

Interior Colors

• Cockpit interior: Grey-Green.
• Undercarriage wheel wells and fairing interiors: Grey-Green.
• Instrument panel and upper surfaces of side consoles: Black.
• Pilot’s and observer’s seats: Grey-Green with a leather back cushion.