Black Maria

[Ginger.]

While checking the colour scheme for this aircraft I came across the following."The upper wing roundels were ordered to be severely toned down." This is accompanied by a coloured illustration of the dulled of insignia.In other books British pilots complain they don't stand out enough!Can any of you experts shed any light on the subject,I was wondering if it might be unique to Collishaw's aircraft?.

[MikeW]

Exactly which Black Maria are you referring to?

There were three Sopwith Triplanes (10 squadron RNAS), one Sopwith Camel (Seaplane Defence Squadron/13 squadron RNAS), and quite possibly a Sopwith Pup (3 squadron RNAS). I must admit I am not absolutely certain that Collishaw's 3(N) Black Flight pup was called Black Maria, certainly the other "Black" names differed, for example, Black Arrow and Black Tulip.

Could you share with us the source that mentions the "toning down" of the cockades?

[Ginger.]

Wish I could but the colour prints are all that remain of the book it's about 25 years old and was like an early Osprey Publication if memory serves rightly.

[MikeW]

How about scanning the colour prints form the book?

[Ginger.]

Scanner won't work.The illustrations include a pilot in Sidcot suit a groundcrew bod,Leyland tender,and adouble spread of 3 sqn RNAS.This has playing cards painted on the wings,and a crown on the fuselage.Ring any bells?

[MikeW]

Would you believe I also have a double page profile of B6401 from No.3 squadron RNAS complete with playing cards on the lower wings, crown in a white diamond on the fuselage, white and red sunburst on the fin and elevators, and a red engine cowling, oh yes and two large white rings on the top wing centre section - photocopied, and I don't remember where it came from!!!

I also have a couple of photographs of this particular aircraft. So I don't know which book it came from, but it does give me a lead.

Back to Black Maria - I have a reasonably clear photograph of Collishaw's 3rd triplane N533 (twin Vickers) that shows the upper wing surfaces, and the Roundels looking pretty much as one would expect them to - no evidence of being toned down, or indeed, being too vivid.