Anson N4876 arrives at Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd workshops 25.11.40 for repair. The workshops did a lot of such work (in common with other large engineering firms during WW.II) Photo:Powerhouse Museum collection 88/289-84.
by Steve Mackenzie
Anson N4876 arrives at Clyde Engineering Co. Ltd workshops 25.11.40 for repair. The workshops did a lot of such work (in common with other large engineering firms during WW.II) Photo:Powerhouse Museum collection 88/289-84.
Background
With the Airfix 1/48th Anson now being available it is time to do some more schemes for those interested. Part 1 of this series was back in issue 36-1 of 'in Miniature' available on the website. Additional profiles and images are presented here and there will be another batch in Part 3 (hopefully next issue).
John Bennett did a comprehensive coverage of Anson markings in Volume 10 Issue 3 (Winter 2020) of the now sadly apparently defunct ADF Serials Newsletter ('http://adf-serials.com.au/newsletter/ADF Telegraph Vol 10 Issue 3 Winter 2020.pdf'). It covers in detail the standard camouflage and markings used on these airframes. While I have thrown in a few that fitted into that pattern, many of the airframes that I have selected here are a 'bit different to the norm' with unusual ways of presenting their markings and colours.
Anson N4876 was the upper airframe involved in the infamous 'Anson Piggyback' incident on 29.9.40 (although I did not realise that when I selected it for drawing). It was sent to Clyde Engineering for repair (the other machine L9162 - the lower part - was written off). Standard Dark Green/ Dark Earth upper camouflage with Black lower surfaces. Code 'A' ( for 2 SFTS) and the serial are in Med Grey. Yellow training bands around the fuselage (and likely also wings) with White under wing serials. Standard 'A' type national markings of the time in six positions (fin flashes not carried).
Anson W2181 '81'. It went to 6 SFTS at Mallala on 6.4.42. Crashed at Mallala, SA, 22.7.43. To Ansett for overhaul on 21.3.44 then 6 CU (see later).
Anson W2181. Standard Dark Green/ Dark Earth upper camouflage with Sky Blue lower surfaces (or maybe Foliage Green/ Earth Brown hard to tell from this image). Code '81' and the serial are in Med Grey. Yellow training bands around the fuselage (and possibly also wings). Standard 'Pacific' type national markings of the time (Dark Blue/White) in six positions plus fin flashes (unusually narrow and tall).
Anson Mk.I DG733 of 6 SFTS in flight, c.1943 via Mike Mirkovic (AHMWA P981197).
Anson DG733. Serving with No.6 SFTS at the time, this image of DG733 is VERY interesting. Not only does it have Yellow engine cowlings, it also has a slanted Yellow band on the nose, while this marking was common on Oxfords, this is the only example I have seen of it on an Anson. Standard Foliage Green/ Earth Brown upper camouflage with Sky Blue lower surfaces. Code '33' and the serial in Med Grey (ADF says Yellow but it clearly does not match the wing bands in this non colourised print, also it is bigger than the roundel despite ADF saying they are the same size) . Yellow training bands around the fuselage and also wings. Standard 'Pacific' type national markings of the time (Dark Blue/White) in six positions plus fin flashes. Yellow band on nose with Black '733' superimposed (the '7' is almost obscured by the rounded shape).
Mareeba, Atherton Tableland, QLD. 1944-12-23. F/O D.R.W. Quinn, 4 COMD, Army Liason Section,at the front of one of their Anson aircraft (MG922) prior to takeoff for a TAC R flight. Photo: AWM 084962.
Anson MG922. Info above comes from the AWM Official caption (ADF only says 8 SFTS service). This appears to be in the later overall Yellow camouflage scheme. Serials (including the 'last 3' repeat on the nose) are Black. Standard 'Pacific' type national markings of the time (Dark Blue/White) in six positions plus fin flashes. Note the ADF loop is offset to Port which is why it can slightly overlap the observation bubble.
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