Originally posted by TexMurphy
Ok something Ive been thinkin about and I think Dan can answer.
When where and why where the different RAF roundels used?
I think I remember reading that the classic red, white and blue roundel was replaced in the pacific with the white and blue one to avoid the red dot which reasembled the IJN marking.
But what about all the other roundels? The light blue and blue, the red, white, blue and yellow ect ect...
Tex
The site Kev posted covers it fairly well.
May of 42 was when the roundel's changed from the early war B of B style to the narrow yellow band on the fuselage roundel and the less white showing.
The blue and light blue was the SEAC version of the RAF roundels. the white center was more of an RAAF and RNZAF way to go.
Late in the war when the RAF was on the continent they added a yellow ring to the wing roundels as well.
When the war started there was no yellow circle on the fuselage roundel. This was added to aid in identification about the time of the B of B.
There was also a time early in the war where they went to just blue and red, small roundels.
I have a book here that I can't find at the moment that details the times and changes. All of it was about easier or tougher visual ID as the mood fit.
Dan/CorkyJr
