British Finishes

[Wayfarer]

Roughly when did RFC aircraft on the Western Front start to be finished or painted green/brown (not sure if this was done at the factory or in the field at first)?

['14-'18aviationcollector]

Hi wayfarer,

Unfortunately I can't give you a definitive answer but it's just as well that you asked roughly when British camouflage was introduced. I might have a reference for this at home, but I am not sure and I am not at home at the moment.

British camouflage is known as PC 10. Although there were other camouflage finishes applied to British aeroplanes, PC 10 was by far the most common. Its' shade causes a lot of arguments on this site but you are right when you say green / brown, it's a reasonable description of its' appearance.

PC 10 was introduced around 1915 or 1916, but I can't tell you when exactly because I don't have my reference material with me at the moment. Early British aeroplanes were clear doped, and later PC 10 and other protective finishes were introduced for two reasons - camouflage and to protect the fabric from being rotted by ultraviolet light. My research indicates that early PC 10 was quite a light shade and more green than later versions, although even the very latest of samples I have examined still have a greenish appearance to one extent or another, if studied correctly. If and when it has been weathered, it can be a lot more brown and dull than it is if it has been protected from the weather.

Regards,

David.

[Wayfarer]

Thanks David. It was sort of idle curiosity as I run Over Flanders Fields with a BE2 in summer 1915. The default skin is clear doped and was wondering when other finishes would start to come in.

[flypaper]

This Ian Huntley article may help you understand the start of UK camo

Flypaper

[Wayfarer]

Thanks Flypaper. That is a very interesting article. Also explains why I have seen references to both painted and printed German camouflage.