Asymmetrical Markings

Zulis · 28 June 2006, 06:01 AM

Greetings!

At some point I remember reading about a pilot, or maybe even an entire unit, who flew in WW1 who had their national markings applied asymmetrically (presumably the theory was that in the heat of a dogfight it might throw off the other pilot's aim). On one wing, the national marking was way out near the tip of the wing, on the other it was quite close the the centre, just off from the fuselage.

I know of at least one such application of insignia in the post-war, but I seem to remember it being done before that. Is this tweaking anyone else's memory? Anyone know any more details?

Many thanks,

Dave Zulis
latvianaviation.com

StephenLawson · 28 June 2006, 07:18 AM

There are images of a Sopwith Camel that was painted with skewed (or stretched) cockades. There were other decorations of a geometric nature as well.

Michael · 28 June 2006, 11:22 AM

I think the old Harleyford Camouflage and Markings book had some pictures of such.

StephenLawson · 28 June 2006, 04:08 PM

The old Sopwith Camel "Profile" had it as well.

Troy Raines · 29 June 2006, 06:54 AM

I have seen a photo of an SE5a with wing roundels in both inner and outer positions, but I figured it was due to replacement wing panels. I'll check when I get home, I have a few books on unit markings/camo and such.

Rinahe · 29 June 2006, 08:15 AM

I have seen camo schemes for the Sopwith Salamander (Snipe Trench Fighter) that sports that kind of markings...

Later, at the beginning of 2WW, Polish Air Force shows the same 'trick' in their airplanes.

Zulis · 30 June 2006, 07:53 AM

Thank you all for your thoughts. I now have a few new leads to track down, which is exactly what I was looking for.

All the best,

Dave

Troy Raines · 30 June 2006, 06:28 PM

Did some looking but haven't found anything other than what has already been discussed. Still got a few more books and such to look through.