by Steve Mackenzie

Jesi, Italy. c. November 1944. Fitters of No. 3 Squadron RAAF, a fighter bomber squadron in Italy, at work on Curtiss P-40 Kittyhawk aircraft. Photo AWM MEA2051.

One of the more obscure parts of 3 Sqn RAAF history is their use of Kittyhawk Mk.IVs (P-40Ns) in the six months from May to Nov 1944. They were based at Cutella, San Angelo, Jesi and short periods at other airfields (see https://3sqnraafasn.net/indexpages/dates.htm for a full listing). Very few photos exist which show a complete scheme (most are only partial views like the heading image) but over the years I have collected enough info to put together this article.

Colour schemes

The vast majority of Mk.IVs used by the RAF (and associated units such as 3 Sqn RAAF) were received from the USA in the standard USAAF scheme of Oilive Drab over Neutral Grey). Upon receipt the scheme was usually modified to an approximation of the Temperate scheme by applying areas of RAF Dark Earth over the Olive Drab and repainting the lower surfaces in likely Medium Sea Grey (they are usually lighter then Neutral Grey). Most of the airframes illustrated fit this description. The code letters look to be utilizing the same dimensions that was used later on the Mustangs (typically 18" high x 15" wide with 3" wide strokes) and are all the same style and in White. Some airframes had ANA 610 Sky Blue tail bands applied at the factory. Remnants of these can be seen overpainted occasionally.

But...there is always a but when talking about colour schemes. Apparently very early Mk.IVs for the RAF contract came from the Curtiss factory painted in Desert colours, with serials already marked up. Knowing that I have always thought a 450 Sqn airframe OK-D FX835 showed a very worn Desert scheme, Craig Busby ('Buz') sent me the image above which he located in a U.S archive showing the Curtiss factory ramp in c. 20-22 May 1943, proving some came in these colours. No doubt most were repainted at Air Depots in the Temperate scheme after receipt as by the time they would have been received, the war had moved onto Sicily and Italy and the Desert scheme was no longer suitable. This is important as one of the airframes I have drawn (CV-K FX667) looks to be carrying the remnants of that scheme.

I did do an article way back in issue 5/3 showing 3 schemes in rough hand drawn profiles. I am repeating them in this issue utlising higher quality computer profiles along with the reference images plus a number more that have become available since. OK onto individual airframes.

CV-B FX639

F/O Roediger bellylanded on a ALG on the side of a hill used by Artillery spotters (L-4 Cubs) on 13/5/1944. This was one of the CV-Bs flown by F.Lt Arthur Dawkins who supplied this and the other photo.

Arthur Dawkin's Kittyhawk Mk.IV CV-B FX639. Olive Drab/ Dark Earth and Medium Sea Grey. Spinner Red with Black serials and codes 'CV-B' in White. Standard roundels in six positions plus fin flashes.

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