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G4EBT > MARKS 16.12.05 11:10l 64 Lines 2546 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 3A1622G4EBT
Read: GUEST
Subj: RAAF (Aussie) Roundels
Path: DB0FHN<DB0THA<DB0ERF<DB0FBB<DB0BI<DB0NOS<DB0EA<DB0RES<DK0WUE<GB7FCR
Sent: 051216/1000Z @:GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU #:17713 [Blackpool] FBB-7.03a $:3A1622G4
From: G4EBT@GB7FCR.#16.GBR.EU
To : MARKS@WW
Once more, totally irrlevant to Jan's original query about the roundels on
RAF sea launches, here's a bit more info on the subject of RAF roundels,
on which I don't claim to be an authority.
RAF roundels and insignia did of course vary according to what part of
the Commonwealth was involved. (It wasn't just the British who fought
in the war!)
As this bulletin concerns Australia (and I don't live there and am not
supposed to know anything about it), I'm sure there will be VKs who know
a lot more about the subject than me. Fine, let them write about it,
rather than tell me to keep my nose of "their" affairs. Who knows - I
might even learn something.
Royal Australian Air Force roundels:
The term "RAF" denotes the standard British/Commonwealth insignia. This
applied to the Australians until July 1942, when the insignia began to
change. The folowing info outlines just how important the correct use
and knowledge of roundels was.
Firstly, contrary to conventional wisdom, the Australians didn't begin
to remove the red "dot" from the RAF insignia until late Aug 1942.
Secondly, the official directive of Aug 1942 was to remove only the red
dot from the *overwing* roundels. Nothing was stated about removing the
dot from the *underwing* roundels, fuselage roundels, or fin flashes.
An additional directive was issued around late Oct 1942 calling for the
red dot to be removed from the underwing and fuselage roundels. That was
completed in most combat units by the end of 1942.
It's thought that the incident that may have led to the removal of the
red arose on 26 June 1942, involving a Catalina A24-17 seaplane as it
was landing at the US seaplane base at Havannah harbour, Efate Island.
A Marine Wildcat was scrambled to investigate an unidentified aircraft.
It fired on the RAAF Catalina scoring a number of hits, but failed to
down it. None of the crew were injured and, after temporary repairs it
was flown to Noumea where it was repaired by the US Navy.
This incident may have contributed to the replacement of the red in the
over-wing roundels, but it wasn't the only incident - there were others
involving RAAF aircraft firing on each other believing they were seeing
Japanese markings.
And they lived to tell the tale. Tough as old boots!
73 - David, G4EBT @ GB7FCR
Eddystone User Group Member
G-QRP Club Member No: 1339
QTH: Cottingham, East Yorkshire.
Message timed: 08:49 on 2005-Dec-16
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