Hello to all. Can anybody explain me the rule: if any RAF fighter left side colour profile has it, for example, "AB(roundel)C" code, what should it have at the opposite side? "C(roundel)AB" or the same "AB(roundel)C" ("AB" moved right to the tail this time, but roundel remains at it's place, symmetricaly to the opposite one)?
Actually, I came across photoes with both variants, but, I wonder, were there any strict regulation for that?

Sincerely,
Mangas.

Hi,
The latest and most comprehensive reference on the subject is 'Combat Codes' by Vic Flintham & Andrew Thomas, Pen & Sword, 2008,second revised edition.

As the unit code system was highly secret in WW2, little documentation has survived as much was destroyed for security reasons already during the war. The most commom practise seem to be having it as ABoC on port and reversed ABoC on starboard side - at first. There are, however, numerous variations! One variation is that the unit code comes after the roundel on port side:
CoAB for unit code 'AB'
The authors gives an example of two Ansons from the same unit parked side by side and their port sides marked respectively:
One marked: DoXE
The other marked: oXEC
The unit code is in both cases 'XE'

('o' represents the roundel)

No easy way forward on this matter!

Often, if the code is ABoC on port, you will find it as ABoC on starboard, reading from left to right on both sides. Photo evidence is as always needed to be 100% sure.
Br
Goran

Hi,

I read somewhere that the squadron code letters were never separated. The letters could be before or after the roundel but always together and not separated by it. If the roundel separated the squadron code it could possibly be misread as another squadron's code. Sorry can't locate the reference.

quote:

Originally posted by WskyStr8:
Hi,

I read somewhere that the squadron code letters were never separated. The letters could be before or after the roundel but always together and not separated by it. If the roundel separated the squadron code it could possibly be misread as another squadron's code. Sorry can't locate the reference.

Thats the way I understand it to be as well Mate.

From studying pictures from different periods, I've got the impression that the two-letter fighter squadron code was forward on bout sides (i.e ABoC port side, CoAB starboard side) during most of 1940. In 1942 most fighter squadrons wore the squadron codes first on bout sides (i.e. ABoC on port and starboard sides). The period in between was one of transition, squadron codes placing varying from squadron to squadron. It's just a hunch, but it seem the ABoC-CoAB style is more frequently found on Hurricanes than on Spitfires, possibly due to fuselage shape.

Here's a shot from summer 1941, showing No 79 Squadron on training over Fairwood Commons with planes delivered no earlier than February the same year:



Note also the Whirlwind in my signature file, showing a port side reversal of code. The syle of roundel indicate 1941 or later. Again, the reversal seem to be a result of roundel placement and fuselage shape.

Hi Mangas
Try this site http://www.rafweb.org/sqn_codes.htm, just to muddy the water. There is no general rule on where the squadron codes are to be located except they are to before OR after the national marking.

eirinn

Thanks to all of you, mates!
Understood & appreciated...

Mangas.