Real Colors Of Wwii.pdf

Jürgen Kiroff

Przemyslaw Skulski A highly illustrated guide to WWII colors. Dive with the best experts into the most exhaustive study of the colors, their specifications and regulations during WWII for each army.

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR WWII AFV COLORS

Mike starmer

www.ak-interactive.com Phone: (+34) 941 44 52 28 [email protected]

Steven Zaloga

AK187

wwii real colors LIMITED EDITION The idea of making a limited edition and highly accurately printed publication dedicated to the original colors of the WWII era is extremely important, since the chips that appear in the book, even though they are not painted with real paint (which would increase the complexity of the publishing process) are highly controlled and calibrated in the most precise way, under the current and most modern parameters of printing and technology to match the original colors. The tolerance of colors in the book is

3%.

Original idea and concept: Fernando Vallejo Francisco Vives AK Interactive Project Manager and Co-author: Pere Valls Artistic direction: Rubén González AK Interactive Graphic & Layout: BMS Designs AK Interactive Color profiles: Jacek Pasieczny, Tomek Wajnkaim, Arkadiusz Wróbel, Sławomir Zajączkowski

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© 2017 AK Interactive. All right reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, actual or future, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

4

1. prologue

6 8 10 34 50 50 52 53 55 58 60 65 66 98 100 104

2. GERMAN ARMOR COLORS & CAMOUFLAGE 2.1. Introduction 2.2. RAL system. RAL COLOR CARDS 2.3. THE OKH regulations 2.4. Chronology of the colors used by the German Army 2.4.1. THE PRE-WAR PERIOD 2.4.2. The beginning of war 2.4.3. Russia 2.4.4. africa 2.4.5. 1943. the new tritonal system 2.4.6. 1944. the beginning of the end 2.4.7. 1945. the end 2.5. original color parts 2.5.1. duNkelgelB and rotbraun color comparison 2.6. Color photographs taken during wwii 2.7. ANALYSIS AND STUDY OF COLORS USING ORIGINAL PAINT SAMPLES

106 108 109 112 120

3. soviet ARMOR CAMOUFLAGE 3.1. Introduction 3.2. Camouflage of the Red Army military vehicles 3.3. Description of the particular paints 3.4. ORIGINAL COLOR PARTS and color pictures

128 130 131 131 131 133 133 133 134 136 137 137 138 138 138 140 140 142 143 143 144 148 148 149 149 150 151

4. BRITISH ARMOR CAMOUFLAGE 4.1. introduction 4.2. The COLOR Standards 4.2.1. The British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.) & Home Forces 1934-1941 4.2.1.1. The pre-war period 4.2.1.2. Gas Detection 4.2.1.3. Canvas tilts & Hoods 4.2.1.4. New Color & changes 4.2.1.5. A New Color System 4.2.1.6. A new Scheme 4.2.1.7. A Color Change 4.2.1.8. U.S.-SUPPLIED Vehicles 4.2.1.9. 17-pdr Gun Camouflage 4.2.2. Middle East Colors 4.2.2.1. The ‘Caunter Scheme’ 4.2.2.2. Vehicles in other areas - 1941 4.2.2.3. Greece 4.2.2.4. Palestine Trans-Jordan 4.2.2.5. Malta 4.2.2.6. Caunter Cancelled 4.3. G.O. 1650 october 1942 & Post Alamein Period 4.4. Tunisia, Sicily & Italy Colors 4.4.1. British 1st Army 4.4.2. A change of Color Scheme - 1943 4.4.2.1. 8th ARMY 4.4.3. Italy 4.4.4. The Far East

152 154 155 158 170 202

5. US ARMY ARMOR CAMOUFLAGE 5.1. Introduction 5.2. THE HISTORY OF OLIVE DRAB COLOR 5.3. US ARMY DISRUPTIVE CAMOUFLAGE PAINT FOR TANKS 5.4. 1944 FIELD MANUAL FM 5-20B CAMOUFLAGE OF VEHICLES 5.5. DISRUPTIVE CAMOUFLAGE PAINTING OF US ARMY & USMC IN THE PACIFIC

208

6. BIBLIOGRAPHY

1

prologue

This publication in your hands is a detailed study of documents and original material, information and documentation from different museums, work of historians and experts in each respective army and synthesis of other publications which are generally recognized as benchmarks. Our intention is to share all this information with readers, and give a guide to the colors that can be used to represent a camouflaged vehicle in a specific theater of operations. But that is just the basic concept. This book also aims to serve another purpose, namely, to show how a color in a photograph is interpreted or

4 / WWII REAL COLORS

how a color is spectrographically studied in a laboratory, in order to decipher its composition. It is true that having a list of official colors referenced by the various military establishments (which we can use to represent a vehicle) does not mean that we can't let our imagination roam (within limits), because reality will always trump official policy. The circumstances experienced by vehicles and their crews, once in combat, mean that rules could not always be followed, and ingenuity and the use of different resources that each crew had in hand, were employed to survive another day of frenzied conflict.

WWII REAL COLORS / 5

6 / WWII REAL COLORS

2

GERMAN ARMOR COLO & CAMOUFLA RS GE

Ford truck used by SS Einsatzkommando Dänemark, Denmark. (Nationalmuseet)

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2.1

introduction

In the pre-war years, and during World War II, the colors, camouflage patterns, and the method of application used by the German army, went through a process of standardization and regulation. These standards and regulations continued to evolve as the war progressed. It is interesting to understand and comprehend how German vehicles were painted and camouflaged during WWII. To prepare this study we have relied on official regulations of the German Army published between 1937 and 1945, by OKH (Oberkommando des Heeres) and the

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OKL (Oberkommando des Luftwaffe). Later in this book we can see them in the original format, translated into English. No less important are the RAL cards, where the colors used to paint all civil and military material were recorded . They form a fundamental part of this study. These regulations not only indicated what color use to paint a vehicle, but also how to camouflage, what proportion and even how to apply the paint. The color of the German Army vehicles was changed several times during the course of the war. Many times this regulation was only applied to new vehicles coming from the factory. For vehicles that were already operational on different fronts, the new rules were applied depending on many factors, such as availability of paint, depending on the crews, or if it was a vehicle that was in first line use, etc. The scheme used until early 1943 was the characteristic single color scheme of RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau. Only vehicles intended for the African

theater were painted with specific colors like RAL 8000 Gelbbraun or RAL 7008 Graugrün. Later we will see that, from 1942 other, unofficial colors were used for camouflaging vehicles. On 18th February 1943 the order H.M. 1943, Nr. 181, introduced a new camouflage system for all fronts. This consisted of a dark yellow base color and two complementary colors. For winter, a washable white paint, easy to remove with the change of seasons was also used. This system continued to be used to the end of the war and allowed the commanders of each unit to choose the right combination of color and pattern camouflage to better adapt to the terrain in which they were operating. This tricolor system was the most flexible and reliable of all used by the armies that participated in WWII. As the war progressed, the rules in many cases were difficult to implement due to availability of supplies. Starting in 1944, especially in the eastern front, the units were in constant retreat, and the time that units could invest in the maintenance of their vehicles was very low, so the crews often resorted to using locally available paint which did not

conform to the regulatory system or specifications. Another peculiarity was the method of application and paint thinner that was used, which was not always the same in all units, and which could cause changes in color shades between different vehicles. Hence, in the end, if we look at the pictures from the period, we can observe the use of different colors and camouflage patterns employed by the German armored forces throughout WWII. Some colors and patterns used, especially during the last years of the war, are still the subject of much discussion, resulting in an increasing interest in painting schemes used in the last phase of the war.

Impressive color photo of a Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.N which had most likely belonged to 233. Panzer-Division, and was used for mine-clearing operations in Denmark after the end of the war. (Nationalmuseet)

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2.2

RAL SYSTEM

When we want to discuss the colors used by the German army during World War II, it is essential to consider the role of the RAL association. The "Reichs-Ausschuss für Lieferbedingungen" (State Commission for Delivery Terms) was established on 23rd April 1925, as a joint initiative of the private sector and the German government, under the custody of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Due to the economical reasons and the need for rationalization, in 1927 the RAL defined a range of 40 standard colors for industrial applications which was registered as RAL 840. On 1st November 1927, a range of colors intended for vehicle painting was issued under RAL 840 B designation. The particular colors were numbered from 1 to 40. On 30th April 1932, an updated edition was issued, which in June 1932 received the RAL 840 B 2 designation in order to avoid confusion. In the course of time, the initial color set turned out to be insufficient, and more colors were regularly added, being assigned with consecutive numbers or combinations of numbers and letters. These were published in Ergänzungsblätter (supplementary sheets).

Under the influence of the Wehrmacht, the entire color set was revised between 1939-1940 and redesignated RAL 840 R. At that time, a new color designation system was introduced. The colors were then divided into 9 main groups depending on their hues: yellows and beiges (no.1), oranges (no.2), reds (no.3), purples (no.4), blues (no.5), greens (no.6), greys (no.7), browns (no.8), and any other (no.9). Since then, the first digit of the color code referred to the color hue, whilst the following digits marked the particular color tone within the group, eg. RAL 6003 code meant that this color was the third color in the green group. This color designation system lasts until today, although the current RAL 840 HR register does not include some of the color tones used during World War II. Some other colors remained, but their current tones are different. In this currently used system, the colors are not only assigned with codes but also with names. The latter started appearing yet before the World War II, but at that time they were not officially registered. In result, we may frequently see different names for the same color mentioned in various documents. Worth noting is also that some of the names employed during World War II are different than the names used in the current RAL 840 HR:

Color code

Pre-war / WWII name

RAL 840 HR name

RAL 1001

Elfenbein

Beige

RAL 6006

Feldgrau

Grauoliv

RAL 6007

Grün

Flaschengrün

RAL 7002

Marinegrau

Olivgrau

RAL 7003

Grau

Moosgrau

RAL 7008

Graugrün

Khakigrau

RAL 7009

Grau / Hellgrau / Jägergrau

Grüngrau

RAL 7016

Blaugrau

Anthrazitgrau

RAL 7021

Dunkelgrau

Schwarzgrau

RAL 8012

Rot

Rotbraun

RAL 8017

Rotbraun

Schokoladenbraun

RAL 9001

Weiss

Cremeweiss

RAL 9002

Weiss

Grauweiss

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RAL COLOR CARDS

ELFENBEIN – IVORY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 20 m Reference card RAL 840 R: 1001 This color was used to paint the upper parts of interior compartments of fully enclosed armored vehicles. The inner sides of the hatches were to be painted in the exterior color (same applied to the crew compartments of the AFVs with open hulls), but in practice they were sometimes left in Elfenbein.

BEIGE - SAND YELLOW Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 15 h Reference card RAL 840 R: 1002 This color was probably only used for primers, applied as undercoats for further application of RAL 1001 Elfenbein.

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GELB – YELLOW Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 23 Reference card RAL 840 R: 1006 This color was used for painting tactical markings. According to many sources, white national identity crosses were overpainted with yellow during the Polish campaign.

GELBROT - YELLOW RED Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 25 Reference card RAL 840 R: 2001 This color was possibly used for painting markings and other identification signs.

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GELBROT - YELLOW RED Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 2006 This color was introduced for use by the Wehrmacht Heer in the "Genormte Anstriche" color list which was issued sometime between late March 1942 and February 1943. It was probably intended for similar purposes as RAL 2001.

ROT – RED Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 7 Reference card RAL 840 R: 3000 This color was used for painting tactical markings and other identification markings such as the red crosses on ambulances and first aid kits boxes.

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BLAU - BLUE Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 32 Reference card RAL 840 R: 5001 This color was used for painting tactical markings.

OLIVGRÜN – OLIVE GREEN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 6003 This color was used by the Luftwaffe before WWII as an aircraft camouflage color (RLM 62). The air force later used it to camouflage their facilities. In February 1943 it was introduced as a complementary camouflage color to be applied over Dunkelgelb. In January 1945 it was ordered to be used as the base color for the newly built military vehicles.

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FELDGRAU – FIELD GREY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 3 Reference card RAL 840 R: 6006 This color was widely used for painting helmets (until 1940) and various parts of combat equipment. It was also the standard color of military uniforms. Before 1937, it was used for painting army's passenger and staff cars, motorcycles, and signals and engineer equipment.

GRÜN – GREEN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 28 Reference card RAL 840 R: 6007 This color was one of the three colors used for painting vehicles and equipment in the pre-war tricolor camouflage pattern. Due to the existence of large stocks of this color, it was probably also used as a camouflage color during WWII, sometimes applied instead of the officially prescribed RAL 6003.

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DUNKELGRUN - DARK GREEN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 30 Reference card RAL 840 R: 6009 This color was most likely used to paint softskin vehicles of the German police and fire fighters before and during WWII.

MARINEGRAU - NAVY GREY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 1 m Reference card RAL 840 R: 7002 This color was probably used for painting various machinery components.

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GRAU – GREY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 1 r Reference card RAL 840 R: 7003 This color was commonly used for painting various machinery components by the German industry. The Luftwaffe used it under the RLM 02 designation for painting aircraft interiors and as a camouflage color.

GRAUGRÜN – GREY-GREEN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 7008 This color was to ordered in mid-March 1941 to be used in combination with RAL 8000 for camouflaging vehicles intended for service in North Africa. However, some researchers suggest that this color was not widely employed.

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HELLGRAU / JÄGERGRAU - LIGHT GREY / HUNTER GREY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 2 Reference card RAL 840 R: 7009 This color was used for painting lower portions of interiors of the fully enclosed armored vehicles.

BLAUGRAU (Fliegerblaugrau) – BLUE-GREY (Aviation blue-grey) Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 4 Reference card RAL 840 R: 7016 This color was used by the army for primers. It was also used by the Luftwaffe to paint their vehicles and equipment until the spring of 1943. Another user of this color was the Kriegsmarine, who designated it Dunkelgrau 1.

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DUNKELBRAUN - DARK BROWN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 45 Reference card RAL 840 R: 7017 This colour was introduced as a camouflage color (together with Dunkelgrau) on 19th July 1937. At that time, it was specified that the new camouflage colors should only be applied when the old paintwork required renewal. On 2nd November 1938, it was ordered that all vehicles should be repainted with this new camouflage scheme (with 2/3 of the surfaces covered with Dunkelgrau and 1/3 with Dunkelbraun), which was officially simplified to RAL 7021 overall in July 1940.

SCHIEFERGRAU - SLATE GREY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 4 Reference card RAL 840 R: 7018 This color was used for painting steel helmets and other equipment since 1940. It is possible that it found limited use for vehicle painting.

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SCHWARZGRAU - BLACK-GREY Reference card RLM: 66 Reference card RAL 840 R: 7019 This color was mainly used for painting aircraft interiors, but it is possible that it found use in vehicle painting as a substitute for RAL 7021.

DUNKELGRAU – DARK GREY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 46 Reference card RAL 840 R: 7021 This colour was first introduced as a camouflage color (together with Dunkelbraun) on 19th July 1937. At that time, it was specified that the new camouflage colors should only be applied when the old paintwork required renewal. On 2nd November 1938, it was ordered that all vehicles should be repainted with this new camouflage scheme (with 2/3 of the surfaces covered with Dunkelgrau and 1/3 with Dunkelbraun). On 31st July 1940, RAL 7021 was ordered to be used as a single camouflage color, and remained in this role until 1943.

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GRAU – GREY Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 7027 This color was used as a secondary camouflage color for vehicles used in North Africa and Crete. It was officially introduced in this role on 25th March 1942.

DUNKELGELB NACH MUSTER – DARK YELLOW ACCORDING TO SAMPLE Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: This color was ordered to replace RAL 7021 as an universal color for all surfaces in February 1943. In April 1943 it was officially superseded by RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb and it remains uncertain whether it had been actually employed.

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DUNKELGELB – DARK YELLOW Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 7028 This color replaced Dunkelgelb nach Muster in April 1943, being assigned with RAL 7028 code in March 1943.

DUNKELGELB AUSGABE 1944 – DARK YELLOW VERSION 1944 Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 7028 In the autumn of 1944, a new different tone of Dunkelgelb was introduced. It is mentioned in some documents under the Gelb RAL 7028 Ausgabe 1944 (Yellow RAL 7028 Version 1944) designation.

DUNKELGELB Variant Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 7028 Another variant of the Dunkelgelb color seen on many preserved parts of vehicles and equipment, such as the Schürzen support bracket from a Jagdpanzer IV pictured here.

WWII REAL COLORS / 23

GELBBRAUN – YELLOW-BROWN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 16 Reference card RAL 840 R: 8000 This color was mainly used before the war for painting agricultural equipment, but in mid-March 1941 it was specified as one of the camouflage colors for vehicles destined to North Africa. However, it appears that it was often used as a single camouflage color.

ERDGELB – EARTH YELLOW Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 17 Reference card RAL 840 R: 8002 This color was one of the three colors used for painting vehicles and equipment in the pre-war tricolor camouflage pattern.

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BRAUN – BROWN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 18 Reference card RAL 840 R: 8010 This color was one of the three colors used for painting vehicles and equipment in the pre-war tricolor camouflage pattern.

ROT (Rotbraun) – RED (Red Brown) Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 13 a Reference card RAL 840 R: 8012 This color was mainly used for primers that protected all types of materials. It was also used as a camouflage color due to the problems with supplies of RAL 8017 Rotbraun.

WWII REAL COLORS / 25

ROT (Rotbraun) - RED (Red Brown) Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 13 Reference card RAL 840 R: 8013 This color was used for primers. It was introduced for use by the Wehrmacht Heer in the "Genormte Anstriche" list of approved colors which was issued after late March 1942. It was also used by the Kriegsmarine for painting the underwater portions of the ship hulls.

ROTBRAUN (Kaffeebraun) – RED BROWN (Coffee Brown) Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 19 Reference card RAL 840 R: 8017 This color was introduced in February 1943 as a complementary camouflage color to be applied over RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb basecoat.

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BRAUN - BROWN Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 8020 This color was developed for use in the African theater of operations. It replaced RAL 8000 Gelbbraun in the spring of 1942. It was also used for painting vehicles that served in Crete. It was to be used in combination with RAL 7027 Grau.

WEIB - WHITE Reference card RAL 840 B 2: Reference card RAL 840 R: 9001 This color was used to paint various markings, including the national identity crosses. In November 1941 it was introduced as the color of washable emulsion paint used for camouflaging vehicles which served in the areas covered by snow.

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WEIB – WHITE Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 1 Reference card RAL 840 R: 9002 This color replaced RAL 9001 Weiß in 1943. It differed from the latter by having a grayish tone.

SCHWARZ – BLACK Reference card RAL 840 B 2: 5 Reference card RAL 840 R: 9005 This color was mainly used for painting various markings, including stencils inside the vehicles. During the pre-war period, it was also used for painting chassis and fenders of high staff cars, as well as army bicycles.

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A complementary color chart released as a supplement to the RAL 840 B 2. These colors were added at the request of the German Railways, Minister of Aviation and Commander-in-Chief of the German Air Force, and Wehrmacht, possibly around 1937. Color 35 m (RAL 4000 in RAL 840 B 2) was used for painting the high-speed diesel train cars and the wagons of the "Rheingold" luxury train. Color 1 r (RAL 7003 in RAL 840 B 2) corresponds to the RLM 02 Grau widely used by the Luftwaffe and German industry. Colors 45 and 46 (RAL 7017 and 7021 in RAL 840 B 2) were introduced by Wehrmacht as the new camouflage colors in July 1937. Color 47 (RAL 3004 in RAL 840 B 2) was used for painting the Berlin S-Bahn wagons.

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Appendix 1: Specification of colors approved for use by the German Army in February 1941. The table reproduced here is a list of colors approved for use by the German Army (Heer), which had been issued in February 1941. It includes the classification numbers, color names and their reference codes in RAL 840 R and RAL 840 B registers. The annotations attached to some of the classification numbers refer to the specific use of the particular colors. Annotation no.2 indicates that these colors shall be used only for primers. Annotation no.3 mentions that the color no.3 (RAL 1006 Gelb) should be used for application of the priming coat for color no.12 (RAL 1006 Gelb) (sic!). Annotation no.4 refers to the use of color no.22 (RAL 1002 Beige) for application of the priming coat for color no.13 (RAL 1001 Elfenbein). Annotation no.5 indicates that the equipment [previously] painted in two camouflage colors (RAL 7021/7017) should be painted in RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau only.

Appendix 2: Specification of colors approved for use by the German Army issued after spring 1942. The table reproduced on the following page comes from a document called "Genormte Anstriche" (Specified Finishes) which must have been issued after late March 1942, as the new camouflage colors intended for use in Africa are already present in the list. The lack of the camouflage colors for the tritonal system in this list would indicate that this document had been issued before their introduction in early 1943, however, we must note that another document issued in the first half of 1944, "Handbuch der Lackierbetriebe" (Paintshop Manual), includes exactly the same color table. When comparing the contents of this table with the previous one, we may note that a number of colors disappeared from the list (RAL 3006, RAL 4000, RAL 5002, RAL 6005, RAL 7002, RAL 7003, RAL 8012, RAL 9001 & RAL 9006) and a few were added (RAL 2006, RAL 7027, RAL 8013, RAL 8020). Above all, this table gives us an important information that created a lot of controversy amongst researchers. Some authors think that it indicates that RAL 8012 Rot/Rotbraun must have been replaced with RAL 8013 Rot/Rotbraun. However, other documents and preserved parts of vehicles and equipment show that RAL 8012 remained in use throughout the entire war.

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The origins of the RAL 8012 Rot/Rotbraun color may be traced in the 1. Ergänzungsblatt (1st Supplementary Sheet) for the RAL 840 B 2 register, which was issued in May 1934. This color (at that time assigned with No.13 a) was introduced by request of the German Railways which intended to use it for painting their covered goods wagons. Worth noting is that in the introductory text from this document it is mentioned that the color RAL No.13 (RAL 8013 in RAL 840 R) is likely to be deleted from the register given that the German Railways no longer need it. These facts are interesting, because both colors were actually almost identical, and it is hard to imagine the reasons for this change, as well as for the "return" of the RAL 8013 to the German Army color listings issued after the spring of 1942. The two other colors featured in this supplementary sheet are RAL No.18 g (RAL 8014 in RAL 840 R), which was to be used for painting motor vehicles belonging to the SA, the paramilitary wing of the Nazi Party; and RAL No.32 h (RAL 5002 in RAL 840 R), intended for painting road signs. Note that this color also appeared in the Army color list from February 1941, which is reproduced on the previous page.

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GENERAL VIEW OF THE GERMAN ARMY COLORS 1933 - 1945

RAL 840 B 2: 17 RAL 840 R: 8002 ERDGELB

RAL 840 B 2: 28 RAL 840 R: 6007 GRÜN

RAL 840 B 2: 18 RAL 840 R: 8010 BRAUN

PRE-WAR COLORS 1933 - 1937

RAL 840 B 2: 46 RAL 840 R: 7021 DUNKELGRAU

RAL 840 B 2: 45 RAL 840 R: 7017 DUNKELBRAUN PRE-WAR/EARLY WAR COLORS 1937 - 1943

RAL 840 B 2: 16 RAL 840 R: 8000 GELBBRAUN

RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: 7008 GRAUGRÜN

RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: 8020 BRAUN

AFRICA 1941

RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: 7028 DUNKELGELB

AFRICA / CRETE 1942 - 1943

RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: 6003 OLIVGRÜN 1943 - 1945

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RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: 7027 GRAU

RAL 840 B 2: 19 RAL 840 R: 8017 ROTBRAUN

RAL 840 B 2: 3 RAL 840 R: 6006 FELDGRAU

RAL 840 B 2: 20 m RAL 840 R: 1001 ELFENBEIN

RAL 840 B 2: 13 a RAL 840 R: 8012 ROT / ROTBRAUN

RAL 840 B 2: 2 RAL 840 R: 7009 HELLGRAU

RAL 840 B 2: 13 RAL 840 R: 8013 ROT / ROTBRAUN

INTERIOR AND PRIMER COLORS

RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: DUNKELGELB NACH MUSTER 1943

RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: 7028 DUNKELGELB AUSGABE 1944

RAL 840 B 2: RAL 840 R: 7028 DUNKELGELB Variant

DARK YELLOW COLOR VARIANTS

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2.3

TH E OKH

(Oberkommando des Heeres)

Regulations

The rules for military vehicle painting were established by the OKH (Oberkommando des Heeres), the Supreme High Command of the German Army. These regulations not only indicated in what color the vehicles should be painted, but also how to apply the camouflage and in what proportion. The colors and camouflage of the German Army vehicles changed several times during the course of war. These regulations were not always applied to all operating vehicles for various reasons explained later. Sometimes the new regulations could only be applied to the newly built vehicles as they left factories. In other occasions, the specified standards were applicable to all vehicles, both the new ones and those which already were in active service.

340 t . 37, Nr. ts, trit H. M. 19 es geräts de s Gerä de s He er stri ch s Di e ch an n. ri en u st rb ra fa n ke lb 340. An de s Bu nt u nd du n e St el le ke lg ra u , so nd er 1. An di en du n zu setz en rb ab Fa n rf de ha ne n n sc ei i r kl de ch f an nein n. Au An st ri cht ge ge üb er ge be n si nd ni na nd er nkelbr au Fa rb en ch i nei od er du li äh au lm gr al el nk en du ss mü rb e si e ei ne Fa ln is t nu r rb en ta fe Fl äc he n rd en Fa le n we er st n. el de t st en is st rw en zu ve An stri ch u n d Di r ne ue uert Tr up pe n ndt. De er er ne 2. De n sert od g üb er sa n es lu eb el sg au ig st e rt ig Fe er bi sh na ch n n der un g ge n, we di e Ta rn an zu brin is t fü r rfah re n n di e ss. ve re mu tz ah ri rf en Sp werd Sp ritz ve Fa rb e im da beim ge n der ei ch en, 3. Au ftra h Au fs tr rc du t. s , si e r al er t is er ha lt en gü ns ti ge e ge mi nd an stri ch der Fa rb en g n ge n rb n gu Fa ku kein en Ne ufer ti Gl an zw ir uc he n. dü rfen au fz ubra npla ne n ge en Wa rb Fa 4. erig en t no ch de n bi sh 1. us w. ha wi e zu si nd in ämtern Fa rb en n de en de n in eres ze ug eh He en st n lg be de im er fo in s Gerät un d wi rd ne , de ch an ri en an st 5. Vorh Bu ntfa rb be n. erig en 488 Teil n ab ge ge de n bi sh H. Dv. pe up Tr ge n der n di e di e mu an im de 30 u nd n Be st Zu st an Zi ffer st eh en de n g de r it e 237, en tg eg en ru Se e de Di re Än de 6. af t. i n sb es on a uß er Kr n g 6, us ga be. tr et en 1 An ha bei Ne ua it e 238, er Se od t er at st bl mu ck en De rb . h Fa (VIII) lg t du rc AHA/In 2 ft er fo , 12.7.37. Vors ch ri s He eres de do an Ob er ko mm

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A special feature is that often specific colors were used for painting vehicles intended for service in a particular area, but this vehicle could be eventually sent to another theater of war retaining their camouflage schemes, as in the case of many vehicles which had been prepared to be sent to North Africa in late 1941 and in 1942, but were eventually employed on the Eastern Front. Hence, in the end, if we look at the period photos, we can see the diversity of colors and camouflage schemes applied to the German military vehicles during World War II. In the following pages we reproduce the original text of the selected regulations and their translation.

H. M. 1937, Nr. 340 340. Painting of Army Equipment. 1. The multicolor paintwork has to be replaced with a paint coat of Dunkelgrau and Dunkelbraun. There is no sharp border between those colors; instead a soft transition from one color into the other is required. On smaller surfaces only one color – Dunkelgrau or Dunkelbraun - has to be used. 2. Troops and departments will receive color plates after completion. The new painting scheme is only to be applied when the current paint coat needs to be replaced. 3. Applying the paint by spraying process is to be preferred instead of using a brush, when the paint is sprayed on, the camouflage will appear less glossy. 4. Canvas covers must not be painted. They shall be used in their previously used colors. Newly manufactured covers will be delivered in colors according to 1. 5. Available equipment in military distribution facilities will be delivered to the troops in their current multicolor painting scheme. 6. The conflicting orders of H. Dv. 488 Part 1 Appendix 6, especially page 237, number 30 and the color samples on page 238 do not apply any more. Oberkommando des Heeres, 12.7.37. AHA/In 2 (VIII).

es fol g e n d Kri e g es s 64 e 8 d r. r N e Da u 940, H. M. 1 f ü r die i st, , wi rd ic h. n r e t r s a n p a s h ri e b e n t Ge r ä vo r g e s c e ei n z u f n f u o a t r s b h ri c u n kel Um A n s t l g r a u/d . r a ht, : h d u n ke t c e i n r d t r s n s t ri c h a tter D o A n A a n ge ra ue n a ht, g l g r a s d er l d d e l k e r n h ü c u f t, en d n, St a 1. Ger ä n fa rbi g S-Rolle n oc h ei K- u n d r u . B n . t z l e er h ä . r ät, wi h a n delt er n i s g e a rb e b e F 2. Hi n d t i m r 1.7.40 c ht m e h Bd E), 3 wi rd n i ü st u. R H h . (C II). 0. K. H n 2 (VI - AHA/I 6 1 / 8 8 / 2 - 7

H. M. 1940, Nr. 864 Painting of Equipment. To save paint it is ordered for the duration of war: 1. Equipment which was formerly painted in Dunkelgrau/ Dunkelbraun will be painted in Dunkelgrau only. 2. Obstacle material like barbed wire and other materials will not be painted anymore. 0. K. H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 31.7.40 -72/88/16 - AHA/In 2 (VIII).

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H. M. 1938, Nr. 687 res ger äts. 5 werden aufgeh obe n. 340. Anstrich des Hee f. 4 Satz 1 und Ziff. Zif 2, z Sat 2 f. Zif 340 durchz ufü hre n, ohn e 1. H. M. 1937 S. 137 Nr. ist von den Truppe n un bra kel dun / u kel gra strich s. Der Ger äta nstric h dun frü heren Buntfa rbe nan des noc h vorhan den en d tan Zus den auf Rücksicht trich zu ver wen den 2. Es sin d für den Ans RAL, Farben kar te 840 B 2 dun kel gra u Nr. 46 der RAL, 2 B 840 te kar ben Far dun kelbra un Nr. 45 der , und zwa r ene n Pan zerfah rzeuge diesen Farben verseh P-Farben für die mit ät, Ger ene diesen Farben verseh W-Farben für das mit 7, f. Zif der gen fol nac h vorhan den e Ölfarben Farben für Seg eltuch Farben kön nen auch auf se Die n). rbe zfa har (Ku nst im Übrige n E-Farben . den wer ht zu überne hme n. aufgebrac dmittel der Truppe n die ein sch läg ige n Gel auf d sin 8 S. 157 Nr. 460 ten 193 Kos 3. Die Farbentafel - H. M. der aus ist chs Ans tri 4. Ausfüh run g des len: ch. tsp unkten zu bestel ersichtli er fol gen den Gesich unt men fir fer Lie den ist zur Ein stellu ng 5. Die Farben sin d bei ben zu liefer n oder es Far ge rti hfe eic str gem äss Verdün nun gsmittel Entweder sin d wun sch etes, han delsübliches ign gee ein r übe abe ein e Ang verlan gen. Falls nur auf Spritz fäh igkeit packun gsg efä sse zu Ver der ten ket Eti rt den ges ondert ang eforde seiten s der Fir ma auf sie für Spritz zwecke s mus mt, kom ge Fra ng in ein e Spezia lverdü nnu .37 ver wiesen. . werden t D 69 1937/38 vom 6.8 d auf die Vorsch rif wir en arb E-F der ug Zum Bez arben: 33, Lieferfir men für P-F Wal ken rie der Str. 31Ges., Berlin-Britz, m. Kom te duk pro Che mie 1, g kel man n A.-G., Ham bur 5/9 Gla surit-Werke M. Win slu st, Dra nie nda mm ann idm -We lin Ber b. H., Gloriu s-Wier nik G. m. 25, ch bus ist n, Chr Co., Wupper tal-Ba rme Dr. Kur t Herber t Et 10, tr. ors chi Mel 16, SD C. Hen derhotf, Berlin er Str. 98-100, zen Lüt 33, W g pzi Lei Gustav Leuchte Nac hf. endorf, Lackfa bri k, Köl n-Bick und Nür nberg-N. Herbig-Ha arh aus A.-G., bri k, Hilden (Rh ld.) k- und Lackfa rbe nfa Lac d, hol der Wie ate n, bei Festsetzu ng n Her man von höc hstens 3 Mon eit erz Lag e ein nur haben 6. Kun sth arz farben ge hierau f zu achten. ist nge lme tel eug e sowie buntfa rbi der Bes ge und Ges pan nfa hrz zeu ahr ftf Kra un der lan en kel gra u / dun kelbra 7. Sämtliche Wag enp für Seg eltuch (2) dun ben Far mit d Das sin ken h bek annt geg ebe n. Bez üge und Sch utz dec Seg eltuch werden noc men der Farben für fir fer Lie . es mus s vollko mme n hen eic en, zu str von Sta ub zu rei nig ich ndl grü hen eic Str ein mal und mit dem Pin sel Seg eltuch ist vor dem ch gut aufzur ühren rau Geb vor d der sin ben u unter Freila ssu ng trocke n sei n. Die Far erfolg t mit dun kel gra ch tri Ans te ers Der decken d aufzutrag en. un aufgestriche n. Dan ach wird dun kelbra un. bra kel dun für n Flecke O. K. H., 2.11.38 (VIII). - 72 8800 18 - In 2

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H. M. 1938, Nr. 687 340. Painting of Army Equipment. 1. H. M. 1937 Page 137 Nr. 340 Par. 2 Sentence 2, Par. 4 Sentence 1 and Par. 5 are not valid any more. The Dunkelgrau/Dunkelbraun painting scheme has to be applied by the troops, even when the previous multicolor painting scheme is still in good order. 2. The following paints have to be used: Dunkelgrau Nr. 46 according to the RAL 840 B 2 color plate, Dunkelbraun Nr. 45 according to the RAL 840 B 2 color plate, namely P-paints for tanks, W-paints for equipment. Paints for canvas according to Par. 7 For the rest use E-paints (synthetic resin paints). These paints can also be applied over previously applied oil-based paint. 3. The costs will be disbursed by the financial resources of the troops. 4. The paint has to be applied according to color plate H. M. 1938 Page 157 No. 460. 5. Paints must be ordered from contractors according to the following aspects: Either ready-to-apply colors are to be supplied, or an indication of a suitable, commercially available diluent must be mentioned on the labels of the packaging containers of said paints. If only one special thinner is suitable, it must be ordered separately. For acquisition of E-paints refer to order D 69 1937/38 from 6.8.37 Distribution of P-paints: Chemieprodukte Komm. Ges., Berlin-Britz, Walkenrieder Str. 31-33, Glasurit-Werke M. Winkelmann A.-G., Hamburg 1, Glorius-Wiernik G. m. b. H., Berlin-Weidmannslust, Draniendamm 5/9 Dr. Kurt Herbert Et Co., Wuppertal-Barmen, Christbusch 25, C. Henderhotf, Berlin SD 16, Melchiorstr. 10, Gustav Leuchte Nachf. Leipzig W 33, Lützener Str. 98-100, Herbig-Haarhaus A.-G., Lackfabrik, Köln-Bickendorf, Hermann Wiederhold, Lack- und Lackfarbenfabrik, Hilden (Rhld.) und Nürnberg-N. 6. Synthetic resin paint can be stored for no longer than three months, this has to be taken into account when determining the amount of paint ordered. 7. All canvas covers of vehicles and drawn vehicles as well as multicolored tarps and covers have to be repainted with paint for canvas (2) Dunkelgrau/Dunkelbraun. Distribution companies for canvas paints will be announced shortly. Canvas has to be cleaned thoroughly from dust and have to be totally dry. The paint needs to be stirred well and applied with brush in one opaque coat. First coat will be Dunkelgrau while leaving the areas which will be Dunkelbraun. Then Dunkelbraun follows. O. K. H., 2.11.38 - 72 8800 18 - In 2 (VIII). A Kübelwagen inspected by U.S. troops. Note the SS registration number on the license plate.

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H. M. 1941, Nr. 281 281. Ans tri ch des Heeres ger äts. 1. An Stel le des Ans tri chs dun kel gra u / dun kelbrau n oder ein farbig Ziff. 1), ist das Gerät dun kel gra u (H. M. 1940 (ein sch ließlich aller S. 382 Nr. 864 Kra ftfa hrz eug e) der in gelbbr aun RAL- 8000/gra Afrika ein ges etzten Tru ugr ün RAL 7008, bei de ppe n mit Ans tric h Far ben mat t (nic ht glä nze nd), zu ist in der gleich en Art vers ehe n. Die ser Ans tri durchz ufü hre n wie der ch bis herige, an Stel le dun kelbrau n tritt gra dun kel gra u tritt gelbbr ugr ün. Die Farben sin aun, an Stel le d nic ht geg ene ina nder sch arf abz use all mäh lic h ineina nder tze n, son der n sie müs übergeben. Klei ne Flä sen che n (auc h Spei che nrä ges tri che n werden. Gelb der und Sch eib enr äder) bra un ist vor her rsc hen kön nen ein farbig d, etw a im Verh Drittel gra ugr ün. ält nis von zwei Drittel n gelbbr aun und ein em 2. Die Farben sin d von den Tru ppe n zu bes cha ffen . Lief erfi rme 531 Nr. 1269 bek an nt geg n sin d im H.L.BI. 1940 Teil C S. 180 Nr. 535 und ebe n. Es sin d zu ver wen den: für Pan zer wag en: P-Fa rbe, für Nac hri chteng erät (Fun kgerät): W-Fa rbe, sow eit das Ger ät mit die für Gerät aus Mag nesium ser Farbe ges tri che n leg ier ung en (z. B. Ele ist, ktro nrä der an Ges chütze für Ger ät aus Seg eltu n usw.): Farbe nac h TL ch: Farbe nac h fol gen 6337, der Ziff er 3, für son sti ges Ger ät: Kun sth arz farbe (E-Farb e). Auß er streich fertige n Kun sth arz farben (E) kön nen - sow eit die Tru ppe Nitro-Ko mbi nation sfa rbe über Spritza ppa rate ver n nac h TL 6317 B v. 12.2 füg t - auc h .41 Anw end ung fin den. Sollten P-, W- und E-Fa rben nicht erhältlich sei n, so kön nen für alle Fahrzeu ge und Heer der Pan zer wag en) abw asc esgeräte (ein sch liesslic hba re (wis ch- und reg enf h este, unbren nba re) Tar mit Wur zelbürste und nfa rbe n nac h TL 6345 (Emu Sod awa sser abw asc hba r) lsi onsfarben, ver wen det wer den Min.), oder auc h mit Was . Die se kön nen ges tri che n (Tro cke nzeit rd. ser verd ün nt ges pritzt 30 werden. Von bereits ein ges etzt en Tru ppe n sin d die Far ben im Nac hsc hub 3. Zum Ans tri ch von Gerä weg e anz uforder n. t aus Seg eltu ch (Wag enp lan en, Bez üge, Sch utz a.) sin d »Farben für Seg decken u. eltu ch« von fol gen den Fir men zu ver wen den: Ewa ld Dür fen, Herdecke (Ruh r), Her man n Wie der hold, Hil den (Rhld.), Her man n Wie der hold, Nür nberg, Dr. J. Peri £r Co., Berl in-Temp elh of, Gus tav Rut h, Ham burg-Wa nds bek, Farben fabrik Han sa, F. Wei ssh un Er Co., Kiel, Carl Dürsch midt, Aus sig (Sud ete nga u), Sch waa b, Wei nga rte n (Bad en), Dr. Wicke, Berlin-Temp elh of, Reic hsb ahn-Privat str ass e, Reic hhold, Flü gger & Boe cki ng, Wie n XXI, Breiten leer str ass e, A. Zan kl Söh ne, Gra z, Zoel lner-Werke, Berlin-N euköll n, Che miepro duk te, Berlin-B ritz, Wal ken rie der Stra sse, Hei mberg & Gres ers, Kref eld, Sch lie ssfach 276, Gla surit-Werke, M. Win kel man n, Ham burg 1, Ban kstras se, Cou rt & Bau r, Köln-Ehr enfeld, Herbig-H aar hau s, Köln -Bicken dor f, Aug. Merken s, Esc hweile r (Kr. Aac hen), Jurolin, Jnh. Rob ert Man , Elbi ng (Ostpr.), R. Bau mheier K. G., Osc hatz-Zs chölla u, Imm ali n-Werke, Mett man n (Rhld.), Beck, Koller & Co., Berlin-W eis sen see, Spie ss, Hecker 8 Co., Köln-Rad ert ahl, Theodor Kott hoff, Köln -Rad ert hal. Das Seg eltu ch ist vor dem Streich en grü ndlich von Sta ub zu rei nig en; Die Farben sin d vor Gebr es mus s vol lko mme n troc auc h gut aufzuf ühren ken sei n. und mit dem Pin sel ein Der ers te Ans tri ch erfo mal decken d aufzutrag lgt mit gelbbr aun unt en. er Frei las sun g der Flecken für aufges tri che n. gra ugr ün. Dan ach wird gra ugr ün 4. Die Kos ten des Ans tri chs sin d bei Kapitel VIII E230 zu buc hen. O. K. H. (Ch H Rüs t u. BdE), 17.3.41 - 72/88/ 16 - AHA/In 2 (VIII).

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H. M. 1941, Nr. 281 281. Painting of Army Equipment. 1. Instead of Dunkelgrau/Dunkelbraun painting scheme or single colored Dunkelgrau paintwork (H. M. 1940 P. 382 Nr. 864 Par. 1) the equipment (inc. vehicles) in service in Africa has to be painted in Gelbbraun RAL 8000/ Graugrün RAL 7008, both colors matt (not glossy). The paint has to be applied in the same manner as before, instead of Dunkelgrau, Gelbbraun will be used, instead of Dunkelbraun Graugrün will be used. There must be no sharp borders between those colors, there has to be a soft transition from one tone into the other. Smaller surfaces (including spoked wheels and disc wheels) can be painted in single color. Gelbbraun is predominant in a ratio of two thirds of Gelbbraun to one third of Graugrün. 2. Troops have to order the paints. Distributing companies are listed in H.L.BI. 1940 Part C P. 180 Nr. 535 und 531 Nr. 1269 The following paints have to be used: for tanks: P-paints, for radio equipment (radios): W-paints, when equipment is painted with such paints, for equipment made from magnesium alloys (eg. gun wheels made from Elektron, etc.): paints according to TL 6337, for canvas: paint according to Par. 3, for other equipment: synthetic resin paints (E-paints) Apart from ready to use synthetic resin paints (E) – if the troops have a spray applicator at their disposal - also nitro-cellulose based paints according to TL 6317 B from 12.2.41 can be used. When P-, W- and E-paints are not available, all washable (rain- and heat resistant) camouflage paints for vehicles and equipment (including tanks) can be used according to TL 6345 (emulsion paints, removable with coarse brush and soda water). These can be applied by brush (drying time about 30 mins.) or thinned with water – sprayed on. Troops already in service have to order paints via supply lines. 3. For painting canvas (tarpaulins, covers) »paint for canvas« has to be ordered from the following companies: Ewald Dürfen, Herdecke (Ruhr), Hermann Wiederhold, Hilden (Rhld.), Hermann Wiederhold, Nürnberg, Dr. J. Peri £r Co., Berlin-Tempelhof, Gustav Ruth, Hamburg-Wandsbek, Farbenfabrik Hansa, F. Weisshun Er Co., Kiel, Carl Dürschmidt, Aussig (Sudetengau), Schwaab, Weingarten (Baden), Dr. Wicke, Berlin-Tempelhof, Reichsbahn-Privatstrasse, Reichhold, Flügger & Boecking, Wien XXI, Breitenleer strasse, A. Zankl Söhne, Graz, Zoellner-Werke, Berlin-Neukölln, Chemieprodukte, Berlin-Britz, Walkenrieder Strasse, Heimberg & Gresers, Krefeld, Schliessfach 276, Glasurit-Werke, M. Winkelmann, Hamburg 1, Bankstrasse, Court & Baur, Köln-Ehrenfeld, Herbig-Haarhaus, Köln-Bickendorf, Aug. Merkens, Eschweiler (Kr. Aachen), Jurolin, Jnh. Robert Man, Elbing (Ostpr.), R. Baumheier K. G., Oschatz-Zschöllau, Immalin-Werke, Mettmann (Rhld.), Beck, Koller & Co., Berlin-Weissensee, Spiess, Hecker 8 Co., Köln-Radertahl, Theodor Kotthoff, Köln-Raderthal. Canvas has to be cleaned thoroughly from dust and have to be totally dry. The paint needs to be stirred well and applied with brush in one opaque coat. First coat will be dark Gelbbraun while leaving the areas which will be Graugrün. Then Graugrün will be applied next. 4. Costs of paint will be booked in Chapter VIII E230. O. K. H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 17.3.41 - 72/88/ 16 - AHA/In 2 (VIII).

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kö n n e n s sl a n d ge d i n Ru 1128 n u r. s. t N t h n ä a o , r F r z eu r e 41 sch e n F o n d e re H e e re s g i s H. M. 19 n e s n b ch e i s i d f n r t i h er ns ur n s t ri c n, a n d ssem A ät - z 1128. A it w e i Nor w e g e a s Ge r m d n i g e n n g u e a rn pp Sc h n e e l z u r Ta Di e T r u r d er eu ge t. e Da ue tfa h r z g e s t el l f a r fü r di K a n h ei m ch e n ich ü h re r n Tech n i s li e s s l f h n n c e e s t p n r p e i u d e r n T ä n e g e b d a n n. h s wi rd n a ch de ve r s e h e A n s t ri c n fa r b e er n. n g des a re T a r n z u ford b h c s a w A n ord n u bw e g e a ab h u h t c s s i h d c n u n n ac Na e n de le n i m i n g e n, 45. Zu ver w n s t s t el a u fz u br n g e n 63 e u h i g c D n i d i r n d t e ns pp e n u Li eferb ra uen A vo n T r u d u n kel g be i st n de n e n a h Di e Fa r r . o n v e h a u f de n bz u w a s c Si e i s t el a g e a r Sc h n e 18.11.41 e d , l E) l d a B We g f ü s t u. (Ch H R I). O. K. H. n 2 (VII /I A H 16 -A - 72/88/

H. M. 1941, Nr. 1128 1128. Painting of Army Equipment. The troops in Norway, at the Finnish front and in Russia can paint their equipment (especially vehicles) in white camouflage for the duration of winter. Arrangement and application of camouflage will be monitored by the commanders. Washable paint according to modified Technical Terms of Delivery [TL] 6345 has to be used. The paints will be delivered to the troops via supply lines. They have to be applied over the existing Dunkelgrau paintwork and should be washed off when the snow is gone. O. K. H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 18.11.41 - 72/88/16 -AHA/In 2 (VIII).

H. M. 19 42, Nr. 600 600. A n s t ri c h d e s He e Di e Be s re s g e r ä ti m m u n ts. g i n H. die Tr M. 1942 upp e n S. 180 i n Af r In s el-K ika Nr. 315ret a. g i lt a G e r ät a n uch fü s t ri c h O. K. H. r die für (Ch H R Tr upp e ü s t u. n a uf - 72/88/ B d E), 3. d er 16 -AHA 7.42 /In 2 (V III).

H. M. 1942, Nr. 600 600. Painting of Army Equipment. Regulations issued in H. M. 1942 P. 180 Nr. 315-Painting of equipment for the troops in Africa - also applies for the troops on the island of Crete. O. K. H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 3.7.42 - 72/88/16 -AHA/In 2 (VIII).

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) is t Zi ffer 1 , Nr. 315 2 Nr. 864 . 38 ts H. M. 1942 rä S. ge 40 up pe n 19 Heeres etzten Tr s (H. M. ri ch de s An stri ch ka ei ng es ri en 315. An st Af au gr nd), in nkel der ht glän ze le de s du rz eu ge ma tt (n ic Kr aftfah en 1. An Stel h rb ic Fa sl e id ch li es L 7027, be t - ei ns / gr au RA da s Gerä Drittel RAL 8020 n au br 8020, ei n ri ch tel br au n mit An st it Dr ei beid e i sollen hä lt ni s zw en. ge n, da be etwa im Be ra zu vers eh d, ut en fz ch au rs Flecke n ist vorh er lm äßig en Br au n 8020 rd en. in un re ge t is au ri ch en we n. . Gr 7027 ge st üb ergebe er gr au 7027 er od nd na 20 d 7008 80 in ei nfarbi g en 8000 un lm äh li ch kö n ne n ei ig en Fa rb er Fa rb en al a. sh u. bi r e de n, di äc he n, Rä zu ford er Klei ne Fl bw eg e an Na ch sc hu im nd si Di e Fa rb en uc he n. ri ch vo n au fz ubra aft. de n An st ch do je au ßer Kr au ch fü r t si nd t it is tr 1 28 . 28 . 11 S. 140 Nr S. 596 Nr H. M. 1941 H. M. 1941 rb e na ch Fa e ar hb 2. Ab wa sc n. verw en de zu en an 25.3.42 Pl u. Bd E), st Rü H (Ch H. K. 0. 2 (VIII). - AHA/In - 72/88/16

H. M. 1942, Nr. 315 315. Painting of Army Equipment.

1. Instead of Dunkelgrau (H. M. 1940 P. 382 Nr. 864 Par. 1) the equipment - including vehicles – of troops in Africa has to be painted with Braun RAL 8020 / Grau RAL 7027 – both colors matt (not glossy). Braun 8020 will be predominant in a ratio of two thirds of Braun 8020 to one third Grau 7027. Grau has to be applied as irregular patches, with a soft transition from one color into the other. Smaller surfaces and wheels may remain single colored in 8020 or 7027. Paints will be distributed via supply lines; however, supplies of the older colors 8000 and 7008 are to be used up. H. M. 1941 P. 140 Nr. 281 does not apply any more. 2. Washable paint according to. H. M. 1941 P. 596 Nr. 1128 has to be used for canvas.

0. K. H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 25.3.42 - 72/88/16 - AHA/In 2 (VIII). German vehicles abandoned on the outskirts of the Danish city of Krusaa after its liberation by British forces. (Nationalmuseet)

WWII REAL COLORS / 41

H. M. 1943, Nr. 181 dunkelgrau ts. für Krieg sdauer in einfa rbig 181. Anstrich des Heere sgerä dunkelgrau dunkelbrau n, der erät des bisherigen Gerät anstrichs, a und auf Kreta, tritt für Großg Afrik in en 1. Gerät anstrich. An Stelle Trupp die für braun-grau an Stelle des Gerät anstrichs abgeä ndert worde n ist, sowie r. Anstrich dunkelgelb nach Muste mit sofor tiger Wirku n g der esetzt. s dunkelgelb wird später festg diese für e nkart arbto Nummer der RAL-F ische str. 8, aufzu fordern. u G 1/V), Berli n W 15, Sächs (W Rü J Wa enamt swaff sten, Kaste n und Koffer des Muster sind beim Heere , Vorra tkast en, Werkz eugka gerät n Nachrichte eugen mitgeführt wird (z. B. ten. behal Für Klein gerät, das in Fahrz beizu ich bis auf weiteres n) ist der bisherige Anstr Veterinärg eräts, Akten kaste nden: verwe zu ist ich Für den Anstr rkampfwage n, P-Farbe nach TL 6321 für Panze und Nachrichte n gerät, Gesch ützen), W-Farbe nach TL 6320 für Funkgen (z. B. Elektronrä der an Gerät aus Magne siumlegier un für 6337 TL nach arbe Deckf nach TL 6317 B. im Übrig en Kunst harzfarbe en ist Sache gen trete n außer Kraft. den jewei ligen Feldverhältniss Entge genst ehend e Besti mmun entsp reche nder Farbe n nach M. n g des Gerät s durch Auftr agen nach Farbtonkar te des R. L. rün olivg n: Farbe 2. Tarna nstri ch. Die Tarnu nden führe n in folge Trupp en Tarnp asten (3) mitzu den von sind u Hierz en. der Trupp Boden tarnu n g), für Tarnfarben (Gebä ude- und rotbr aun, RAL 8017, für jede Einheit in Ziffer 1. Berec hnun g der Gesamtmen ge dunkelgelb nach Muster wie Nachs chubw ege abgeg eben. Zur 2 werde n an die Trupp en im r Ziffe nach asten Tarnp 3. Die tze: gelte n folge nde Pausc halsä

einsp. Fahrz eug (auch Protz fahrz eug) zwei-und mehrs p. Fahrz eug hließlich einsc Gesch ütz bis 7,5 cm Kal. hließlich Gesch ütz bis 10,5 cm Kal. einsc hließlich Gesch ütz bis 21 cm Kal. Einsc Gesch ütz über 29 cm Kal. Nebelwerfer jeder Art Gestelle) schw. Wurfg erät (für je 10 Panzerkampfwage n Pkw. Lkw. bis 2 t Lkw. über 2 t 1-ach s. Anhän ger

Olivgrün kg

Rotbraun kg

Dunkelgelb kg

0,5

0,5

0,5

1,0

1,0

1,0

0,5

0,5

0,5

1,0

1,0

1,0

1,5

1,5

1,5

2,0

2,0

2,0

1,0

1,0

1,0

1,0

1,0

1,0

2,0

2,0

2,0

0,5

0,5

0,5

1,0

1,0

1,0

1,5

1,5

1,5

0,5

0,5

0,5

1,0

1,0

1,0

2-ach s. Anhän ger 2 teilb are Zahl Einheit ist auf eine durch 20 kg. Die Gesamtmen ge je . Es muss im Hinblick gt in Packg efäße n von 2 und etzen erfol anzus asten kg 2 Tarnp von e der e solch Abgab von 20 kg, für den Rest 20 kg sind zunäc hst Packg efäße n, mit Farbe und Tarnp asten abzur unden, bei Men gen über en zur Pflic ht gemac ht werde und Trans portl age den Trupp gsgun Ferti off, Rohst auf die beste hende Notwe ndige zu besch ränke n. f ankom men, Verbr auch auf das drin gend assen. Es wird meist ens darau sorgs am umzug ehen und den dem Ermes sen der Trupp en überl wird sind, n trage aufzu asten n hat sich das Auftr agen meine allge Im ilen. zerte 4. In welch en Forme n die Tarnp Farbe n für die Sicht zu zeugs) durch versc hiede ne bewäh rt. die Fläch e eines Gerät s (Fahr Regel mäßig keit (»wol kenar tig«) jeder g idun Verme nen außer mit Pinsel unter n stoff zu verwe nden. Sie kön in größeren Farbf lecke Zugab e von Wasser oder Treib nach oder Tarne n tand gszus ferun en. Sie eigne n sich auch zum trock Zeit r Die Tarnp asten sind im Anlie kurze nach n und sind ten, Lappe n) aufgetrage n werde auch mit Behel fsmitteln (Bürs

vorge nomme n werde n. von Wagen plane n. ist, kan n sie mit Treib stoff trage ner Tarnp asten notwe ndig Soweit eine Beseitigun g aufge nach TL 6345. Anstrich mit Emulsionsfarbe bis auf weiteres in weiße m ebede cktem Gelän de) beste ht ich zu verse hen. Anstr m diese mit g dun Absen 5. Die Wintertarn un g (in schne abgeg eben wird, ist vor ar 1943 an die Feldtruppe n Alles Gerät, das bis Ende Febru un g wird später an geord net. rtarn Winte zur aste Tarnp Einfü hrun g weiss er 6. Überg an gsbes timmu n gen. ich erhalten etwa schon den bisherigen Anstr a) Gerät in Neufertigu n g, das treic hen oder - Gerat aus umzus 1 r Ziffe nach g hat, ist vor Ablieferun Webstoff - umzuf ärben. oder Färbu n g nach ist nur noch mit Anstrich b) Gerät in den Bestä nden zu dem mit weißer Emulsionsfarbe außer ist Gerät s Diese Ziffer 1 abzug eben. endet wird (5). abges 1943 ar Febru Ende bis übers treic hen, soweit es ts vorha ndene n der Anstrich des dort berei c) Bei den Feldtruppe n wird Kreta – braunauf und a Afrik bei Trupp en in Gerät s (dunkelgra u oder bis 4) n g ist mit Tarnp aste (2 Tarnu ndige Notwe . ndert gra u) nicht geä durch zufüh ren. mit neuem Anstrich zun gstru ppen ist das Gerät d) Bei den Ersatz- und Besat Abs. 4) sowie die (1 Farbe che u erfor derli nach 1 zu verse hen. Die hierz ege Trupp entei len im Nachs chubw den von ist 3) (2, aste zuste hende Tarnp anzuforder n. gen. jedoc h mit Tarnp aste erfol Umfärben von Wagen plane n muss 3 18.2.4 BdE), u. Rüst H (Ch H. O. K. - 72/88/16 - In. 2 (V)

42 / WWII REAL COLORS

H. M. 1943, Nr. 181 181. Painting of Army Equipment. 1. Painting of equipment. Instead of Dunkelgrau/Dunkelbraun, which has been reduced to Dunkelgrau only for the duration of war and instead of Braun/Grau for the troops in Africa and Crete, all heavy equipment has to be painted in Dunkelgelb nach Muster from now on. Number of the RAL color card for this Dunkelgelb will be specified at a later point. Samples can be requested at Army Ordnance Department Wa J Rü (W u G 1/V), Berlin W 15, Sächsischestr. 8 For smaller equipment which is carried in vehicles (radios, stowage boxes, tool boxes, first aid kits) the previous colors may be used until further notice. Following paints have to be used: P-paint according to TL 6321 for tanks, W-paint according to TL 6320 for radios, Topcoat according to TL 6337 for equipment made from magnesium alloys (eg. gun wheels made from Elektron), for remaining equipment synthetic resin paint according to TL 6317 B. Contradicting orders do not apply any more. 2. Camouflage. Camouflaging the equipment by applying the corresponding tones depending on the field conditions will be done by the troops. Therefore the troops need to be equipped with camouflage pastes (3) in the following colors: Olivgrün according to the R.L.M. color plate for camouflage colors (building and ground installations camouflage), Rotbraun, RAL 8017, Dunkelgelb nach Muster [Dark Yellow according to sample] as described in Par. 1. 3. The camouflage pastes mentioned in Par. 2 are delivered to the troops via the supply routes. To calculate the total amount for each unit the following standard rates should apply: Olivgrün kg

Rotbraun kg

Dunkelgelb kg

Single tracked vehicles

0,5

0,5

0,5

Double tracked vehicles (including limber)

1,0

1,0

1,0

Cannons up to and including 7,5 cm cal.

0,5

0,5

0,5

Cannons up to and including 10,5 cm cal.

1,0

1,0

1,0

Cannons up to and including 21 cm cal.

1,5

1,5

1,5

Cannons over 29 cm cal.

2,0

2,0

2,0

Nebelwerfer of any kind

1,0

1,0

1,0

schw. Wurfgerät (for each 10 racks)

1,0

1,0

1,0

Tanks

2,0

2,0

2,0

Passenger cars

0,5

0,5

0,5 1,0

Trucks up to 2 t

1,0

1,0

Trucks over 2 t

1,5

1,5

1,5

1-axle trailers

0,5

0,5

0,5

2-axle trailers

1,0

1,0

1,0

The camouflage pastes are delivered in 2 and 20 kg containers. Total required amount per unit needs to be rounded down to a number divisible by two. Orders above 20kg need to be calculated in containers of 20kg and the rest in 2kg units. Taking the currently available resources into account, the troops have to use the paints and camouflage pastes with proper care, not to waste them and limit their use to the minimum necessary amount. 4. The way in which the camouflage pastes are applied is left to discretion of the troops. The most important is to break up the silhouette of the equipment (vehicle) by using various colors. In general, application of big irregular patches of color (‘cloudy’) leads to the best results. The camouflage pastes can be used straight from the container or thinned with water or fuel. They can be applied with brushes as well as rags or cloth and will be dry within a short period of time. They are also suitable for camouflaging canvas. If the removal of camouflage pastes is required, this can be done with fuel. 5. Winter camouflage (in snow covered areas) consists, until further notice, of a white paint coat applied with emulsion paint according to TL 6345. All equipment delivered to the front line troops before the end of February 1943 has to be painted accordingly before shipment. Introduction of white camouflage paste for winter camouflage will be issued at a later point. 6. Interim regulations. a) The already produced equipment which had been painted in accordance with the previous regulations, has to be repainted in accordance with Par. 1 before delivery, fabric equipment has to be redyed. b) The equipment in stock may only be delivered in the new painting scheme according to Par. 1. This equipment has to be repainted in white emulsion paint if it will be shipped before the end of February 1943 (5) c) The equipment of the frontline units may remain in the current painting scheme (dunkelgrau – or in the case of the troops in Africa and Crete – braun/grau). If camouflaging is necessary, it may be done using camouflage pastes (2-4). d) The equipment of the reserve and occupation troops has to be repainted in accordance with Par. 1. The necessary paint (Par. 1 Sec. 4) including the camouflage pastes has to be ordered by individual units via supply lines. The canvas has to be repainted using camouflage pastes. O. K. H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 18.2.43 - 72/88/16 - In. 2 (V)

WWII REAL COLORS / 43

H. M. 19 43, Nr. 32 2 322. A n s t ri c h d e s H e e re s - H. M. g er äts. 1943 S. 11 3 Nr. 18 1. Di e 1. – F a r bt ö n e d u n ke oliv g r ü l g e lb n n n ach a ch Mu s F a r bt o n T a r n fa r b ter u n d ka rte e n (Geb ä d e s R.L. u de u n d B RALFa rbt M. f ü r o d e nt a r n o n re g i s t u n g) si n er 840 R fol g e n de d i n das a u fg e n o m m r Bez eic e n w or d e h n u n g: d u n kel g e n u n t er lb RAL 70 28, o l iv g r ü n RAL 6003 . H. M. 1943 S. 113 Nr. 181 Zi ff erle di g t. er 1 Abs. 2 i st hi F a r bt o n er m it k a rte n z u r Au f ei n s c h l nah me i ä gi gen n das Di e n s t s F a r bt o n b ei d e n telle n re g i s t e vo r h a n d r 8 4 0 e a u s gege n R e R A Lw e r de n oh n be n. Im e A n fo r Ü b ri g e n k ü n fti g d er u n g si n d F a r u n t er d e be u n d T r n eu e n a r n p a s te 2. B a stf Bez eic h n n a s er-Se g un g anz eltuc h (S u forder n Ha n f z u e g eltuc h . Wa g e n pl a u s Fla c a n e n, S Ro h z u s t a hs u nd c h ut z d e c n de, i m ke n u s w. prä g n ie ve r w e n d e ) i st i rt - al m n. so u n ge fä rbt Hi n sic ht zu li c h d e r Ta r n u n g Besti m m u bei der n g i n H. Tr upp e g M. 1943 S. O. K. H. i lt di e 113 Nr. 18 (Ch H Rü st u. Bd 1 Zi ffer - 72/88/16 E) 2ff. , 3. 4. - In 2 (V 43 )

, Nr. 39 s t ri c h BI. 1943 V. T. le n e A n h r z eu g e . H Kr a ftfa 1, befo h 8 r 1 e r r für d e e f h d f c o A n s t ri 1943, Zi h e e re s . t M n o . r H F e n. . en A e n w er d fz. d e s D er i n d a b g e g eb r g für K e i d t ic h o l r ü t t g r de m A n s g eli efe i st n u r a n n mit d or t h i n d er t t u s e e r i n e d r ieso e s olc h e, res si n d ich sow s a tz h e e r r t E s s n e A d Kfz. e n n d er e h e n, w z u ve r s m u s s. w er d e n 5.1943 W Kw) 3. ./V. OKW (Ch Abt. Mot 43 . 5. - Nr. 61

German soldiers surrender to British troops in the Danish city of Krusaa. (Nationalmuseet)

44 / WWII REAL COLORS

H. M. 1943, Nr. 322 322. Painting of Army Equipment. - H. M. 1943 P. 113 Nr. 181. – 1. Color tones Dark Yellow according to sample and olivgrün according to the R.L.M. color plate for camouflage colors (building and ground installations camouflage) have to be integrated into the RAL color register 840 R under the following names: Dunkelgelb RAL 7028 Olivgrün RAL 6003 H. M. 1943 P. 113 Nr. 181 Par. 1 Sec. 2 does not apply any more. Color plates for integration of the existing RAL color registers in army departments will be delivered automatically. Furthermore the color and camouflage paste has to be ordered with the new name from now on. 2. Bast fiber canvas (canvas made of flax or hemp used as tarpaulin or safety covers) has to be used unprocessed, but impregnated without any color. Camouflage by troops remains according to order H. M. 1943 P.113 Nr. 181 Par. 2ff. O. K. H. (Ch H Rüst u. BdE), 3.4.43 - 72/88/16 - In 2 (V)

H. T. V. BI. 1943, Nr. 39 Painting of Vehicles. The paint scheme issued in A. H. M. 1943, Number 181 applies only to motor vehicles of the frontline units and motor vehicles which will be delivered to them. Motor vehicles of the Replacement Army must be repainted only when the old paintwork needs to be renewed. OKW (Ch W Kw) 3.5.1943 - Nr. 61. 5. 43 Abt. Mot./V.

Nr. 376 H. T. V. BI. 1943, es geräts. er Nr. 181 He s An strich de st. im HM 1943, M. 1943, Nr. 322) sc hi en en der Be H. Er 1, r 18 vo . n Nr de n 43, hi (H. M. 19 lt auch weiter on ierg er ät be hä 1. Folg en des Pi te n An strich: Pi.-Lan du ng sboo gü ltig gewese ne re n äh sf ng r Ar t Pi.-Lan du Floß sa cke alle ) ot ge Bo san hl ng sc ru Pi.-F üh te (See Pi.-Lan du ng sboo oot 12 (Sch wer) Br.-Ger ät H mb ur St i: -P PS 400: Gerät sc hw. Beute Br Ta rn pa ste is t Br.-Ger ät S zu vers eh en. ch ri st An en lb ge el du nk Ie.Z-Brücke t is t mit de m on ier-Groß gerä Da s übri ge Pi zu stän di g: elteil En d- oder Mitt 3k g Du nkel gelb Je Ha lbpo nton, ra un tb Ro g 3k ün 3k g Olivgr 2 kg Du nkel gelb je Stur mboot tbra un Ro kg 2 en du nkel gelben 2 kg Olivgr ün mit de m fr üh er s it re be s ic he n da n Bestän de n, werden. Um stre d Gerät in de uppe ab ge gebe n un Tr t e rä di Ge an es gt ch ri Neug efer ti mit di es em An st en ist, ka nn uf üh re n. An strich vers eh . ch efer un g du rc hz li er be der Fa rb an li t nicht erford ga is ss Ma en M 1941, Nr. rb ch (H fä na e Um r rb oder ue An strich nu sc hb aren Ta rn fa ne wa r ab de r t de is h n. er uc 43 zu verw en de Beim Ersa tz he t na ch Au fbra Sc hn eela ge) is 6355 vo m 15. 7. ei TL (b , g 02 90 un L rn RA ta pa ste, Zu r Wi nter 2) weis se Ta rn Nr. 315, Zi ff. di gt. le er 1128, HM 1942, t mi er hi 1, Zi ff. 5, ist 18 . Nr 43, 19 HM 10.43 RGst u. Bd E), 11. O. K. H. (Ch H . 2 (VI). - 72/88/16 - In

H. T. V. BI. 1943, Nr. 376 Painting of Army Equipment (H. M. 1943, Nr. 181, H. M. 1943, Nr. 322) 1. The following engineer equipment retains the painting scheme which had been valid until the order HM 1943, Nr. 181 was issued: Floßsacke aller Art Pi.-Landungsboote Pi.-Landungsboote (Seeschlange) Pi.-Landungsfähren 400-PS-Pi: Sturmboot 12 (Schwer) Pi.-Führungs-Boot Br.-Gerät S Br.-Gerät H Ie.Z-Brücke schw. Beute Br: Gerät The remaining heavy equipment has to be painted in Dunkelgelb. Camouflage paste has to be used. Per half pontoon, end- or middle part 3kg Olivgrün 3kg Rotbraun 3kg Dunkelgelb Per assault boat 2 kg Olivgrün 2 kg Rotbraun 2 kg Dunkelgelb Newly manufactured equipment and equipment in stock which had already been painted with the previous Dunkelgelb paint, can be delivered to the troops. Repainting is not required. The Replacement Army may repaint their equipment only if the paint can be delivered. For the winter camouflage (in snow conditions) white camouflage paste, RAL 9002, TL 6355 from 15.7.43, has to be used when stocks of the washable camouflage paints are exhausted (HM 1941, Nr. 1128, HM 1942, Nr. 315, Par. 2). HM 1943, Nr. 181, Par. 5 does not apply anymore. O. K. H. (Ch H RGst u. BdE), 11.10.43 - 72/88/16 - In. 2 (VI).

Abandoned German antiaircraft gun in the Danish city of Esbjerg. We can appreciate the splinter camouflage pattern. (Nationalmuseet)

WWII REAL COLORS / 45

H. V. 1945, Nr. 52 ung , an Stelle res ger äts. Neu fer tig noc h zug ela sse n ist 52. Anstrich des Hee sow eit ein Anstrich d, wir ung die tig fer der Neu Farbto n ist maß gebend 1. Das Heeres ger ät ich verseh en. Für den str nan Grü em ein L 7028) mit des Gelban strich es (RA bis her. Anstrichstoffe wie 3, erbedi ngu nge n, 600 RAL-Fa rbtonk arte ung en und Ger atLief Ang abe n in den Zeichn den von d hen eic die allen H iften ersichtlich, 2. Welche Ger äte, abw neu en Anstrichvors chr den aus ist en, erh alt noc h ein en Anstrich d. Buntfa rbe n. 44 zug ega nge n sin Okt en ell der Neu fer tig ung ein Abn-Di enstst trichvors chrift in Ans ser die end ech „Ta rnbild“ spr e ent end 3. Ger äte, für die , bis das entsprech e grü n zu streic hen ang sol d sin , ist durch die n ehe nac h Fer tig stellu ng Tar nan strich vorges r werden den Fir men lde nbi Tar Die ht. ung ste als Vorlag e zur Verfüg amtes zug eleitet. en des Heeres waffen ung eil abt Bes cha ffu ngs anstrich sin d: den Buntfa rbe n-Tarn 4. Die Farbto ne für Grü n RAL 6003 R -Fa rbtonregi ster 840 Bra un RAL 8017 } RAL e 1944 ben öti gt. Gelb RAL 7028 Aus gab hr gleich en Men gen che nmä ssi g in ung efä flä sie den wer aufzubrauche n: ich Für den Buntan str für fol gen de Zwecke rbton RAL 7028) sin d (Fa be Far ber gel h trä gt, an de Man n stä ndi g bei sic 5. Vorhan den e Bestän Ger ät han delt, das der um ht nic h sic es eit a) für Kleing erät, sow ein ges etzt werden, im Hei matkri egs gebiet nur die , b) für Ger äte arn anstrichs. eil des Buntfa rbe n-T ein zuh ole n. c) für den gelben Ant stelle n Entsch eidung Heeres-Ab nah me-Die nst die r übe ist b) wen dun g und a) eidung die Weiter ver In Zweifelsfällen zu bei füh run g der Entsch Her zur bis en hab tellen Die Heeres-Ab n-Dien sts ßgeräte. eri ere n, auc h für Gro tol zu be , ist die Ver wen dun g Far der gelben Wag en verladen werden n ene off auf t por bei m Bah ntr ans ng der grü nen 6. für Großgeräte, die htz eitige Bes cha ffu ers agt. Stöst die rec unt g kun Wir r ige melden an ort sof ort telegr aph isch zu der gelben Farbe mit keiten, so ist dies sof rig wie Sch che 86). dli ber win 00 12, 31 83 01/App. 33 Farbe hierfü r auf unü urg Jebens str. 1 (31 enb ott arl -Ch lin Ber Chef Ing 1), aufgeh alten werden. Heeres waffen amt (Wa grü nen Farbe nic ht der len Feh das ch Ger äte darf dur Die Ausliefer ung der rsp arn is wird weg en Roh stoffe Ger ätebestän de ind lic he gelbe Ger ät bef den tän Bes und in r ode n ist, mit grü nen 7. Das bei der Truppe arn anstrich vorges ehe n-T rbe tfa Bun ein ist, sow eit tfa rbe n-T arn ans tri ch“ nic ht umg efä rbt. Es lin ien für den Bun cht „Ri . nen tar zu beh elfsmä ssi g beh elfsmä ßig en bra une n Tar npa ste n f durch Feh len des un g des Ger äte s dar fer lie Aus t. ite ele wer den in Kür ze zug werden. hs nic ht aufgeh alten Buntfa rbe nTa rna nstric Son derbestim mun gen über Färbun g. Für 8. Gew ebe und Gur te fen noc h Versuc he chs, Han f u.ä. lau Fla aus rt nie räg cht werden. Das a) Für Seg eltuch imp de kön nen aufgebrau zu ver wen den. Bestän 3) 600 L (RA n toffen grü ist weder mit Anstrichs Seg eltuch aus Papier enplan en u.ä. hat ent Wag de nen tar zu ecken auf Auf bri nge n von Tar nfl 6352 zu erfolg en. Tar npa ste n nac h TL r ver wen den. Die ode B HE nac h TL 6360 wei ss (RAL 9002) zu 6003) bzw. grü n und L (RA n grü d sin b) Sta ubs chutzs toffe rauche n. end. ben Stoff sin d aufzub iebene Farbto n maß geb vorhan den en dun kel gel eilige n TL vorges chr jew der in der t ist Gew ebe gefärbt (Fa rbton lau c) Für alle son sti gen g Naturfarben oder tra Auf . bzw k, wec h Ver wen dun gsz d) Gur te sin d je nac . Auftra g) zu ver wen den Zustan de ver wen det. d in naturfarbene m Leder Bla nkleder wir

46 / WWII REAL COLORS

H. V. 1945, Nr. 52 52. Painting of Army Equipment. New production. 1. Newly manufactured army equipment, as long as its painting is still approved, shall be painted in green instead of yellow (RAL 7028). Decisive for the color tone is the RAL color card 6003, paint types remain the same. 2. Which equipment, in contrary to the data sheets and terms of delivery, should still be painted, is listed in the painting regulations which the Army Acceptance Offices received in October 1944. 3. Equipment which in accordance with these regulations has to be painted in a multicolor scheme, will be painted in green only, until the official camouflage patterns are available. Manufacturers will receive templates showing these patterns via the purchasing department of the Army Weapons Agency. 4. The colors for the multicolor camouflage scheme are: Green RAL 6003 Brown RAL 8017 Yellow RAL 7028 Version 1944 In a multicolor camouflage scheme, each color should cover approximatelly the same area. 5. Existing stocks of yellow paint (color RAL 7028) are to be used for the following purposes: a) Small equipment, if it is not permanently carried by the troops, b) Equipment which is used exclusively at the home front, c) For the yellow portion of the multicolor camouflage. When there are doubts regarding a) and b) the decision will be made by the Army Acceptance Offices. Until the decision is made, the Army Acceptance Offices have to tolerate the further use of yellow paint, even for heavy equipment. 6. The further use of yellow paint on heavy equipment, which will be transported on open railway wagons, is forbidden as of now. If timely procurement of the green paint proves to be insuperably difficult, this has to be telegraphically reported to the Army Weapons Agency (Wa Chef Ing 1), Berlin-Charlottenburg Jebensstr. 1 (31 00 12, 31 83 01/App. 3386). Delivery of equipment must not be delayed due to the lack of green paint. Stocked Equipment 7. Equipment already in use or stocked by the troops may remain yellow to save resources. If multicolor camouflage is required, it has to be provisionally applied using green and brown camouflage pastes. Guidelines for multicolor camouflage painting will be sent soon. Delivery of equipment must not be delayed due to the lack of multicolor camouflage. Special regulations 8. Cloth and straps a) Regarding the painting of impregnated canvas made of flax or hemp there are still trials to be conducted. For canvas made of paper, the green (RAL 6003) has to be used. Stocked paints may be used first. The application of camouflage blotches onto tarps has to be achieved with paints according to TL 6360 B or camouflage paste according to TL 6352. b) For dust covers green (RAL 6003) or white (RAL 9002) has to be used. Stocks of dark yellow cloth have to be firstly exhausted. c) Regarding color of any other cloth the according TL is decisive. d) Straps have to be colored according to their use or left in their natural color. Leather Sleek leather will be used in its natural color.

American troops inspecting an abandoned German artillery position.

WWII REAL COLORS / 47

48 / WWII REAL COLORS

Impressive color photograph of a Sd.Kfz.9 that had been used by demining units in Denmark after the end of World War II. (Nationalmuseet)

WWII REAL COLORS / 49

2.4

Ch ronology sed u s r o l o c e h t of y m r A n a m r e G e by th

In this chapter, we will chronologically describe the colors used by the German army in different theaters of operation during World War II. The description is mainly based on the official regulations, but we must always take into account the exceptions that will occur for various reasons.

2.4.1

THE PRE-WAR PERIOD

The camouflage system used by the German army throughout most of the pre-war period originated from the first standarized painting scheme of the Imperial German Army, which had been introduced in July 1918. The so-called “Buntfarbenanstrich 1918” consisted of large, rather sharp-edged patches of three colors, ie. rust brown, ocher yellow and green, that were bordered with thick black lines. This system was generally adopted by the Reichswehr on 16th May 1922, except

from that the black borders were not retained. The camouflage colors were specified as Erdgelbe Deckfarbe (Earth Yellow topcoat), Braune Deckfarbe (Brown topcoat) and Grüne Deckfarbe (Green topcoat), and were to be applied in wavy patterns. This tricolor pattern was to be applied only to the vehicles and equipment of the first line units, whilst the remaining equipment was to be painted with Feldgraue Deckfarbe (Field grey topcoat).

Pz.Kpfw.I Ausf.A, possibly belonging to a CO of the I.Abteilung from an unknown unit, painted in the pre-war tricolor camouflage scheme.

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A covering plate of a 5-watt radio transmitter housing used by the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War. This part is painted in the pre-war tricolor scheme of Erdgelb Nr. 17, Grün Nr. 28 and Braun Nr. 18. (Private collection 45th Division "Cherokees")

During that period, the army used paints obtained from various manufacturers, which often differed in color due to the lack of strictly specified standards. This problem was addressed in the new regulation issued on 20th April 1933, which introduced colors specified in accordance with the RAL 840 B 2 register. Since then, the tricolor camouflage scheme consisted of Erdgelb No.17 (RAL 8002 in RAL 840 R), Braun No.18 (RAL 8010 in RAL 840 R) and Grün No.28 (RAL 6007 in RAL 840 R). The camouflage patches had to be rounded and have irregular edges, resembling clouds. They could also be bordered with thin black (Schwarz No.5/RAL 9005) rims, which width could vary from 1 to 3 cm. An important instruction was that no two objects should be painted with the same pattern.

The tricolor pattern was to be applied to combat vehicles, guns, pontoons, rubber dinghies, tractors, tank dummies, ammunition and accessory boxes for machine guns, motor vehicles and horse-drawn vehicles. The remaining equipment, including motorcycles, passenger and staff cars up to the battalion level, and vehicles of the second line units, was to be painted in Feldgrau No.3 (RAL 6006 in RAL 840 R). A similar finish, albeit with the fenders and chassis parts painted in Schwarz No.5 (RAL 9005 in RAL 840 R), was to be applied to the passenger cars of the higher staff units and agencies. The army bicycles were to be painted in Schwarz No.5 (RAL 9005 in RAL 840 R) overall.

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2.4.2

The beginning of war

A radical change of the camouflage scheme was brought by the regulation H. M. 1937, Nr. 340, issued on 12th July 1937. It introduced two new camouflage colors; ie. Dunkelgrau (Dark grey) and Dunkelbraun (Dark brown), which had to be applied as irregular patches with soft borders. Dunkelgrau had to cover approximatelly two thirds of the surface, whilst one third was to be painted in Dunkelbraun. Small parts and areas were to be painted in a single color. The new painting scheme was to be applied only in the case when the old paintwork had to be replaced. The regulation H. M. 1938, Nr. 687, issued on 2nd November 1938, called for repainting all equipment finished in the tricolor paint scheme regardless of the condition of its paintwork. Worth noting is that this particular regulation included not only the names of the colors, but also their numbers within the RAL 840 B 2 register, ie. Dunkelgrau Nr. 46 (RAL 7021 in RAL 840 R) and Dunkelbraun Nr. 45 (RAL 7017 in RAL 840 R). The regulation H. M. 1939, Nr. 105, issued on 7th February 1939, stipulated that the equipment stored in the army depots should be repainted in the Dunkelgrau/Dunkelbraun scheme until 30th June 1939, whilst the newly manufactured equipment should be delivered only in two color finish since 1st July 1939. It was also specified that motorcycles and passenger cars belonging to the staffs and army agencies should be painted in Dunkelgrau Nr. 46 only. Other vehicles were to receive the two color camouflage scheme.

The painting scheme of military vehicles and equipment was officially simplified after the end of the campaign in the West. The regulation H. M. 1940, Nr. 864, issued on 31st July 1940, specified that for the duration of war, a single color camouflage scheme of RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau is to be applied instead of the two color pattern. However, it appears that many military vehicles were painted in Dunkelgrau only already during the Polish Campaign. The reasons for this were probably the lack of time caused by the constant movements of troops, as well as the need to save paints. Furthermore, the contrast between the Dunkelgrau and Dunkelbraun colors was not significant (which makes the particular color patches hardly noticable on most of the black and white period photographs), and the matte finish caused that dust and mud adhered well to the painted surfaces, creating a dirt “patina” which became a kind of camouflage scheme on its own. It must be noted that enemy vehicles captured in the 1939-1941 period were usually repainted in accordance with the German regulations of the time.

Sd.Kfz.263 nick-named Königgrätz, used by an unidientified unit in 1938. This heavy armored car was painted in the Dunkelgrau Nr. 46/Dunkelbraun Nr. 45 scheme.

Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.F1 possibly used by a Stabs-Kompanie from Pz.Rgt.2. This tank was painted RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau overall.

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2.4.3

russia

During the invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, the German army vehicles were painted in the standard camouflage finish of the period, ie. RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau overall. Although some period photos may be intepreted as showing vehicles painted in lighter camouflage colors, it appears that this again was the case of the presence of thick dust patinas rather than any non-regulation painting schemes. However, it must be noted that the specification of colors approved for use by the German army in February 1941 included a number of different grey colors.

It is doubtful that colors such as RAL 7002 Marinegrau (Navy gray), RAL 7003 Grau (Grey) and RAL 7009 Hellgrau (Light Grey) were used for the purpose of camouflaging vehicles, but some researchers point to RAL 7016 Blaugrau (Blue-grey) color as the possible substitute of Dunkelgrau, especially that this lighter and more bluish grey tone was commonly used by the Luftwaffe for painting various equipment until the spring of 1943. Nevertheless, given that known documents indicate that the latter color was to be used for priming coats only, until any new evidence is discovered, it may be safely assumed that the differences in appearance of the camouflage color of the German

vehicles that we may sometimes notice on the photos from this period, are either the case of imperfection of the photographic material/photo reproduction, or the result of deterioration of vehicle’s paintwork. Known exceptions from the general rule are vehicles that had been originally destined to North Africa, but due to the heavy losses were eventually sent to the East, still painted in desert camouflage colors. Sometimes the vehicles were intentionally camouflaged with mud in similar fashion as employed in North Africa. This appears to mainly concern the equipment of units that operated in the southern areas of the Soviet Union, where the terrain and vegetation were similar to those in the Mediterranean region.

StuG III Ausf.E of Stug. Abt. 197. The vehicle was painted with RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau and additionally camouflaged with mud.

This Sd.Kfz.223 of 5. PanzerDivision served in Russia in November 1941, sporting the tropical camouflage scheme consisting of RAL 8000 Gelbbraun and RAL 7008 Graugrün.

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A Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.A photographed in Kiestinki area during the invasion of Russia, August 1941. (SA-Kuva)

Some researchers also suggest that the old pre-war camouflage colors, which stocks were still available and the colors themselves were listed as approved colors, could be used for application of camouflage, especially after the first winter on the Eastern Front. That winter was something for which the German army was not really prepared, and inadequate camouflage measures were just one of the several issues. Even though the first snow had appeared in October 1941, a regulation that dealt with the problem of winter camouflage was issued on 18th November 1941. H. M. 1941, Nr. 1128 stipulated that the vehicles used by the units serving in Norway, on the Finnish

front and Russia may be camouflaged with white emulsion paint, but the decision to apply it was to be made by the unit commanders. Although the paint itself proven to be very well designed, it appears that during the winter 1941/1942, it was not supplied in sufficient quantities, forcing the troops to resort to using lime solutions, chalk, sheets of white cloth or even attaching newspaper pages to the surfaces of the vehicles. The problems with washable white paint supply were generally overcome during the next winter. Furthermore, army regulations from mid-February 1943 specified that the equipment sent before the end of that month to the units serving in the snow-covered areas, should be delivered in white camouflage finish.

Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.L of an unidentified unit. This tank received an improvised winter camouflage applied with lime.

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2.4.4

africa

It was not until the first D.A.K. (Deutsche Africa Korps) units had been sent to North Africa that the next significant change in camouflage painting of the German army vehicles was made. The OKH (the Supreme High Command of the Germany Army) was not properly prepared for involvement in African campaign and this also concerned the camouflage measures. No suitable camouflage colors were available at the time when the first German units were deployed in Libya in February 1941. The first vehicles and equipment shipped to Africa came there finished in the standard painting scheme of the period, ie. RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau overall. It was soon realized that, unlike the situation in Europe, the vehicles covered with dust do not blend well with the local environment. The maintenance units and crews were forced to improvise in order to better conceal their equipment in the desert terrain. One of the solutions was to add camouflage with a mixture of mud, sand and water. Another method was to apply oil onto the surface and sprinkle it with sand, so that the sand adhered to oily layer. The main problem with all these improvised camouflage materials was that they wore away very quickly, thus requiring frequent reapplication.

These issues had been addressed in the new regulation H. M. 1941, Nr. 281, which was issued on 17th March 1941. It specified the camouflage scheme and colors for vehicles and other equipment intended for use in Africa. The colors selected for this purpose were RAL 8000 Gelbbraun (Yellow-Brown) and RAL 7008 Graugrün (Greygreen). These were to be applied in the same way as the Dunkelgrau/ Dunkelbraun camouflage scheme, but Gelbbraun was to be applied in place of Dunkelgrau, covering two thirds of the surface, and Graugrün was to be applied in place of Dunkelbraun, covering one third of the surface. The paints were to be applied as irregular patches with soft edges. Small areas such as the wheels were to be painted in a single color. In practice, these rules were not always followed and this concerned both the newly manufactured vehicles and those deployed before the introduction of the new colors, as may be seen on period photographs that show newly delivered vehicles painted in Gelbbraun overall, or vehicles which old Dunkelgrau paintwork was only partially overpainted with the new desert color/colors.

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Worth noting is that neither of these colors was specially developed for the assigned purpose. Instead of this, the Army selected two colors that had already been present in the RAL 840 B 2 and RAL 840 R registers (thus far used for painting railway cars and installations), and could be suitable for use as camouflage colors in the desert terrain. However, it turned out that this choice was not particularly right. This led to the introduction of another two colors intended for use in the African theatre of operations. The regulation H. M. 1942, Nr. 315, issued on 25th March 1942, specified that the vehicles and other equipment should be painted in RAL 8020 Braun (Brown) and RAL 7027 Grau (Grey). The rules of color application remained the same, with Braun being chosen as the primary color that had to cover two thirds of the surface, with the remaining one third to be covered with Grau, that had to be applied in form of irregular patches with soft edges. It was also stipulated that the paint stocks of the previous desert camouflage colors, ie. RAL 8000 Gelbbraun and RAL 7008 Graugrün, have to be exhausted. The regulation H. M. 1942, Nr. 600, issued on 3rd July 1942, specified that the regulations described in H. M. 1942, Nr. 315, are also applicable to the equipment used on the island of Crete.

As already mentioned when discussing the first desert colors, we must take into account that supplying the troops fighting at the Eastern Front was considered to be more important, and this affected the deliveries of supplies to North Africa. Given their limited nature, it is easy to assume that shipping troops, equipment, ammunition, fuel, etc., had priority over providing the troops with paints. In these circumstances, it is also highly possible that the German troops used everything they could get, including captured stocks of British paint or paints acquired from their Italian allies. The reader may find an example of such non-standard finish on a helmet shown in Chapter 2.5. Finally, it remains unexplored whether any (and how many) vehicles had been delivered to North Africa finished in the new tricolor camouflage scheme introduced in February 1943, or the Dunkelgelb basecoat alone. The regulation H. M. 1943, Nr. 181, specified that these new colors were also to replace the colors used for camouflaging heavy equipment used in Africa and at Crete thus far.

An abandoned Sd.Kfz.233 heavy armored car photographed near Sbeitla, Tunisia, in March 1943.

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Sd.Kfz.11 of 15. Panzer-Division, wearing a worn coat of RAL 8000 Gelbbraun over RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau base.

Pz.Kpfw.III Ausf.N of 15. Panzer-Division, finished in the tropical camouflage scheme of RAL 8020 Braun and RAL 7027 Grau.

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2.4.5

1943. the new tritonal system

A major change in the German army camouflage system occurred in the spring of 1943. The regulation H. M. 1943, Nr. 181, issued on 18th February 1943, stated that instead of the current camouflage pattern of RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau/RAL 7017 Dunkelbraun that had been changed for the duration of war to RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau only, as well as the RAL 8020 Braun/RAL 7027 Grau pattern specified for use in North Africa and at Crete, all heavy equipment should now be painted in Dunkelgelb nach Muster (Dark yellow according to sample) overall. The new color had yet to be assigned with a number in the RAL 840 R register. Small parts of vehicle equipment were to retain their current colors until further notice. The regulation stated that newly manufactured equipment was to be repainted in the new scheme before being delivered to the troops, although all equipment shipped to the front line units stationed in the areas covered with snow before the end of February 1943 was to be camouflaged with white emulsion paint. The troops were made responsible for camouflage application. For this purpose, they were to be supplied with camouflage pastes in three colors: Olivgrün (Olive green) from the R.L.M. (Ministry of Aviation) color register of camouflage paints (for buildings and ground installations); RAL 8017 Rotbraun (Red brown); and the aforementioned Dunkelgelb nach Muster. The pastes were to be delivered in 2 or 20 kg containers, and could be applied straight from the container, or diluted with water or fuel. The regulation emphasized the importance of application of a proper pattern for the purpose of breaking up the silhouette of equipment (vehicle), and recommended a camouflage scheme comprising large, irregular color patches of cloudy shape. In practice, however, the maintenance units that mainly dealt with vehicle camouflaging, applied a sheer variety of patterns, which sometimes were created in accordance with specific

Pz.Kpfw.V Ausf.D used in 2.SS-Panzer-Division Das Reich during autumn of 1943. The tank was camouflaged with thin irregular stripes of RAL 6003 Olivegrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun, that had been applied over the RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb base.

orders of unit commanders. In result, sometimes when a particular officer was posted to take command of another unit, the vehicle camouflage pattern “went” with him. Worth noting is that the regulation from 18th February 1943 stated that the basic painting finish of equipment belonging to the front line units should be retained. On the other hand, reserve and occuption troops were ordered to repaint their vehicles in Dunkelgelb. The regulation H. M. 1943, Nr. 322, issued on 3rd April 1943, was essentially an update of the color specification. In March 1943, the

Olivgrün and Dunkelgelb colors were added to the RAL 840 R register, receiving RAL 6003 and RAL 7028 designations, respectively. In the case of Dunkelgelb, however, the registered color was different than the one previously specified as Dunkelgelb nach Muster, being more greyish than the preceding tone. This was even reflected by the regulation L. V. Bl. 1943, Nr. 698, issued by the Luftwaffe High Command on 1st April 1943. In this regulation, which unified the painting scheme of the army and air force vehicles, the RAL 7028 color was called Gelbgrau (Yellow gray). Waffen SS also adapted the new army camouflage system.

Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H of 9. Panzer-Division, destroyed during the Kursk Battle. This vehicle wore a distinctive "net" pattern of RAL 6003 Olivegrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun over the RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb base.

Sd.Kfz.11 used by 3. Panzer-Division during the Kursk Battle. The vehicle carried a wavy pattern of RAL 8017 Rotbraun over the RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb base.

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Pz.Kpfw.VI Ausf.E used by a training unit in France. The tank was camouflaged with vertical stripes of RAL 6003 Olivegrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun, applied over the RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb base.

It is easy to figure out that such a major change of the camouflage system and the fact that it concerned different branches of the German armed forces, led to increased demand for supplies of paints in the newly introduced colors which the industry could not meet. The first restrictions on the use of new colors came as early as on 3rd May 1943, when the H. T. V. Bl. 1943, Nr. 39, was issued. This regulation stated that the motor vehicles of the Replacement Army are to be repainted in Dunkelgelb only when the old paintwork required renewing. The regulation H. T. V. Bl. 1943, Nr. 376, issued on 11th October 1943, listed various engineering equipment which was also not to be repainted in the new scheme. The equipment of the Replacement Army was to be repainted only if the suitable paints could be delivered.

Worth noting is that the same regulation mentioned “a former Dunkelgelb finish”. This hint may lead to conclusion that Dunkelgelb nach Muster was in use at least for some time, but for some reasons it was recognized as not appropriate. However, some researchers state that Dunkelgelb nach Muster was actually not used. Nevertheless, as may be seen on various examples of preserved parts presented in Chapter 2.5, even the factory-applied Dunkelgelb finish varied significantly. Another important instruction included in the said regulation was the introduction of a camouflage paste for winter camouflage in RAL 9002 Weiß (White) color. The stocks of white emulsion paint were, however, to be used up.

The zig-zag pattern applied tp this StuG III belonging to a Waffen-SS unit is a nice example of the creativity of the painters from the maintenance units.

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2.4.6

1944. the beginning of the end

Around mid-1944, the supremacy of the Allied air forces over the Luftwaffe on the Western Front was evident. Any daylight moves became a nightmare for the German army units. The shortage of camouflage pastes prevented application of camouflage patterns which presence could reduce the danger of being detected by the crews of bombers and fighter bombers which main task was to seek and destroy the German armored units before it actually could enter the battle. The crews resorted to use of natural camouflage materials such as tree branches, brushes or straws, but these materials were not really durable. Heavy losses suffered during the invasion of Normandy forced the German High Command to seek for a pernament solution.

In August 1944, the German High Command decreed that all armored vehicles and tanks are to be camouflaged at the factory level using the already employed camouflage colors, ie. RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb, RAL 6003 Olivgrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun. Regulations that specified the camouflage patterns to be applied, were distributed amongst all concerned manufacturers. However, these general rules had been differently interpreted by the manufacturers, resulting in creation of patterns that were distinctive for the particular factories and equipment manufactured by them during certain periods.

U.S. soldiers inspecting a Pz.Kpfw. Ausf.G tank destroyed in the battle for Humain, Belgium, December 1944. This vehicle was painted in the tricolor scheme typical for M.N.H.-built Panthers from late October 1944, consisting of broad stripes of RAL 6003 Olivgrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun, and considerably thinner stripes of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb.

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first camouflage scheme The so-called “ambush” or "Licht und Schatten" (Light and Shadow) camouflage scheme had to consist of patches of RAL 6003 Olivgrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun that were to be applied over the RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb basecoat, with each color covering around one third of vehicle’s surface. This was to be supplemented with a pattern of small contrasting

spots painted in the adjacent colors, which were to be applied using a brush or sprayed on. Later, due to the shortage of Dunkelgelb, it was decided not to apply this color to the entire vehicle, instead limiting its application to the specified one third of the surface. This camouflage scheme was intended for use in the late summer and early fall seasons.

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Pz,Kpfw.VI Ausf.B of SS-s.Pz.Abt.502, wearing an ambush camouflage pattern wit soft-edged color patches.

Pz.Kpfw.IV/70(V) of 12. SS-Panzer-Division, sporting a shortly used disc camouflage pattern of RAL 6003 Olivegrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun over the RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb base.

second camouflage scheme Vehicles deployed in the snow-covered areas were to be painted in RAL 9002 Weiß (White) overall. Supplementary spots of another camouflage color could be added.

Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.H of of an unidentified unit, wearing a winter whitewash over the tricolor camouflage pattern.

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Sd.Kfz.251/1 Ausf.D of 25. Panzer-Division, used in Poland during winter 1944/1945. The tricolor camouflage pattern was supplemented with thin white lines for in order to additionally disrupt the silhouette of the vehicle.

third camouflage scheme This camouflage scheme consisted of large blotches of RAL 8017 Rotbraun and fairly small stripes of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb that were to be applied over the RAL 6003 Olivgrün basecoat. This pattern was darker than the “ambush” scheme and therefore intended for use in the spring and early summer periods, when the growing vegetation

had mostly a greenish appearance. The movable parts of the vehicles, such as the wheels, were to be painted in a single color, as it had been noticed that the camouflage patches would make them stand out when rotating.

This Sd.Kfz.173 Jagdpanther was pictured at war's end at the vehicle dump at Meppen, where the German vehicles from s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt.655 and Pz.Einsatz-Abt.20 had been gathered. This vehicle was painted in a tricolor camouflage scheme comprising stripes of RAL 7028 Dunkegelb, RAL 6003 Olivgrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun. (Photo: Enoch Maxwell Steele via Joel Steele coll.)

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Sd.Kfz.250 Ausf.B of an unidentified unit, wearing the final factory scheme of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb and RAL 8017 Rotbraun over the RAL 6003 Olivegrün base. Note the unknown unit emblem on the side.

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2.4.7

1945. the end

The H. V. 1945, Nr. 52, issued on 2nd January 1945, may have been the last regulation that referred to the painting schemes of the German army vehicles during World War II. It confirmed the change of the base color from RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb to RAL 6003 Olivgrün which had most likely been approved sometime in late 1944. The newly manufactured vehicles were to be finished in Olivgrün overall until the proper camouflage patterns will be developed and their templates delivered to the manufacturers by the purchasing department of the Army Weapons Agency. These camouflage patterns were to consist of equal portions of RAL 6003 Olivgrün, RAL 8017 Rotbraun and RAL 7028 Gelb Ausgabe 1944 (Yellow, 1944 version). This late officially adopted variation of the RAL 7028 was probably introduced around October 1944 and had a more greenish-gray hue than the earlier versions. The stocks of Dunkelgelb were to be used for applying cam-

ouflage patterns and painting small equipment which is not carried by the troops or used only at the home front. The regulation prohibited the use of Dunkelgelb for painting heavy equipment transported on open rail wagons, as this would make them easily-detectable targets for the Allied air strikes, although in a different paragraph it included a contrary statement, taking note of the necessity of shipping the equipment to the front regardless of problems with supplies of the Olivgrün paint. Already used or stocked equipment could be camouflaged with camouflage pastes if necessary. In practice, the manufacturers often disobeyed the rules as providing the troops with scarcely needed equipment was more important than ensuring it will come in the proper painting finish, and used all available paints, including the primers, or did not care about painting at all.

Pz.Kpfw.V Ausf.G completed by MAN factory in April 1945. The camouflage scheme applied to the last Panthers built by MAN consisted of sharp-edged fields of RAL 6003 Olivegrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun.

Pz.Kpfw.IV/70(V) of s.H.Pz.Jg.Abt. 655, sporting a final factory scheme of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb, RAL 6003 Olivegrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun.

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2.5

s t r a p r o l o c l origina

The equipment pieces and parts of vehicles preserved over the years help us to get a better idea of the used color tones. Although the passage of time obviously affects the intensity and vividness of the colors, some fairly protected parts show us clearly how these colors

looked like. The paint layer on many of these pieces matches the original RAL color chips, or sometimes differs a little due to the variety of used solvents and origins of the paint components, as we have seen before.

Support for Schürzen from a Jagdpanzer IV. This photo is interesting because the part is painted with a dark variant of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. You can also appreciate the reddish color tone of the RAL 8012 Rotbraun primer. (Private collection Eric George)

Very interesting photo of two Schürzen brackets for StuG or Panzer IV. You can clearly see the two different color tones of RAL 8012 Rotbraun primer. These parts would surely be primed before being delivered for installation in the vehicle. Later, once attached in place, RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb would be sprayed over the entire vehicle. (Private collection Eric George)

Parts for fastening the Schürzen to a StuG or Panzer IV. We can see two details: the reddish color of RAL 8012 Rotbraun primer and two different shades of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb, one being lighter than the other. (Private collection Eric George)

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Headphone/microphone storage box painted in RAL 1001 Elfenbein. We can also see some red brown primer on the inner sides of the box. (Private collection Eric George)

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First aid box painted in RAL 6006 Feldgrau, compared to a rear position light which appears to be painted in RAL 7019 Schwarzgrau. (Private collection Eric George)

Bosch light housing hand-painted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. Note that it does not have the typical satin factory finish. Compare this with other Bosch light housings shown in this section, where the satin finish can be seen. The chipped base color reveals traces of RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau and RAL 8012 Rotbraun. (Private collection Eric George)

Door from a Kfz.70 KruppProtze truck recovered in the Lorraine area. Observe the matte finish of the paintjob which certainly was not factory-applied. We can see that the RAL 8017 Rotbraun and RAL 6003 Olivgrün complementary colors do not adhere well. You can also appreciate the RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau paint beneath the scratched camo, and the RAL 8012 primer in the lower left corner. (Private collection Eric George)

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Box from a StuG III (late model). The paint is glossy, which indicates that this part was painted at the factory. No primer was applied. RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb was applied directly over the metal surface. (Private collection Eric George)

Fire extinguishers. Note the two Dunkelgelb tones and the gray extinguisher repainted in dark yellow which had been applied even over the decal. The paint layer is very thin. (Private collection Eric George)

A group of variously painted canisters. The 5- and 10-liter cans are painted in RAL 7027 Grau. The left 20-liter jerrycan is painted in RAL 8020 Braun, whilst the right one is painted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. (Private collection Eric George)

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Ammo box for 8,8 cm Flak 18. It is painted in two tones, ie. RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau and RAL 7017 Dunkelbraun, both used by the German Army at the beginning of the war. We can see that the two colors are quite similar, and for this reason the brown complementary color was withdrawn from use. (Private collection Eric George) Insignia of a maintenance unit (Werkstatt Kompanie) on a truck box. The marking is painted in an unknown color. Note the heavily chipped RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb paint that had been applied over the previous RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau layer. (Private collection Eric George)

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Several Pak 40 and Kw K 40 ammo containers. Note at least three different shades of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. (Private collection Eric George)

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StuG III wheel primed in RAL 8012 Rotbraun. (Private collection Eric George)

5 ton jack probably coming from a Wespe SP gun. The tool is painted in the tricolor scheme, note the dark tone of Olivgrün. (Private collection Eric George)

Two 20-liter jerrycans. We can clearly see the difference between the RAL 8020 Braun and RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. (Private collection Eric George)

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Notek lamps, we can see the housing on the right painted only in Dunkelgelb, and not camouflaged. However, the Notek on the left is repainted in the tricolor scheme.

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Different Dunkelgelb tones. We can see that one of them is very light, whilst others are more yellowish.

Yet another example of different RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb shade applied to an ammunition box for the le F H 18. Note that this box was not primed. The paint was applied directly over the metal surface.

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Here we can see more photos that allow us to compare various Dunkelgelb shades. We can also compare them with RAL 1001 Elfenbein (small box on the right).

Two 20-liter jerrycans. The left on had been painted in Dunkelgrau and repainted in a dark Dunkelgelb shade, with a blue cross applied over this. You can see the letters "KW" (abbreviation for "Kühlwasser", ie. coolant). This jerrycan was recovered in the Belgian town of Vielsalm in the Ardennes.

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M40 helmets painted in the "Normandy" scheme. Note the difference between the green tones. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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A helmet used by the Afrika Korps, painted in RAL 7027 Grau. (Private collection Albatros Models)

M40 helmet with "Normandy" type camouflage pattern. Note the thick paint layer which indicates that the helmet was repainted (twice in this case). We can also see chipping in a different Dunkelgelb tone. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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In these pictures we can see three colors used by the Afrika Korps, ie. RAL 8020 Braun, RAL 7027 Grau and RAL 7008 Graugrün. (Private collection Albatros Models)

M40 helmet used in North Africa and painted in RAL 7008 Graugrün. (Private collection Albatros Models)

A very interesting M35 helmet. It was used by a Kriegsmarine unit moved to North Africa, probably as one of the units responsible for monitoring the ports. It is painted in RAL 8020 Braun and a nonstandard green color. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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Another helmet used in North Africa. This one is painted in RAL 7027 Grau. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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MG ammunition box. Note that it was not primed, and we can see bare (rusted) metal in the areas where the paint peeled off. (Private collection Albatros Models)

Another MG ammunition box. The Dunkelgelb shade is different than on the box shown above, but this box was not primed either. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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Oil lamps. These lamps were mainly used by the tank crews. Note the difference between the two Dunkelgelb shades. (Private collection Albatros Models)

Verbandskasten first aid box. These parts were apparently not primed either.

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Panzerschreck ammunition boxes. Again, observe the color difference.

Sd.Kfz.251 wheel recovered in Normandy. Worth noting is that it was painted in RAL 6003 Olivgrün and RAL 8017 Rotbraun, whilst the base color of the tricolor camouflage, RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb, is not present on this part. (Private collection Eric George)

Wheel of a Sd.Kfz.7 painted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. Note that the wheel was not primed. (Private collection Eric George)

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Notek lamp painted in the tricolor scheme. Usually these parts were painted in a single color, in this case RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. Note the traces of RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau undercoat. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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Notek lamp painted in RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau. Note the very dark tone of this color.

Two 20-liter water cans. The crews often marked the cans intended for water with white crosses, as visible on the left photo.

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20-liter jerrycan painted in RAL 6003 Olivgrün. We can see that it was not primed. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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Gas burner used for engine starting. It is painted with RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. (Private collection Albatros Models)

Ammunition box painted with the pre-war colors of Erdgelb Nr.17, Grün Nr.28 and Braun Nr.18. (Private collection Albatros Models)

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10-watt tank VHF transmitter (10 W.S.c) painted in RAL 7003 Grau. (Private collection Jordi Rubio)

Canteen painted in RAL 6006 Feldgrau. (Private collection Jordi Rubio)

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Gas mask canister painted in RAL 6006 Feldgrau. (Private collection Jordi Rubio)

This Bosch light housing is a highly interesting part, because its components were painted in different shades of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. The particular components were most likely delivered as pre-painted by two different sub-contractors. Worth noting is also the satin finish of this piece, different from the other Bosch light housing shown in this book. (Private collection Jordi Rubio)

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Interior light from a Panzer IV turret. Normally these parts were painted in black, but in this case the part was painted with RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. As in the case of the Bosch light housing shown on the previous page, the particular components were painted in different shades. (Private collection Jordi Rubio)

A late model of horn, which was primed in RAL 9005 Schwarz and then painted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. (Private collection Jordi Rubio)

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5-watt radio transmitter used by the Condor Legion during the Spanish Civil War. This radio is painted in the pre-war tricolor scheme of Erdgelb Nr. 17, Grün Nr. 28 and Braun Nr. 18. Note also see the interior color of the frame, ie. Blaugrau Nr. 4. (Private collection 45th Division "Cherokees")

Late model stowage box from a StuG III painted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb that had been applied over bare metal surface. The process of oxidation and deterioration is much more advanced than in the case of another box shown in this book. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

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Transport ammunition box for Flak 20 recovered in the Vimoutiers area (Poche Chambois). Observe the typical camouflage for equipment used in Normandy. Note that the camouflage pattern was applied over RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau basecoat. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

In this case, RAL 8013 primer was possibly used as the camouflage color instead of RAL 8017. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

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In this photo showing various objects recovered in the Normandy area, we can see the original RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau color on the rear side of a motorcycle stowage box (Kriegspacktasche). Other parts are painted in different shades of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

Pieces of a Sd.Kfz.250 from 2. Panzer-Division, which was destroyed in the Falaise Pocket. We can see how the red primer was used as the camouflage color. Worth noting is also the discoloration of the Olivgrün-painted areas. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

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Curious motorcycle stowage box (Kriegspacktasche) recovered in the Normandy area. We can see that the vehicle was camouflaged using only the complementary colors, ie. Olivgrün and Rotbraun (in this case, probably the primer) that had been applied over a RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau basecoat. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

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Notek light recovered in the d'Argentant area in Normandy. This piece was originally painted in RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau (see scratches in gray), and subsequently camouflaged with RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb and a misted application of RAL 6003 Olivgrün. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

Part of a wheel from a vehicle based on the Panzer 38(t) chassis, probably a Marder III, recovered in the Fromentel area between Briouze and Flers. The wheel was originally painted in RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau and repainted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb and RAL 6003 Olivgrün. "Rings" of red primer are visible in places where the wheel nuts covered the primer during the process of camouflage painting. This part is of special interest for modellers as it allows to observe all the colors used, from the primer to the secondary camouflage color, how the paint layers are superimposed over each other, and how the various wear and tear effects such as the scratches and paint chips look like. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

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Other pieces recovered in the same area (Normandy). We can see different shades of each camouflage color. (Private collection Denis Toutain)

Impressive doors of a Sd.Kfz.251 belonging to a Panzer Lehr unit. This piece was recovered in the Normandy area. Note the different wear and tear effects on each door. On the right door, the Dunkelgelb layer is heavily damaged, revealing the Rotbraun priming coat. On the left door, the damage is less intense and we can see a great example of faded Dunkelgelb color. A possible reason is that the paint layer was very thin. Worth noting is also the Dunkelgelb color transition on the left side, and the discoloration with the red primer showing through on the right side of the left door. (Private collection Yann Renaud)

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Stowage box from a Sd.Kfz.251 recovered in Normandy. It seems that yellow paint was used as a primer inside and outside of the box.

Many vehicles used in the Normandy area were not fully repainted, wearing a RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb camouflage pattern over the old RAL 7021 Dunkelgrau basecoat instead.

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In this series of photographs showing parts of vehicles recovered in the Normandy area, we can see the differences between the satin and matte finish of paints used. In the first image, the matte finish indicates that this part was repainted by hand. We can also see brush strokes and varying intensity of RAL 6003 Olivgrün in particular areas. The other two pictures show parts that had probably been painted using a spray gun, as indicated by the appearance of camouflage patches and their satin finish.

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2.5.1 DUNKELGELB and rotbraun color comparison In the following photos, we show different parts painted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb over Rotbraun primer. You will see how the paint made up to the same RAL reference varies in appearance.

Here we can see four Verbandkasten first aid kits. We can clearly see three different shades of RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb. Observe the subtle yellow, blue and reddish hues on the particular parts.

In these pictures we can clearly see the significant difference between the various shades of the Dunkelgelb color.

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In this sequence of photographs we may see the different shades of the Rotbraun primer color. Some parts are more reddish, whilst others have a more yellowish hue.

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2.6 Color photographs taken DURING wwii

Henri Cartier-Bresson's first Leica.

When studying photographs taken during WWII, various factors must be considered in order to correctly interpret the colors. The use of a good color calibration program to treat the negative or paper print if the negative does not exist, is essential. A print can be deceiving because the inks used aren't the same as the original paint. The dif-

ference is even larger if the negatives or photos are old, as they may be damaged by time and exposure to light. They therefore can differ greatly from reality. Sometimes they can be used to support other information, but the limitations of the chromatic accuracy must be considered.

Pak 40 guns left in Denmark after the end of WWII. We can observe that most of their surfaces were painted in a bright RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb tone, whilst the barrel appears to be finished in a pale gray color. (Nationalmuseet)

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A closer view of the same gun. (Nationalmuseet)

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An abandoned Sd.Kfz.251 Ausf.D. In this photo we can see that the base color was probably the RAL 8012 Rotbraun primer, whilst RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb and RAL 8017 Rotbraun were used as camouflage colors. The tactical number was painted in RAL 9005 Schwarz, with RAL 9002 WeiB outline.

A Pz.Kpfw.IV Ausf.J wreck painted in the tricolor scheme. Worth noting is that the main gun barrel and MG mount parts seem to be painted or primed in gray. Also, observe how the dust layer blends the camouflage colors together.

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A German truck equipped with wood gas generator, abandoned in Copenhagen after the war. The cab was painted in RAL 7028 Dunkelgelb, whilst the canvas was not camouflaged. (Nationalmuseet)

German artillery pieces examined by Canadian troops in France, 1944. (Library and Archives Canada)

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2.7 ANALYSIS AND STUDY OF COLORS USING ORIGINAL PAINT SAMPLES The study of colors from original pieces is not an easy work, as variables like the passage of time come into play. Throughout its life, a piece will have suffered from weather conditions of rain, cold, heat and exposure to ultraviolet rays. Depending on the pigments with which they were manufactured at the time, the specific colors, and the state of conservation, we can find out the composition using current technology with a + -1% error. There are also some types of pigments which were formerly used, but are currently prohibited, so in some cases it is not possible to exactly reproduce the original color using the original components. They therefore must be reproduced using other types of components. In the end, it is practically impossible to detect a difference between the old, original color, even though the components may be different.

The technique used to discover the originally used pigments is based on the color curve in the visible spectrum band. The color is the result of an illuminant, or type of light, an object, and a receiver. Therefore, the perception of the color of an object depends on the illuminant or type of light that affects the object, and the human eye that observes it. Various factors can alter the perception of color. To mitigate the subjectivity of these factors a spectrophotometer is used to apply the illuminant in the same way every time. It also collects the results consistently and objectively, the same way every time. Preserved original examples and records are also used to double check and adjust the final colors. This system has been used for the reproduction of some of the colors from the AK-Interactive's Real Colors range, so the modellers can paint their replicas in colors that perfectly represent the originals. The human eye is capable of collecting data of refraction (amount of light absorbed and reflected by an object) for wavelengths between about 400 and 750 nm. All wavelengths of light above and below these values, such as ultraviolet or infrared rays, are not perceptible to the human eye.

Cosmic rays

Gamma rays

X-rays

Ultraviolet

Infrared

Radar Microwave

When we observe a color with the spectrophotometer, we see a graph in the form of a curve in the visible spectrum, from 400 to 750 nm (nanometers) where we observe the % refraction of light at each wavelength. An example of a graph would be as follows:

Actual graph obtained from an unrestored original German ammunition box.

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750 nm

700 nm

650 nm

600 nm

550 nm

500 nm

450 nm

ULTRAVIOLET

400 nm

SPECTRUM VISIBLE BY THE HUMAN EYE

UHF Short wave Medium wave VHF Long wave Radio

INFRARED

Frequency very low

In our case the spectrophotometer uses three illuminants, daylight light, incandescent light, and fluorescent light. This curve would be of a determined color with a determined illuminant which is composed of the sum of several pigments. Then, starting from here, we must find out what are the individual pigments which combination will result in a curve which matches the one generated by the original sample. To facilitate this process, we maintain a database of the characteristics of each individual pigment and its specific curve. Being original pigments, we leave out the factor of color degradation. By having each pigment documented and controlled, we can match the color using the data on the pigments, and the program which chooses the ones necessary for the curve to be the same. To determine the mixture of original pigments it is necessary to match the color curve in all the three of the illuminants. It is possible to reach a certain final color along different paths. That is to say with different pigment mixtures, but only one of them is the one that will reproduce, exactly, the original mixture of pigments that has the exact same curve under all of the illuminants.

COLORIMETRIC DATA:

Ammunition shell graph with the new color proposal. COLORIMETRIC DATA:

COLORIMETRIC DATA:

Tungsteno

Fluorescente

When, for whatever reason, we can't use a particular pigment, like lead chromates, we must match the color using other pigments. In this case, we decided that the equalization of the color curve would be acquired when based on the illuminant that simulates sunlight. Under that light the color will be the same, but under other illuminants the color will be slightly different. This phenomenon of equal colors under a different illuminants is called metamerism, and is due to the use of different pigments to achieve the same final color. At a practical level, we can mix a simple, direct green, or we can mix blue and yellow. We can match the colors to result in the same color when viewed in sunlight, but if we observe that same color under a fluorescent light, we will see the difference.

This helps to explain the modeller why there are sometimes small color differences between an original color and a hobby paint (which are mostly imperceptible).

DAYLIGHT

TUNGSTEN

FLUORESCENT

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3

SOVr ICEAMTOUFLAGE armo

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T-34 with tactical number 52, 1950s. Note that the color of this vehicle is much darker than those featured on p.127. Is this the case of using different paint, or a problem with photographic material? This vehicle should be uniformly painted in Protective 4BO. (RGAKDF public archive)

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3.1

n io t c u d o r t in

It is a common opinion that during WWII, Soviet military vehicles (tanks, self-propelled guns, armored cars, trucks, passenger cars, motorcycles and artillery) were painted uniformly in dark green. In Soviet nomenclature this paint was designated as Protective 4BO (защитная 4БО). This green paint was the basic color for most of

the military vehicles. However, we should remember that during the war, it was possible to see many exceptions. Other colors, such as dark brown, sand and black, were also in use in the Red Army. Camouflage of Soviet military vehicles is a very interesting subject, but at the same time extremely difficult to qualify.

One of a few photos that prove the presence of the multicolor camouflage on Soviet tanks. In the foreground, we can see an early T-34 painted in a tricolor pattern of Protective 4BO, Dark Brown 6K and Sand 7K. (Przemysław Skulski collection)

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3. 2

camoufla army mi litge of th e red ary veh ic les In 1920s and 1930s camouflage of military vehicles was not considered as an important problem by the Red Army high command. There is no doubt that in this period the main color employed by the Soviets for military vehicles was Protective Green. Of course, multicolor patterns also existed but these belonged to a true minority. An example

of these is the two-tone green camouflage created by avant-gardist A. Rodchenko and applied to Mark V tanks in 1920. Generally, in that period, the Red Army did not care about camouflaging their vehicles. This originated from the offensive strategy of the Red Army. When the tanks are advancing, camouflage is not a problem.

A T-34 with pressed turret sporting a two color camouflage scheme with patches of Sand 7K applied over the Protective 4BO basecoat. The white number 228 also appeared on the rear of the turret. This vehicle served at Leningrad Front in September 1943. (Central State Picture, Movie and Media Archive of Ukraine, Kiev)

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In the second half of the 1930s, the Soviets tried to prepare the first standardized green paint. This paint received the designation ZB AU and was not successfully adopted. Also in the mid 1930s, the Soviets changed their approach to the camouflage. During the Great Kiev Maneuvers in September 1935, and during maneuvers conducted the following year in Belarussia, a number of experimental paint schemes was applied to tanks and armored vehicles. For example, Grey-Green spots were painted over the standard green basecoat on some T-37As. A two-tone paint scheme (Dark Green/ Brown) was also used on the BT tanks. In the following years the USSR continued to develop the camouflage pattern designs. It was found that the best paint scheme was a pattern consisting of large irregular spots of three or four colors. In August 1939, during tests carried out at Kubinka proving grounds by the NI ABT (Armored Vehicles Research Institute) and IU RKKA (Engineering Department of the Red Army), multicolor camouflage patterns were developed and evaluated. A total of l7 armored vehicles were evaluated, of which 6 carried multicolored disruptive patterns with large irregular spots, 6 vehicles sported two-tone schemes with small spots, and 5 vehicles were painted uniformly in Protective 4BO. In result, two paints were suggested as base colors. These were Protective 4BO and Dark Brown or Black. They could be supplemented

by other colors, such as Green, Light Brown and Sand. Camouflage patterns were recommended and assigned to military regions, which were divided into four groups: Group l - included military regions located in the West, North-West and Central Russia as well as the Odessa Military District. The tests proved that tricolor schemes applied with Protective 4BO, Dark Brown 6RP and Sand 3IE were appropriate for this group. Group II - comprised the Kiev Special Military District, Kharkov Military District and Volga Military District. The camouflage scheme recommended for this group consisted of two colors, ie. Green with a blue hue (22ED) and Yellow-Brown 2EE. Group III - included only the Central Asian Military District. In this case, the recommended camouflage colors were Brown 3ND and Light Sand 3IE. Group IV - consisted of the troops located in the Far East and in the Transbaykal Military District. The proposal for this group was a two color scheme of Protective 4BO and Dark Brown (one of following shades: 23RP, 2PI, 4IG). It was also suggested that Black may be used as an additional color. The principles were to link specific camouflage patterns with the operational areas of the armored units. The colors and patterns were

This T-34-85 Model 1944 (Factory No.112 in Gorky; with 8-part turret) marked "252", belonged to an unidentified unit and was pictured in East Prussia during the winter 1944/1945. This tank carried a very interesting camouflage scheme: a two color pattern of Protective 4BO and Sand 7K was softly covered with winter whitewash. (Przemysław Skulski collection)

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adapted to the climatic conditions and vegetation in the various areas of the Soviet Union. However, a relatively small number of vehicles was painted in accordance with these regulations between 1939 and 1941. One of the most important reasons was the fact that the Soviet chemical industry began production of only three paints in form of a thick paste, which were to be diluted with oil varnish containing gasoline or kerosene. These paints were: Protective 4BO, Dark Brown 6K and Sand 7K. Regular deliveries of paints were also a big problem for Soviet industry, affecting on the number of properly camouflaged vehicles. A well-known example of the use of tricolor camouflage schemes are the tanks from the 4th and 15th Mechanized Corps, which operated in the western section of the Soviet Union during the summer of 1941. The patterns carried by these AFVs consisted of patches of Protective 4BO, Dark Brown 6K and Sand 7K. By the end of 1941, when the problem of camouflage painting was raised again, the above-mentioned tricolor pattern appeared in an instruction prepared by the ABTU (Armored Vehicles Department). It contained the recommendation to employ, for the purpose of camouflaging military vehicles, precisely those colors – Protective 4BO, Dark Brown and Sand. It was determined that the green color must cover 45-55% of the tank's surface, with 15-30% covered by Dark Brown and 15-30% covered by Sand, respectively. Attention was also paid to the arrangement of the camouflage patches, which were designed to

disrupt the outline of the vehicle (e.g. the color stripes must not run parallel to the vehicle's outline and the camouflage patches must not be symmetrical). Between 1942 and 1944, when Soviet Union still fought to survive, most of the military vehicles were painted uniformly in different shades of green (4BO, ZK, ZO). However, the two color camouflage patterns, usually painted with Protective 4BO and Dark Brown, or Protective 4BO and Sand, were also in use. The camouflage patches should have occupied ca. 25% of the vehicle's surface, but in practice this rule was not followed and the color proportions were often different. In the last year of the WWII (from summer 1944 to spring 1945), camouflage patterns consisting of two, three or four colors were occasionally used. Known examples are the vehicles from regiments that belonged to the 4th Guards Armored Army during the Lviv-Sandomierz operation in summer 1944. Multicolor camouflage schemes were also employed by the self-propelled artillery regiments due to their tactics – hide and ambush the enemy. However, it is worth emphasizing that green overall (4BO, ZK, ZO) remained the main painting scheme of the Red Army vehicles. Most of the T-34-85 medium tanks, IS-2 heavy tanks, Su-76 self-propelled guns, Ba-64 armored cars and other vehicles were simply green, or more precisely, were painted in different shades of green.

76mm Divisional Guns Model 1939 (USW) finished in a tricolor camouflage scheme comprising patches of Protective K (ZK), Dark Brown 6K and Sand 7K. (RGAKDF public archive)

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3. 3

e h t f o n io t ip r Desc s t in a p r a l u ic t par

Only a few paints used by the Red Army units for priming and painting during the WWII can be identified. The list isn't very long, but nevertheless it is still a subject of controversy amongst historians and modellers.

ISU-152 (early) SP guns of the 374th Guards Heavy Self Propelled Artillery Regiment, 4th Armored Army, Lviv area, July 1944. Note the non-standard and rare four color camouflage scheme (Protective 4BO, Dark Brown 6K, Sand 7K and Black 6RP) and the tactical marking under the tactical number. (RGAKDF public archive)

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Priming Before applying the camouflage paints, the surface of a tank or other military vehicle had to be adequately prepared – clean and free of rust. The first step was to use sandblasting machines. This method had many advantages: great cleaning power, low costs, high effectiveness. Old paint layers were also removed this way. Chemical cleaning was also used sometimes, but this was much more complex and cost more time and money. The next step before painting was to clean the surface with a cloth that had been moistened in turpentine. For priming bare metal surfaces, the Soviets used many different primers. The most common

were the so-called grunt gliftaleviy No. 138 (грунт глифталиевый № 138) or zhelezniy surik (железный сурик). These paints had a characteristic red color and gave strong anti-corrosion protection. During WWII, many other paints were used as primers. It was recommended to use Dark Grey (cеро-дикая) and Blue-Grey (серо-голубая) paints, and even green paints: ZB AU, Protective K (ZK) or Common Protective (ZO). When the primer was dry, any gap or imperfection was corrected with a putty composed of 100 parts (in weight) of linseed oil, 375 parts of White Lead and 375 parts of burnt chalk powder.

Protective Green 1920's - 1930's This paint was used in 1920s and 1930s as the main color of the Red Army military equipment. However, it is necessary to remember that this was a non-standardised paint, so the color could vary depending on the manufacturer and production batch. Generally, this paint was more

greenish and darker than Protective 4BO. Protective Green was also used as a primer – it was applied as the initial coat to protect the surface against corrosion and wear. It also provided good adhesion for the second coat, which could be applied with a different paint, but usually the same paint was used for economical reasons.

ZB AU (ЗБ АУ) In the second half of the 1930s, a paint designated ZB AU was introduced as the first standard color for the Soviet military vehicles. The abbreviation AU stands for Alkidno Uretanovaya, (Alkyd-urethane protective base). This paint was composed of the following components (in weight): 100 parts of linseed oil, 71.25 of lead white, 47.5 of zinc oxide, 33 of yellow ochre pigment, 7 of burnt umber pigment, 4.75 of elutriated graphite and 2.4 of ultramarine blue. The career of this paint was relatively short. The main disadvantage was that the objects painted with ZB AU could

be highlighted when a special optic filter was used, which made the paint stand out against vvegetation. This nullified the ability to camouflage vehicles from the enemy. The reason was the mixture of pigments used in the paint, which reflected a different light spectrum than the chlorophyll which gives color to the vegetation. Due to this the Red Army abandoned the use of ZB AU, which was replaced by 4BO. In 1939 the ABTU recommended to use the ZB AU stock as a primer. However, in 1941 some vehicles (T-26, T-28 and T-35 tanks) were still painted with ZB AU.

Protective 4BO (защитная 4БО) The problems with ZB AU led to development of a new standard camouflage paint called Protective 4BO. This paint debuted in 1939 and lasted in service well into the middle of 1950s. Without doubt, this was the most common Soviet military color used during WWII. It was used for painting military vehicles, artillery and military equipment (ammo boxes, helmets). The most important attribute of this paint was so called ND (НД - не дешифрироваться). This term is difficult to translate from Russian to English, and a direct translation is not possible. Basically, it means that the paint blended well with the surroundings, especially vegetation. According to official instructions, 4BO was provided for widespread painting. In the case of multicolor camouflage, the situation was different. Due to the fact that Dark Brown and Sand had no ND characteristics, it was decided that other green paints should be used instead, namely the Protective K (ZK) and Common Protective (ZO). In practice, the situation was much more complex. Patches of Dark Brown and/or Sand were often applied to tanks and trucks uniformly painted with Protective 4BO. In such cases, all surfaces were wiped with a kerosene soaked cloth, giving the entire vehicle a uniform matte appearance.

The 4BO had many advantages: great coverage, elasticity to withstand abuse, rust protection, quick drying time, sufficient durability under various weather conditions (sun, rain, frost, dust). Even so, the quality of wartime production was lower than it was prior to June 1941. The 4BO paint was composed of linseed oil (30%), chromium oxide green (13,1%), Zhuravskiy yellow ochre pigment (no more than 51,5%) and crown orange (no less than 5,3%) This paint was manufactured in form of thick paste which was diluted in gasoline, kerosene or oil. In official instructions the dilution ratio was: 60-75% of paste and 25-40% diluent. In practice, the ratio was usually different. This is one of many reasons why 4BO had so many shades, ranging from green to olive brown. The other reason was the fact that the paste was manufactured in at least three factories: one in Stalingrad and two in Ural. The composition was accurately determined, but practice, especially during wartime, was another matter. It is also worth noting that this paint was produced in two other variants: 4BN (on nitrocellulose base) and 4BG (latex version). The 4BG was used as a primer and for painting wooden surfaces of trucks and cars.

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OFFICIAL SOVIET documentation original

translation B. Camouflage paints

Yellow-Earthy (sand) 7K

B. These paints are being used to create a camouflage effect on artillery pieces as well as other equipment. The oil paints of this group also protect the surface from corrosion. These oil paints are diluted with special-purpose natural linseed oil and are highly dilutable, being made from high-quality materials and pigments. Once dried, oil paints from this group are very elastic, waterproof, as well as heat- and grease-resistant.

Dark Brown 6K

Protective 4BO

Protective K

e oil paints XII. Special- purpos (heavily-pigmented) ts B. Camouflage pain

illery pieces are used to cover art Ca mouflage pa ints purposes. The ise gu ipment for dis as well as other equ sur face from up also protect the oil pa ints of this gro corrosion. l-pur pose natudiluted with specia These oil pa ints are being made , ble hig hly diluta ral linseed oil and are nts. me pig d an s ial ter from hig h-qua lity ma

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Protect ive 4BO

Protective K (защитная К - ZK) The paint designated as Protective K (защитная К), was very similar to 4BO. In fact, it was the same shade, and it is impossible to distinguish Protective K from Protective 4BO on wartime black & white photos. According to some sources, Protective K was slightly more green, but it is very hard to confirm this.

Protective K was prepared as a component of multicolor camouflages during the war. It had to be used together with Dark Brown and/or Sand. All three paints (Protective K, 6K and 7K) had no ND characteristics.

Common Protective (защитная обыкновенная - ZO) During WWII yet another green paint was manufactured by the Soviet industry. The paint designated Common Protective (защитная обыкновенная – ZO) was an alternative

color for Protective 4BO and Protective K. This paint was a little darker than 4BO and ZK, and had a brownish shade.

Dark Brown 6K (тёмнокоричневая) This paint was prepared as a camouflage color for military vehicles. The 6K had a dark brown color (тёмнокоричневая). Curiously, the Dark Brown paint was also designated 6RP in some official documents from 1939-1940 period. After 1941, Dark Brown was designated 6K and Black was 6RP. Similarly to 4BO, this paint was supplied in form of a thick paste and was diluted in gasoline, kerosene or oil.

lations from 1941, it had to cover from 15% to 30% of the vehicle's surface. However, in practice, application in strict accordance with this ratio was very rare. What's interesting, the instructions for painting disruptive camouflage on combat vehicles from 1941 allowed for using substitutes in case of lack of original paints. Sieved black earth, diluted in oil, could be used as a substitute for Dark Brown 6K.

Dark Brown was to be applied over the basic green color (4BO, ZK and ZO). It could also be used together with Sand 7K as the third color of camouflage. According to the regu-

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Sand 7K (жёлто-землистая or пясочная) The paint designated 7K was a dark sand color (жёлтоземлистая – in Russian Yellow-Earth or пясочная). It was used as the second basic camouflage color of the Red Army military vehicles. This paint was also produced in form of a thick paste. Sand paint was to be used for applying camouflage patches over the basic green color (4BO, ZK and ZO). It could also be used together with Dark Brown 6K as the third camouflage color. According to the

regulations from 1941, it had to cover from 15% to 30% of the vehicle's surface. As in the case of Dark Brown 6K, Sand 7K substitutes were also documented in the instructions for painting disruptive camouflage on combat vehicles from 1941. In this case, the regulations authorized the use of clay, mud or road dust, diluted in water with glue, casein, or even milk.

Black 6RP After 1939, some vehicles were camouflaged with Black paint designated 6RP to create a more stark contrast between camouflage colors, and for better concealment in areas with many shadows, such as forests. Black 6RP was used together with Protective 4BO, Dark Brown 6K and/ or Sand 7K. The multicolor camouflage pattern were acknowledged to be most suitable for the units stationed in the western areas of the Soviet Union. The black paint was also used for painting road wheels, return rollers

116 / WWII REAL COLORS

and other parts of the running gear, as well as the chassis parts of armored cars, trucks or passenger cars.

White paints for winter camouflage During winter the tanks and other military vehicles were painted with washable white paint. Such paint was produced in several variants, but the most popular one was the so-called “B type”. It was supplied in form of powder containing gypsum (about 47%), chalk (47%), glue (about 5%) and lime calcium (about 2%). This specific paint was diluted with hot water and dried in around 2 hours. It was estimated that 70 to 150 grams of dry paint was needed to cover 1m² of vehicle surface. The paint was stored in sacks or tins. It soon turned out that the paint was not durable and rubbed off quickly, which may be easily noticed on the wartime photos. The white paint was usually applied with ordinary brushes, which also affected the quality of the paintwork. According to some Soviet sources, white glue paint and resin-based white paint were also in use, especially in the 1944-45 period. However, both types of paints were used sporadically. Official instructions forbade the use of white zinc or lithopone paints as well as lime. This is interesting, because many sources repeat information about using lime for winter camouflage application.

However, in accordance with the memories of the Soviet tank crews, the use of ordinary lime in the frontline conditions was possible. The crews were often responsible for applying the winter camouflage, and used whatever was available. Different patterns and methods of paint application were in use. Sometimes the vehicles received a uniform white coat, whilst in other cases only white patches, stripes, waves or circles were applied. An interesting winter camouflage pattern appeared on the T-26 and T-34 tanks which had served with the 1st Guards Armored Brigade and 11th Armored Brigade during winter 1941/42. Most surfaces of these tanks were uniformly painted white, with some areas covered with stripes which mimicked the rut patterns that appear in the snow. This kind of camouflage was applied using special grids which served as stencils. For this reason it is sometimes called "grid camouflage" (other names are “winter forest” and “net camouflage”). This pattern was developed at the end of the 1930s. According to some sources, the Soviets recognized it as the best winter camouflage pattern, but its drawback was that its application was highly labor-intensive. During the later stages of war these patterns practically disappeared.

A T-34 tank from the 1st Armored Brigade finished in the “Winter Forest” paint scheme, winter 1941/1942. (Przemysław Skulski collection)

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T-34s in the factory workshop, winter 1941/42. This photo clearly shows the distinctive winter camouflage pattern called “Winter Forest” or “Grid Camouflage”. (Central State Picture, Movie and Media Archive of Ukraine, Kiev)

An ISU-122 (late) SP gun from an unidentified guards unit belonging to the 5th Guards Armored Army, territory of Poland, January 1945. Note the interesting winter camouflage pattern in form of irregular patches of white and possibly Sand 7K applied over Protective 4BO basecoat. (Central State Picture, Movie and Media Archive of Ukraine, Kiev)

118 / WWII REAL COLORS

Other paints Without doubt, during WWII the Red Army units and repair workshops also used foreign paints. The first group included the American and British colors. The most commonly used one was the US Olive Drab, which was similar to Soviet Common Protective (ZO). It is possible that the Soviets also used British paints. The second group of foreign paints included captured Axis colors. The most popular were the following German paints: Panzergrau, Dunkegelb, Olivegrün and Rotbraun. The use of Finnish colors, especially the Moss Green, is also possible.

WWII REAL COLORS / 119

3.4

S T R A P R O L O C ORIGINAL s e r u t ic p r o l and co Soviet SSh-36 helmet painted with ZB AU paint.

Maxim machine gun painted uniformly in Protective 4BO.

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Soviet SSh-40 helmet painted with Protective 4BO.

Ammo box for the DShK machine gun painted in Protective 4BO.

Two Soviet ammo boxes. Note the different shades of green color. The box on the left is more greenish. It is possible that the left box was painted in Protective 4BO and the right one in Protective K (ZK) or Protective O (ZO).

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DShK machine gun on carriage. The color of the armor shield is Protective K (ZK), while the carriage is painted with a darker and more intense green shade – possibly it is Protective 4BO.

GAZ-AA truck uniformly painted with Protective K (ZK). Note the different shades of green on the metal part of the cab and wooden cargo compartment.

122 / WWII REAL COLORS

Color PHOTOGRAPHS taken DURING AND AFTER wwii

Soviet tanks, including T-34-85 (Factory No.183) and M4A2 Sherman of the 1st Guard Mechanized Corps, territory of Austria, May 1945. The T-34-85 is uniformly painted in dark green with a brownish shade. It is possible that this vehicle was painted Common Protective (ZO) overall. (RGAKDF public archive)

Another view of the T-34-85 (factory no.183) of the 1st Guards Mechanized Corps, territory of Austria, May 1945. (RGAKDF public archive)

A T-34-85 photographed in 1950s during maneuvers in the Soviet Union. This vehicle was uniformly painted Protective 4BO. (RGAKDF public archive)

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Abandoned T-34 tanks in the western section of the Soviet Union, summer 1941. All vehicles were uniformly painted in Protective 4BO. (Bundesarchiv)

A wrecked KV-2, summer 1941. This giant heavy tank was painted Protective 4BO overall. (Bundesarchiv)

Destroyed KV-1 heavy tank, summer 1941. The vehicle appears to be painted with ZB AU. However, it is important to remember that the quality of color films was relatively low in 1941. (Bundesarchiv)

124 / WWII REAL COLORS

A T-34 wreck somewhere in the Soviet Union in 1941. Note the relatively light color tone. It is, however, possible that this vehicle was painted with Protective 4BO. (Bundersarchiv)

Two photos of the same destroyed T-34 (STZ production) that had been possibly taken during spring or summer of 1942. This vehicle seems to be painted with Protective 4BO, but the color looks a little different on each photo. (Bundersarchiv)

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T-34 tanks (with hexagonal turret) destroyed on the Eastern Front, possibly during spring 1943. The vehicle in the foreground was destroyed by an internal explosion. It is very hard to determine the exact color of these tanks, because they had been burned. However, Protective 4BO paint is visible on the upper section of the turret and gun mantlet. (Bundersarchiv)

A group of T-34 tanks destroyed in the southern sector of the Eastern Front in 1942. All vehicles were uniformly painted with Protective 4BO. (Bundersarchiv)

A T-34 tank (with hexagonal turret) captured by the Germans. This vehicle was uniformly painted with Protective 4BO or Protective K. (Bundersarchiv)

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T-34 medium tanks and IS-2 heavy tanks photographed during maneuvers in the Soviet Union in 1946. All tanks were painted with Protective 4BO. (RGAKDF public archive)

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4

BRRMIOTRISH

A CAMOUFLAGE

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4.1 oduction intr

This chapter provides a broad history and a guide to painting the disruptive camouflage seen on British military vehicles in the United Kingdom, North West Europe and overseas from 1934 until 1945. This will probably contradict many previous perceptions about British colors that seem to have taken root among many modellers. The content is based primarily on official documents and material available at the TNA, and several military museum libraries backed up by relevant anecdotal evidence. Numerous photographs serve to confirm the official directives. Despite recent publications no ‘bronze greens’ of any sort were used during World War II. Do not use museum vehicles as reference sources, these are generally very inaccurate. Kit box top illustrations and kit instruction sheets should be carefully checked as these are created by commercial artists with no knowledge of the subject working from often vague or very inaccurate out of date information. The British Army obtained its paint via War Office contracts with

130 / WWII REAL COLORS

chemical companies to supply the hundreds of thousands of gallons required for all the vehicles on charge and those manufactured by the civilian factories. These were then distributed by the Royal Army Ordnance Corps and later REME through normal channels to every army formation. Vehicles and AFVs were not painted by vehicle crews, but at factories or civilian manufacturers or erection depots with their correct colors according to specifications in the contact. Any additional disruptive painting required might be applied by a civilian depot or at RAOC and later REME depots. The color and disruptive patterning was governed by the War Office issued as Army Council Instructions (A.C.I.) and pamphlets known as Military Training Pamphlets (M.T.P.). In the Middle East, GHQ Cairo with a large degree of autonomy from Whitehall, issued instructions via a series of General Orders (G.O.s), Army signals and routine letters.

4.2

Th e Color Standards

Up until 1934 vehicles were painted 'service color' which was not a specific color but a term referring to whichever basic color might be in use. This may have been a shade of green which has not yet been positively identified. In 1934 Deep Bronze Green No.24 was adopted selected from British Standard BS.381C:1930 entitled ‘Colours For Ready Mixed Paints’. This document contained color swatches allotted a two-digit number and name. Subsequent re-issues were renumbered, some new colors added and others withdrawn. The current 1996 issue, ‘Colours For Specific Purposes’ is no longer valid for wartime colors.

Deep Bronze Green No.24

4.2.1

The British Expeditionary Force (B.E.F.) & Home Forces 1934-1941

4.2.1.1 The pre-war period Experiments and limited trials during the 1930s used two or three colors for disruptive paintwork. One scheme in the early 1930s for Vickers Medium tanks was a brown lower areas with a grey upper areas horizontally divided along the hull. From 1934 gloss Deep Bronze Green No.24 predominated, this looks almost black due to frequent polishing. A.C.I.175 of 18 MAY 1938: Arrangements are being made for the camouflage painting of vehicles and equipment, all guns and vehicles were to be treated with 'Matt' finish when repainted, further instructions would follow. M.T.P. 26, OCTOBER 1938: Advised that for camouflage purposes color alone was insufficient, contrasting tones to counteract the shape and outline of the object against a variety of backgrounds were important and must be a matt finish. The recommended colors were dark greens, browns and yellows depending on local conditions, but outlining is useless and of no value.

A.C.I. 96 of 2 FEBRUARY 1939: All vehicles except staff cars to be painted with a basic camouflage color Nobels Khaki Green No.3. Not all equipment was immediately repainted. Some of the vehicles that later went to France remained in their pre-war Deep Bronze Green No.24. In addition to 58,000 already on charge, by the end of 1939 26,000 civilian motor vehicles of all types had been requisitioned for service use. Saloon and utility type cars were used as officer transport. Many trucks and lorries kept their civilian bodies but bodies unsuitable for military were replaced with suitable WD bodies, mostly G.S. types ranging from 5 cwt to 3 ton or more. These vehicles generally seem to have been repainted and marked according to army regulations. ‘ARMY TRAINING MEMORANDUM No.20 June 1939’. On the basic Nobels Khaki Green No.3, were now two other camouflage colors of Dark Green No.4 (G4) for average European conditions and Light Green No.5 (G5) for very light backgrounds. These three colors were never in a British Standard color chart, they were all new.

Khaki Green No.3

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camouflage disruptive painting of vehicles (1939 M.T.P. 20)

INCORRECT VERTICAL PATTERN

CORRECT HORIZONTAL- DIAGONAL PATTERN

The vehicles and colors used in this 3D drawings are valid only to show the layout and shape of the used camouflage pattern. The models are not valid to represent the real tanks in the dates or theaters of operations in which the camouflages were used.

RIGHT

WRONG

s: Note: e as follow color will b f o n io at The applic SC HEME 2 SC HEME 1 G5 ion G3 G3 White port ortion G4 S ha d e d p

PATTERN NOT CONTINUED

TOO LIGHT ON TOP

WRONG

DESIGN TOO VERTICAL

RIGHT

USELESS PATTERNING ON TRACKS

SHADOW ACCENTUATED

PATTERN NOT CONTINUED

UPPER SURFACES TOO LIGHT

SHADOW ACCENTUATED

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This document had diagrams showing the right and wrong way of applying disruptive patterns to all types of vehicle. Disruptive designs for vehicles must be diagonal-horizontal in general layout. Vertical lines should not be used and must be varied and when possible, an individual design should not be duplicated in any one company of AFV or MT (Despite this vertical stripes may be seen on vehicles and repetition of patterning.) Corners and edges must be treated in the correct manner. For general purposes, two colors will be used (the original basic color and one disruptive color). Scheme 1 utilized a basic color of Khaki Green No.3 (G3) with a disruptive color of Dark Green G4. Scheme 2 utilized a basic color Khaki Green No.3 with a disruptive color Light Green G5. This scheme was designed to give a lighter tonal effect. No specific patterns for particular vehicles were issued, the M.T.P.20 drawings were for guidance only as well as the errors to be avoided. The colors Khaki Green No.3 and Dark Green G4 only show a low contrast together, in some photographs it is difficult to see at all, you need to look carefully. Total repainting and adding disruptive paintwork took place at Base Ordinance Depot workshops whilst some repair took place at regimental workshops. Disruptive painting using Khaki Green No.3 and Dark Green G4 seems to been generally applied with few variations to all classes of AFV, Scout and Bren carriers, Dragons, Artillery tractors, armoured cars and trucks belonging to front line units prior to leaving for France in 1939.

The Dark Green G4 was applied as broad irregular bands. Where time was short and the Deep Bronze Green No.24 paint was in good condition the same style stripes in Khaki Green No.3 might be applied. Look closely at contemporary photographs the see the manner and variations of this. The sides of vehicles generally carry two or three areas of color and sometimes up to five but that was not common. The bands or stripes varied, some quite ragged or wavy whilst others of more gentle curves. For modelling purposes try to base your subject on an actual vehicle even if you only have one view, it will be of benefit. Never, ever use a modern restoration or museum exhibit as these are mostly very inaccurate. Some vehicles did not carry patterning on the tilt whilst others simply had darker patterning over their natural canvas color using either Khaki Green No.3 or Dark Green No.4. Some trucks in one color only had disruptive paint applied to the tilt. Later in the war, canvas dyed to closely approximate the basic color became very common. During the 1940-41 period Canadian vehicles were built to War Office specifications which included camouflage colors the same as the British shades. The interior color for all pre-war British AFVs and until early 1940 was officially 'Aluminium', i.e. silver paint, until mid-1940 the interior of AFVs began to be painted gloss white and remained so until 1946. The external basic color was applied to all interiors and components of M.T. including chassis, wheels and all hatch and door surfaces that might be exposed to enemy observation when open. This was standing regulations for the whole of the war. Seat covers were a dull olive canvas. Turret hatches and access doors to crew areas often have a Sorbo rubber cushioning covered with beige, or brown leather cloth, these were not painted.

4.2.1.2 Gas Detection To detect Mustard Gas a special paint, medium ochre in color was developed. This changed to bright red in the presence of Mustard Gas and Lewisite. A patch of paint was applied to the bonnet of vehicles and fronts of AFVs where it was easily visible to the crew. In the case of forward control vehicles, a horizontal tray was fitted to the front of the vehicle to which the paint was applied.

The ochre patch was to be approximately 6 x 6 inches square and irregular shape to blend with the disruptive painting but frequently applied much larger. It appears as a very light area on the front of AFVs and the bonnets of soft skinned vehicles. On some staff cars of senior officers this patch could be seen as a neat square or disc.

4.2.1.3 Canvas tilts & Hoods Canvas tilts and hoods were natural canvas color or dyed to an approximation of Khaki Green No.3. The natural color of the canvas tilt was a light khaki color but naturally it varied as did the dyed material. Tilts for large lorries generally consisted of a single large canvas sheet drawn over supporting hoops with the corners folded in a triangular fashion and secured by ropes all round. These larger tilts were made up from two or more pieces so straight edged areas with tonal differences are common.

The smaller vehicles usually had a fitted cover. Enamel paint on tilts rotted the fabric, a later instruction banned enamel paintwork on canvas. Pre-war, many military bodies had been built and stored which often had identical or very similar disruptive patterning. These were later fitted to requisitioned civilian vehicles as required and ex-French contract vehicles of different makes after these had arrived in Britain. The cabs of these were then camouflaged in a pattern that may not align with that on the body.

4.2.1.4 New Color & changes In May 1940 a new disruptive color called Dark Tarmac No.4, a very dark blue-grey shade, was introduced that replaced Dark Green G4 and Light Green G5 due to a chronic shortage of necessary chromium oxide green pigment. Dark Tarmac No. 4 was not used on vehicles of the B.E.F.

The War Office banned the use of enamel paint on tyres due to chemical damage and painting of civilian type vehicles in disruptive paintwork was prohibited except on vehicles that were the property of, or loaned to the War Department.

In Britain under Home Office regulations, blackout conditions required all civilian and many military vehicles to carry white edging to front and rear bumpers or mudguards.

By August 1941 a Camouflage Development and Training Centre had been established to research and develop all aspects of concealment, disruptive painting of vehicles and installations and deception. Camouflage matters were not an ad hoc or do-it-yourself affair.

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4.2.1.5 A New Color System 1941 saw changes to camouflage policy and method, some minor, some major. For economical and practical purposes the existing paints were unsuitable for the camouflage needs of three armed services and the civilian authorities. By mid 1941 a new range of 11 paint colors for all camouflage purposes were issued in a new British Standard, B.S.987:C; 1942 entitled 'War Emergency', ‘Camouflage Colours.’ Paints in this range were produced to different specifications according to the material on which they were to be applied. Military vehicle colors were selected from the same range but never officially named.

Bituminous emulsion paint specifically for use on canvas covers and hoods of vehicles was produced. From spring 1941 the standard scheme became as follows: Wood and metal bodies of vehicles to be painted with enamel paints Khaki Green No.3 and Dark Tarmac No.4. Canvas to be dyed Khaki Green or bituminous emulsion S.C.C. No.7 Green with a disruptive pattern of bituminous emulsion Dark Tarmac No.4 or S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown.

These are referred to in documents as Standard Camouflage Colours (S.C.C.) No.X, or 'Shade X'.

Khaki Green No.3

S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown

Maudslay Militant 4x2 G.S. finished to M.T.P.46/4A in S.C.C.2 (Brown) basic and S.C.C.1A (Dark Brown) patterning, dyed S.C.C.2 canvas. Correctly finished with dark lockers, mudflaps and wheels too. The body was built at a coachworks and fixed to the cab/chassis later. Note the variation of camouflage style between the cab and body.

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Leyland Retriever 6x4 with breakdown body, finished with M.T.P.20 Scheme of 1941. Cab and body in Khaki Green No.3, cab disruptive stripes in Dark Green but canvas door and tilt is natural canvas with dark tarmac bituminous emulsion stripes.

Bedford QLR wireless body. M.T.P.46/4A scheme in S.C.C.2 (Brown) basic with S.C.C.1A (Dark Brown) patterning. A factory painted cab with the body added later by different depot and painted in different style with overthinned paint but missing out the under-body lockers.

Ford WOT 6 breakdown body finished to M.T.P.46/4A with S.C.C.2 (Brown) basic and S.C.C.14 (Black) distruptive pattern, a classic “mickey mouse” type pattern. Note that the inner part of the front mudguard, inner faces of the lockers and rear mudflaps are still S.C.C.2 as is the towbar. These should also have been S.C.C.14 to blend in with shadows and the rest of the patterning. The canvas tilt is dyed S.C.C.2 (Brown).

Austin K3 3Ton 4x2 wireless body. M.T.P.46/4A pattern in S.C.C.2 (Brown) and S.C.C.1A (Dark Brown). "Mickey Mouse" type patterning.

S.C.C. No.2 Brown

S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown

Therefore for a short period in the UK, vehicles could carry four different colors. However, over the winter of 1940-1941 some regiments applied their own designs, some quite exotic in appearance while the official schemes were properly applied by brigade and civilian workshops. Contemporary photographs shows that British manufacturers and civilian depots had by now developed their own particular disruptive designs characteristic to their products. This had the advantage that only an uncomplicated, easily remembered pattern of broad design was required and marked out for a painting team. The same design could be adapted for use on similar vehicles simply by reversing the colors, or applying a mirror image or inversion of the design and adjusting the top color areas to join them up which greatly simplified production. Typical examples can be seen on Humber utility and armoured cars with the wheels in two colors, Ford WOT and Bedford trucks with nearly identi-

S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black

cal designs on the cab areas adapted according to the vehicle size. Morris Quads and CD/SW types carried a continuous dark band around the entire vehicle with extensions or lobes onto the roof and bonnet. The reader is recommended to look at as many contemporary photographs as possible to see how these patterns were applied. The November 1941 A.C.I. No.2202 ordered that only bituminous emulsion type paints in the newly introduced BS.987 colors must used on canvas tilts and hoods. These were S.C.C. No.2 Brown as basic color of tilts with either S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown or S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black for the stripes. The order now required that the darker color must be applied to the whole of the upturned surfaces, i.e. top of body, cab and mudguards, every surface that could be seen when viewed from directly overhead. Now lorries might have a wood and metal body in Khaki Green No.3 and Dark Tarmac No.4 with the tilt in brown and dark brown or black stripes and a solid dark color on top surfaces.

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4.2.1.6 A new Scheme In November 1941 came Military Training Pamphlet No.46 Part 4A entitled “Painting of Vehicles" which cancelled all previous camouflage instructions and introduced a fundamental change to the type of disruptive painting. This scheme continued in use for the rest of the war. M.T.P.46/4A explained the reasons for the scheme and provided drawings of the new style but excluded armoured vehicles. But numbers of armoured cars and a few tanks did carry the design.

The shapes on the side areas varied from simple patches with undulating edges or larger lobes to small finger-like triangles and a saw toothed type. The so called ‘Mickey Mouse Ears’ design in this scheme was an easily applied variation of the layout that became very common. Modern restored vehicles are painted according to the whim and fancy of their owners as a series of random black blotches.

Adaptation of the "foliage" pattern to different types of vehicles

*Original images from the official documentation.

The new basic color was S.C.C. No.2 Brown and the disrupter S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown or S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black. However, due to acute shortages of raw materials all old unit paint stocks of Khaki Green No.3 and Dark Tarmac No.4 must be exhausted first before any

S.C.C. No.2 Brown

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color changes at unit level took place. It was a case of new style using old colors. Vehicles requiring complete repainting were to be finished in accordance with M.T.P. 46/4A.

S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown

S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black

instructions for repainting 'B' class vehicles Camouflage CHART NO.15 - MAY 1943 Vehicles painted like this

may amuse the enemy, but unconsidered designs won’t help us to conceal our vehicles in the field. Vehicles leave the factory with a mechanically applied pattern like this.

1.

All top surfaces to be painted all over including top of cap, bonnet and mudguards.

2.

Bevel along top of tilt to be ½ dark and ½ light. A little of dark may extend below bevel here and there.

9.

The shapes of the ragged edges should be varied on each vehicle within the limits set by the above instructions.

It is better not to continue with this design when repainting. But before painting the next vehicle, note these points.

LIGHT AREAS

DARK AREAS

S.C.C. NO.2

S.C.C. NO.14 or S.C.C. NO.1A

3.

Side surfaces to be light 5. all over except for a ragged splodge of dark at the base. This splodge may vary in position but not in size.

Back of tilt to be light except for a ragged splodge of dark at top and bottom. This splodge may vary in position but should not very much.

7.

Window surrounds to be included in dark area, which has a ragged bottom edge.

4.

Wheels, petrol tank etc., to be dark.

Front of tilt to be light except for a ragged splodge of dark at left or right top.

8.

W.D. Number to be painted on SIDES of bonnet or cab at A or B. Not on top. Ref. A.C.I. 267/1942 Drawbar. Bumper etc. to be dark.

6.

4.2.1.7 A COLOR Change A.C.I. 533 April 1944 promulgated a new basic color designated S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab, a yellow-green shade more suitable for operations in Europe, thus avoiding the need to repaint U.S.-supplied vehicles. S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab replaced S.C.C. No.2 Brown as the basic color, all new vehicles and repaints were to be this color. Despite the same name as the American color it was not a match, simply an equivalent. Disruptive painting continued with S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black or S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown. Thus many soft-skins had Olive Drab bodywork with one or other of the disrupters applied as before; in many cases only the tilts had the camouflage colors. Tilts often remained brown dyed canvas with

S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab

painted areas, by late 1944 green dyed canvas became more common. Nevertheless by May 8th 1945 thousands of vehicles were still carrying S.C.C. No.2 Brown, S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown and S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black disruptive camouflage in both old browns and Olive Drab. British Bailey Bridges remained S.C.C. No.2 Brown to distinguish them from the U.S. Bailey type bridges since none of the components were compatible. For the Normandy landings on British and Canadian beaches some Churchill AVRE tanks carried SGB bridges painted white. Presumably so that they may be easily seen by troops and drivers of follow-up vehicles.

S.C.C. No.2 Brown

4.2.1.8 U.S.-SUPPLIED Vehicles From 1940 it was agreed government policy that vehicles of U.S. origin were delivered finished with U.S. Olive Drab No.9. Earlier these were immediately repainted with British colors and camouflage patterns whilst at other times not until repainting was due or necessary. Some U.S.-supplied vehicles such as halftracks and trucks had M.T.P. 46 disruptive painting of S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown or S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black added over their original Olive Drab.

S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown

By 1944 there were large numbers of U.S. vehicles on charge that remained in U.S. Olive Drab. So for instance some Sherman tanks of British and Commonwealth units could be the U.S. color whilst others might be the British color; in particular Sherman Fireflies and other vehicles that had undergone specialist conversion in the U.K. were totally repainted with the British colors.

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4.2.1.9 17-pdr Gun Camouflage The idea was to disguise the obvious barrel length, easily distinguishable to enemy observers as a particularly dangerous adversary. On the outer barrel for about half its length, the underside was painted white with a wavy demarcation line from the top color. The halfway point was frequently marked with a 1 or 2 inch wide ring around the

4.2.2

barrel. Sometimes the section above the white was painted black. This feature was not in use until January 1945, NOT before then. It was applied to Sherman Fireflies, Archer and Challenger S.P.s, some 6- and 17-pdr towed guns and some 76mm guns on other Shermans too.

middle east colors

The British army's presence in the Middle East was due to the need to defend an empire and interests in Persia, India, Burma and Hong Kong together with areas under British Protectorate such as Malta, Palestine, Iraq, the Sudan, Cyprus and Egypt and control of the Suez Canal through which almost all surface communications flowed. The army was required for protection of Royal Navy bases and RAF stations with all their facilities in those areas to protect them against any rebellious local tribes and a potential enemy. Until 1935 British army vehicles in Egypt carried the 'service color'. In Palestine the armoured cars were 'service color’ or after 1935 probably Deep Bronze Green No.24. A lighter color was also used which may have been one of the creams or buff shades from BS.381. By 1936, following political dissentions with Italy over Abyssinia, the 6th Batt. R.T.C. with Vickers Medium Mk.II tanks and 11th Hussars with RollsRoyce armoured cars applied a two colored disruptive design to them

using a basic color of Aluminium (silver) with gloss black disruptive stripes. Each unit had their own design which was common to their vehicles and varied but slightly between them. In 1937 the Vickers Mediums were repainted with a basic color of Pale Cream No.52 with Red Oxide No.48 patterning. The patterning was different to the earlier one, each tank having the same pattern. 11th Hussars now also had cream color with a 'deep red' pattern but this was applied over the original design. In 1938 G.H.Q. Cairo issued instructions for a new scheme to all army vehicles in Egypt. The colors were a basic color (BSC) of BS. 381 Middle Stone No.63 with disruptive stripes of ‘dark sand’ with stripes from 3 to 15 inches wide averaging about 12 inches. However, due to the natural overlap when camouflage policy or colors changed, it was still on some vehicles into 1941.

4.2.2.1 The ‘Caunter Scheme’ The 1938 scheme was replaced by the 'Caunter Scheme' in July 1940, so called as it is reputed to have been devised by Colonel Caunter of 4th Heavy Armoured Brigade. This bold, disruptive design was later detailed in G.O.297 of November 1940. The term is not official, simply being known by that in military and modelling circles. G.O.297 specified the colors and patterns to be employed, repeated in M.T.P.10, India, of June 1941, showing eight drawings for all classes of vehicle and AFV then in use. This new design used three contrasting colors in a geometric, straight edged pattern which was in essence a

BSC. No.64 Portland Stone

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BSC. No.61 Light Stone

series of interlocking triangles along the vehicle. It was not a series of diagonal random slashes of color across a vehicle. The colors were all from BS.381C: 1930 'Colours For Ready Mixed Paints’ and were BSC. No.64 Portland Stone or BSC. No.61 Light Stone with BSC. No.34 Slate and BSC. No.28 Silver Grey. This last is a medium toned greyish yellow-green: not light blue or grey as often incorrectly depicted in artwork and kit instructions. Essentially the same layout was used on cruisers, light tanks, trucks and lorries, but artillery pieces, trailers, carriers and motorcycles each had their own designs.

BSC. No.34 Slate

BSC. No.28 Silver Grey

The design was generally applied to all vehicles but not always exact in detail because the painters had to adapt the relevant design to numerous types of vehicle and tank. An example being a CMP lorry with a portee 2-pdr anti-tank gun where the gun shield might be painted as the rear of a lorry or the artillery gun shield pattern. The large tank design was illustrated on an A9 but the depot painters had to adapt this to fit other types, easy on A10 and A13 cruisers but more difficult on Matilda II, Crusader I, Stuarts and Valentines that do not lend themselves easily to the design.

From a close study of numerous photographs, this author found three main variations of the design on both Matilda and Stuart tanks. Should you wish to apply the design to types then try to find as many contemporary photographs as possible and compare color demarcation lines before putting paint to your model. No kit instruction sheet has got this correct yet.

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4.2.2.2 Vehicles in other areas 1941 There was a design variation of Caunter patterning for vehicles in the Sudan using BSC. No.61 Light Stone instead of BSC. No.34 Slate and BSC. No.49 Light Purple Brown instead of BSC. No.28 Silver Grey, the basic color remained BSC. No.61 Light Stone. Very few tanks served in East Africa, only one poor photograph of an A9 shows any resemblance to the specified color tones. There exists a photograph of a carrier in BSC. No.61 Light Stone with darker wavy stripes along

BSC. No.61 Light Stone

BSC. No.34 Slate

the sides which is BSC. No.49 Light Purple Brown, but how many others were so painted is not known. Some South African MarmonHerrington armoured cars carried BSC. No.61 Light Stone basic color with . BSC. No.49 Light Purple Brown patches on them, whilst others were grey similar to BS.32 Dark Battleship Grey overall. In addition some vehicles were in the South African color of Defence Force Green No.7. Vehicles delivered directly from U.K. were Khaki Green No.3.

BSC. No.49 Light Purple Brown

BSC. No.28 Silver Grey

Marmon-Herrington Mk.II with Breda 20mm gun, North Africa, 1941. Caunter Scheme of Silver Grey (BSC. No.28), Slate (BSC. No.34) and Portland Stone (BSC. No.64).

4.2.2.3 Greece A10 tanks of 3 RTR went to Greece in April 1941. Due to changed deployment priorities these carried an adapted Sudan pattern. The colors were BSC. No.61 Light Stone with what has been described as "broad green bands". This may have been BSC. No.34 Slate or BSC. No.28 Silver Grey. The color demarcation lines were not as precisely straight as the formal scheme; they have been rather hurriedly painted freehand, the edges are often slightly undulating, not wavy, and gently bent around fittings such as hinges and lifting rings. There are a number of subtle variations in the band positions, you are advised to check against photographs if possible.

Universal Carrier Mk.I, 2nd NZ Cavalry Regiment, Greece, April 1941. Caunter Scheme of Silver Grey (BSC. No.28), Slate (BSC. No.34) and Portland Stone (BSC. No.64).

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The Vickers Lt. tanks were either Khaki Green No.3 from Britain or repainted locally in what is described as 'green and brown', neither of which have been positively identified but might have been selected from the BS.381 colors. 5 RTR were destined for Greece too but never deployed, they stayed in Egypt carrying the Sudan pattern camouflage.

Marmon-Herrington Mk.II ME, 2nd NZ Cavalry Regiment, Greece, April 1941. Caunter Scheme of Silver Grey (BSC. No.28), Slate (BSC. No.34) and Portland Stone (BSC. No.64).

Disruptive pattern for A10 and A13 Cruiser tanks of 3rd and 5th RTR in Greece and Egypt in 1941.

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4.2.2.4 Palestine Trans-Jordan Caunter pattern was used here by British and Commonwealth forces, but in August 1941 the Australian Imperial Force began to apply a two colored scheme more suitable for the region. Again BSC. No.61 Light Stone basic with S.C.C. No.7 Dark Green for the pattern but local paint

Stuart Mk.I, 2nd NZ Cavalry Regiment, Libya, November 1941. Caunter Scheme of Silver Grey (BSC. No.28), Slate (BSC. No.34) and Portland Stone (BSC. No.64).

Vickers Light AA Mk.II, 2nd NZ Cavalry Regiment, Bardia, January 1942. Portland Stone (BSC. No.64) overall.

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may also have been used. Patterns were issued for a lorry, light tank and carriers. The tank pattern was even applied to captured ex-French Renault R35 tanks in Syria.

4.2.2.5 Malta Malta was unique, as it has many stone walls across the island and numerous small buildings too. The scheme used here is described as 'rubble' or 'crazy paving' and was designed to blend parked vehicles into their surroundings to avoid attacks by German Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica aircraft. The pattern varied greatly from a checkerboard design, crazy paving pathways and bonded stone wall effects. Colors

Khaki Green No.3

varied too. Vehicles from Britain were Khaki Green No.3 basic color that had the lighter stones effect applied over that leaving the 'joints' in Khaki Green No.3. Vehicles from Egypt already BSC. No.61 Light Stone had a darker color applied as 'joints'. The paints may not have all been official colors since it is known that civilian stocks were also utilised there.

BSC. No.61 Light Stone

Valentine Mk.III or V, Malta, 1943. Khaki Green No.3 stripes over Light Stone (BSC. No.61) base.

4.2.2.6 Caunter Cancelled Paint shortages and possible future operational deployments required a policy change for a basic color of BSC. No.61 Light Stone by 6th October 1941. G.O.1272 of 6th December 1941 gave details and allowed Commands to add one disruptive color of their choice according to local terrain conditions. (see Malta and Palestine). Only Area or Regional Commands should have had the authority to add a color. But by spring of 1942 Corps and Brigade Commanders of 8th Army were authorising their own camouflage designs and colors which were mostly totally ineffective or even drew attention to a vehicle.

On photographs taken at this time until later in 1942 you will see a widely varied range of patterning on AFVs and vehicles. The basic color must have been BSC. No.61 Light Stone or BSC. No.64 Portland Stone, the disruptive colors are unknown but were probably those from a Camcolors range. These were water based of slaked lime and dye, locally produced paints intended for camouflage of buildings and structures but could be applied over the enamel paint on vehicles. The colors included white, black, buff, brown, green and pink. 22nd Armoured Brigade were noted for their outlined designs seen on Crusader II and M3 Grant tanks.

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4.3

G.O. 1650 42 & october 19 ein Post Alam Period By September 1942 a scientific approach and color trials by the Camouflage Directorate resulted in a completely new set of disruptive designs and basic color of Desert Pink for all AFVs and some other vehicles. The LRDG had applied “rose pink and green” camouflage in May and April 1942. The new basic color for all equipment as from 6th October 1942 was Desert Pink ZI with the patterning in Dark Olive Green PFI to blend with the scrub bushes and shadows. Black, Slate or dark brown might be used as alternatives. Applying a disruptive pattern on huge numbers of soft skins and small vehicles was unnecessary thus saving greatly in time and materials.

Desert Pink ZI

Dark Olive Green PFI

The 1942 patterns are those most frequently seen on Crusaders, Shermans, Valentines and Stuarts until May 1943 in Tunisia. These disruptive patterns cover the whole of vehicles, not just the sides and not heavily modified as you will see on numerous models. One pattern from the series is included.

S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black

Valentine Mk.IX, 50 RTR, 23rd Armoured Brigade, North Africa, February 1943. Desert Pink (ZI) & Dark Olive Green (PFI) scheme.

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BSC. No.34 Slate

S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown

Not all vehicles had this new scheme before the Alamein battle in October, therefore large numbers of vehicles remained in their brigade schemes or BSC. No.61 Light Stone color and had the new disruptive design in green or black applied over that. Even when 8th Army had advanced into Tunisia by March 1943, many vehicles still had their old yellow basic color in place, in some case the mid-1942 disruptive painting too.

"G (CAM) Drawing No. A/138/1 of 1942"

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Marmon-Herrington Mk.II turretless, Regimental HQ, Cairo, June 1943. Desert Pink ZI & Blue-Black (S.C.C. No.14).

Marmon-Herrington Mk.III ME, Greek Army in the Middle East, Cairo, June 1943. Light Stone (BSC. No.61) & Blue-Black (S.C.C. No.14).

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Marmon-Herrington Mk.III ME, North Africa 1942. Light Stone (BSC. No.61) overall.

Stuart Mk.I, NZ Divisional Cavalry, Egypt, July 1942. Light Stone (BSC. No.61) overall.

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4.4

Tunisia, Sicily & Italy Colors

Operations in the western end of North Africa began with Operation Torch in November 1942 when U.S. and British forces landed in Algeria and Morocco. The U.S. Army was the predominant land force whilst the British 1st Army were an incomplete and smaller force.

25-pdr SPM Bishop, 121st Field Regiment, RA, Tunisia, November 1942. Light Stone (BSC. No.61) & Dark Olive Green PFI.

4.4.1

british 1st army

The AFVs and wheeled vehicles of the 1st Army were finished in the camouflage colors that they had carried in Britain. The majority would have carried the two toned brown or black as laid down in M.T.P. 46/4A or in some cases with Khaki Green No.3 basic color in the same scheme. Generally armoured cars were one color, although some Humber II and III cars had ‘Mickey Mouse’ type patterning, but the older Humber LRCs were probably Khaki Green No.3 overall. The Crusader and Valentine tanks of 26th Armoured Brigade initially only carried a single color overall, either Khaki Green No.3 or S.C.C.

Khaki Green No.3

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No.2 Brown, but some of these tanks had small patches of a darker color on the sides of the dust-guards. These patches have a low contrast which is probably Dark Tarmac No.4. Some photographs of Crusaders also show a slightly darker edging around the top of the turret which may indicate a patterning like M.T.P.46. Some of the vehicles still carried the M.T.P.20 style camouflage too. Some carriers of 78th Inf. Div. were S.C.C. No.2 Brown with S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown along the top and bottom edges of the hull plates as ‘sawtooth’ shaped points, simply a variation of the M.T.P. 46 design.

S.C.C. No.2 Brown

S.C.C. No.1A Very Dark Brown

4.4.2

A change of Color Scheme 1943

Forthcoming operations in Tunisia, Sicily and Italy were going to take place over more verdant terrain. Tunisia is not desert except in the extreme south where 8th Army operated. G.H.Q.M.E. introduced another basic color designated “Light Mud” for all Middle East areas in April 1943. The disruptive pattern was to be in S.C.C. No.14 Blue-Black or if this was unavailable then Dark Green, Very Dark Brown or Dark Slate may be used. New disruptive patterns were introduced too. All new and repaired vehicles were to be painted in accordance with this order before being issued. The G.O. was later published in June 1943 applicable to all Troops, M.E.F. except the Sudan, including Palestine and Syria where British, New Zealand, South African and Polish forces were training for several months before later deployment to Sicily and Italy. In March 1943, the 26th Armoured Brigade was re-equipped with Sherman Mk.III tanks, which were initially painted in U.S. Olive Drab No.9 overall. Later that month at least half of these had been repainted using Light Mud with black disruptive areas, whilst others have black patches on Olive Drab. These dark areas varied from simple small spots to larger patches or stripes, probably applied by REME workshops without the benefit of disruptive diagrams and no guidance from a camouflage officer. These designs disappeared quite quickly since the tanks displaying them were knocked out or otherwise disabled.

Churchill tanks of 25th Armoured Brigade are reported as being overall Khaki Green No.3. But for operations in 1943, some of these tanks had very rough light colored stripes on them which might be local soil or Light Mud paint rapidly applied over the basic color in accordance with the order. The G.O. allowed that vehicles arriving from Britain and Canada or America painted in dark colors i.e. S.C.C. No.2 Brown or S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab, may remain in these dark colors, and the Light Mud could be applied as shown on the appropriate diagrams. Thus a form of reverse application took place. In some cases no additional or replacement painting was carried out. No deviation from these diagrams was allowed but there were minor variations. A complete repaint of Light Mud/Blue-Black scheme provide a high contrast whereas partial repaint using Light Mud over S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab or S.C.C. No.2 Brown shows lower contrast. Not everything was repainted. In Sicily and Italy both these and the U.K. type M.T.P. 46 patterning could be seen. Not all vehicles in Italy required camouflage painting, second line and LOC vehicles were kept in their original colors or when required, just painted with Light Mud.

Sherman Mk.III, C Squadron, 19th NZ Armored Regiment, 4th Armored Brigade, Gambettola, Italy, October 1943. Light Mud & Blue-Black (S.C.C. No.14)

4.4.2.1. 8th ARMY 8th Army vehicles arriving in Southern Tunisia were still in Desert Pink ZI or older BSC. No.61 Light Stone with or without disruptive painting as appropriate. By now the color of 8th Army vehicles was deemed too light for operations in Tunisia. Therefore from April 1943 new and refurbished vehicles were repainted in the new scheme.

Desert Pink ZI

BSC. No.61 Light Stone

S.C.C. No.2 Brown

Some vehicles in Sicily show the official schemes whilst other show ad hoc designs and using BSC. No.61 Light Stone or S.C.C. No.2 Brown as the basic color. E.g. the carriers of 6th Enniskillen Fusiliers of 78th infantry division had an application of Light Mud applied as elongated bands along the lower edges of the hull and patches on the front over the basic S.C.C. No.2 Brown.

Light Mud

Khaki Green No.3

S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab

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4.4.3

italy

By the time the landings took place on 9th September 1943 as 'Operation Avalanche’ the colors of most vehicles and tanks complied with the 1943 regulations or U.K. and American colors. U.S. equipment often remained Olive Drab overall or had the Light Mud applied according to the pattern as described earlier. The G.O. allowed that if no disruptive pattern had been issued for a specific vehicle, then the pattern that nearest fitted the class or appearance should be used. Examples are the M3 Stuart de-turreted reconnaissance tanks of the 6th S.A. Arm. Div. and the M10 S.P.s of the Polish Corps which carried an adapted Sherman design. Some Humber armoured cars had the pattern issued for the GMC Otter, whilst others like the AEC and

Light Mud

Staghound did not. Some Staghounds show a patterning not unlike that for a Sherman tank. By November 1943 the Allied forces had moved north of Rome to more verdant country where two colored schemes were ineffective or be a disadvantage. The introduction of S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab in April 1944 for N.W.E. extended to Italy too since forces were advancing into Europe. By late 1944 new vehicles from UK were plain S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab with or without disruptive painting and plain U.S. Olive Drab No.9 was more common. Until the end of hostilities all the various camouflage colors then in use remained.

S.C.C. No.15 Olive Drab

M3A1 Scout Car, C Squadron, 20th NZ Armored Regiment, Trieste, Italy, May 1945. Light Mud & Blue-Black (S.C.C. No.14).

CMP 3 Ton lorry, Italy 1943. Finished to drawings A/184 in Light Mud & Blue Black (S.C.C. No.14). Note the air identification roundel painted on the cab roof.

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17-pdr SPM Archer, 7th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, Cesena, Italy, October 1944. Olive Drab (S.C.C. No.15) overall.

4.4.4

the far east

British vehicles in India and Malaya until 1940 were generally Deep Bronze Green No.24 although a few Light Tanks in India had carried two colored disruptive painting. The colors are unknown. Deliveries in 1940 and 1941 were in the U.K. scheme for the period whilst Australian units there had their vehicles in the Australian version of Khaki Green No.3 which was lighter and more green than the British color. In India, by 1942 vehicles from the U.S.A. arrived in Olive Drab No.9 and from Britain and Canada in S.C.C. No.2 Brown.

Khaki Green No.3

The British color was quickly replaced at local workshops with a more suitable dull green shade, S.C.C. No.13, known locally as 'jungle green'. No disruptive painting was applied. Thus operations in Burma were carried out in single colored vehicles, including tanks. A range of local camouflage colors was formulated for buildings and vehicles, one of which was S.C.C. No.207 Very Dark Drab, even more dull and muddy looking than S.C.C. No.13, for operations in Burma during 1944-45. This color was later inserted into BS.897C as S.C.C. No.16 Very Dark Drab in 1945.

S.C.C. No.2 Brown

Color profiles by Arkadiusz Wróbel courtesy of Model Centrum PROGRES www.modelbooks.republika.pl Copyright © Arkadiusz Wróbel and Model Centrum Progres.

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5

R O M R A Y M R US A CAMOUFLAGE

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5.1

n o i t c u d o r i nt

Painting American armored fighting vehicles (AFVs) of World War II is simple since there was only a single color used during the entire war, lusterless Olive Drab. Readers should keep in mind that there is a difference between color and paint. The color was established by various government standards before and during the war. However, the AFV paint saw enormous changes from locally mixed paints, oil paints, and various new types of synthetic enamel paints. In some cases, the paints did not precisely conform to the color standard. In addition, lusterless (flat) paint can appear to be different to the human eye from gloss paint, even though both paints have been matched to the same color standard.

A good example of Olive Drab seen on Lend-Lease M3 light tanks in Brazilian army service.

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5. 2 The use of Olive Drab on US Army vehicles predates motor vehicles. The 1906 War Department Circular 66 specified the use of Olive Drab for army wagons and indicated that this color could be mixed using 6 pounds White Lead in Linseed Oil, 1 pound Raw Umber pigment, 1 pint Turpentine, and ½ pint Japan Drier. Surviving samples show it to be lighter than World War II Olive Drab. Charles Lemons, author of a book on pre-war US Army markings and former curator of the Patton Museum at Ft. Knox, described the color as “pig crap”, that is a very muddy olive brown. This color remained standard through World War I, and was authorized in the annual editions of the “Manual for Quartermaster Corps, United States Army” through 1917. When the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) was deployed to France in 1917, most tactical vehicles were finished in this color. There had been some experiments with multi-color camouflage prior to the war, and some US tactical vehicles in France in 1917-18 were painted in multi-color camouflage scheme. Tanks obtained from France and Britain remained in their original French and British colors. In 1918, the French army conducted tests to determine whether pattern-painted camouflage was superior to the use of a single dark camouflage color, especially from aircraft observation. The French army concluded that a very dark camouflage color was superior to multicolor camouflage, and subsequently adopted vert armée (army green) as their standard equipment color. This influenced US practices as well, since the AEF depended on the French for most of their equipment and training. On 14th June 1918, the General HQ of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in Bulletin No.37 stopped the practice of applying multi-color camouflage to tactical vehicles and on 11th November 1918 Bulletin No.90 formally adopted Olive Drab as the sole camouflage color for tactical vehicles in the combat theater. Curiously

Olive Drab 1906

Olive Drab Nº9 Olive Drab Nº22

Th e H isto ry of Olive D r ab COLOR

enough, a multi-color camouflage system remained in effect in the Continental United States as described by the Ordnance Department in their Publication No.1867, “Painting Instruction for Camouflaging of Ordnance Vehicles” dated 15th October 1918. This practice was abandoned in 1919. After the war, the US Army decided to adopt a color specification that could be issued to industry for the formulation of commercial paint rather than having units mix their own paint. On 28th November 1919, the Quartermaster Corps released Specification 3-1 which depicted olive drab as one of twenty-four standard colors for US Army use. Some accounts indicate that the Quartermaster Corps derived it from the commercial Panama Pullman Green railroad color. The Spec. 3-1 olive drab was a darker shade of olive drab than the wartime Quartermaster color, and would remain the standard for olive drab through World War II. Although the paint formulation changed several times during this period, the basic color did not. Through this entire period, US Army armored vehicles officially were finished in the same lusterless (flat) olive drab. Problems cropped up during the inter-war years for a variety of reasons. Due to its matt finish, the lusterless olive drab scuffed easily, and looked beat up. In a peacetime army, officers don’t like scruffy-looking equipment. Army administrative vehicles were finished in gloss olive drab, which certainly looked a lot smarter than the dull and dirty tactical vehicles. As a result, in many units, the practice began of either painting the tanks in gloss or semi-gloss olive drab, or of coating them with spar varnish or polishes to get a more acceptable peacetime finish. The second problem with the paint used in the mid-1930s was that it had a very long drying time, and it was difficult to use to obtain an even finish. Vehicles that had patches of paint applied looked

Dark Olive Drab Nº31 (USAAF)

Post War Olive Drab (FS34087) OD 34087 (equivalent to OD 3412) OD 24087 (equivalent to OD 2430) OD 14087 (gloss) 34087 is not the same color as 14087/24087 an error that persisted until FS595A Change 7 in 1985

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Black and white historical photos are often difficult to interpret since mud and dust are difficult to distinguish from the base color. On this color photo we can see that this M3 medium tank collected lots of dust during training at Fort Knox in 1942. (NARA via Adam Jarski archive).

sloppy as the new paint didn’t blend well with the old paint which was not durable enough and tended to fade. Due to pressure from the spit-and-polish crowd, in 1935, the Ordnance Dept. began studying a synthetic enamel paint which was faster drying and because of its finish, resisted scuffing and wear. In November 1937, the Ordnance recommended that this new formulation (R1XS58A) be adopted as substitute standard for peacetime, while the normal lusterless formulation be retained for wartime use. This olive drab appeared darker to the human eye than the lusterless olive drab even though they both shared the same color specification. Gloss finishes of dark color paints generally have a darker appearance than flat finishes of the same color. With war clouds brewing in Europe, the Army began to take steps to move towards a wartime footing. On 14th July 1940, the Adjutant General shifted all responsibility for protective coloration and camouflage to the Corps of Engineers, and on 18th July shifted decisions on the paint formulation and procurement (but not the colors) to the Quartermaster Corps. In view of the likelihood of US combat involvement, on 12th October 1940, the Quartermaster Corps issued orders that all new material under procurement be painted with a new lusterless enamel under the tentative engineering specification ES No.474, with the color being Color No.22 Olive Drab from the Color Card Supplement to US Army Specification No.3-1 (also known as Quartermaster Color No.22 or QM Color 22). In other words, all new armored vehicles procured starting in fiscal year 1941 would still be painted in olive drab of the same color as established in 1919, but with a lusterless (flat) finish. A similar process was undertaken in the US Marine Corps. The US Marine Corps had adopted a dark green color for its tactical vehicles, and this was generally in a gloss or semi-gloss finish. On 22nd September 1941, the Marine Corps Quartermaster ordered that in the future, all tactical vehicles be painted in a lusterless green paint. It should be noted that this only affected tactical vehicles purchased under US Marine Corps or Navy contracts. US Marine Corps tanks, starting with the M2A4 and M3 light tanks, were procured through US Army contracts. As a result, all US Marine Corps tanks in World War II were delivered in standard army Olive Drab. There is some confusion among some people regarding the relationship between the Olive Drab used on Army tactical vehicles and the olive drab used on US Army Air Forces (USAAF) aircraft. In 1941-43,

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these were not the same. The USAAF camouflage colors, although originally derived from Army colors, began to diverge due to different requirements. Although the USAAF started using Color No.22 Olive Drab on their aircraft, it was felt that this color was too light. As a result, starting in 1932, the USAAF began to adopt a dark olive drab, that is, darker than the olive drab used on army tactical vehicles. In October 1940, it was standardized as Dark Olive Drab 41 for dopes, enamels, and lacquers and Color 31 for water-based camouflage paint. This was not used on army tactical vehicles. There is also some confusion about the various names and designations for Olive Drab during World War II. At the time, there were three branches of the US Army: the tactical arm- Army Ground Forces (AGF), the production/logistics arm- Army Service Forces (ASF) and the air force- AAF. The Ordnance Department and the Quartermaster Corps were subordinate to ASF while the Engineers were subordinate to AGF. Each of these organizations had their own internal designation system. To further confuse matters, there was a separate set of Federal Stock Numbers used throughout the US government for ordering specific types of paints. This is why there are so many names for the same basic olive drab color. So for example, a 1944 field order for painting US tanks in the European Theater of Operations called for the use of lusterless Olive Drab ES T-1103. This designation was the current engineering standard (ES) for the glyceryl phthalate enamel formulation, not the color. The paint was also called 52-3410-5-7 which was the Federal Stock Number for a 1-gallon can of Olive Drab enamel complying with the ES-T-1103 standard. A number of changes occurred to army olive drab paint during the war, though not to the color itself. According to Ordnance records, a shortage of color charts in 1942 led to some manufacturers using paint that did not precisely match the Specification 3-1. These vehicles and sub-components were accepted for service in spite of this cosmetic problem. The problem was brought under control later in 1942 by wider dissemination of the color specifications and stricter enforcement of government standards. To confuse matters, the Corps of Engineers adopted a parallel set of color numbers during the war, olive drab being called Color No.9. This was the same color as Quartermaster Color No.22 of Spec. 3-1. On 25th July 1942, Ordnance took over the development and procurement of tactical vehicles from the Quartermaster Corps and so

Overall olive drab was the most common color scheme for most of US AFVs during World War II. This is a M3A1 half-track pictured during training in England before D-Day. The green color inside the national marking is gas detection paint, not the olive drab.

custodianship for the development and manufacture of olive drab paint shifted back to Ordnance on 21st October 1942. An effort was begun to modernize the old 1919 Spec. 3-1. The old specifications listed only 24 colors, all with gloss finish, while the services were now interested in specifying lusterless, semi-gloss, and gloss finishes. In addition, the various branches of the armed forces were ordering 175 different colors of paints, most based on commercial paints without government specifications. So the services tried to reduce the number of colors they were employing. On 16th March 1943, Specification 3-1F/Color Card Supplement (Rev.1) to was recommended by Ordnance which established 72 standard colors and the three basic finishes. This became official on 21st April 1943. Olive drab remained the same color, but the new color card displayed it in gloss, semi-gloss and lusterless finishes. As part of this process, in January 1943, Major A. I. Totten Jr. of the

Army Resources and Production Division (ASF) proposed to consolidate the two shades of olive drab in use at the time, the USAAF dark olive drab and the AGF olive drab, into a new color Army/Navy (A/N) 319, that was the same color as the AGF olive drab. The USAAF became very upset about this because in 1942, they had developed a new paint formulation of their dark olive drab that would not show up well on infrared reconnaissance film. The AGF olive drab paint did not have this characteristic. As a result, the USAAF studiously avoided use of the ”new” 319 olive drab. This issue may seem irrelevant to tank modelers. However, a legend has developed over the years that a “light” 319 olive drab was adopted by the AGF, so that after 1943, the Army began painting their tanks and tactical vehicles in a lighter shade of olive drab. This was not the case, because the A/N 319 olive drab was identical in color to the standard AGF olive drab prior to A/N 319, and was only “light” in comparison to the USAAF dark olive drab for aircraft use.

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5. 3

ive t p u r is D y m r A US int a P e g a l f u o m Ca for Tan ks

The US Army did not paint disruptive camouflage on their tanks in any systematic fashion until 1943. The use of disruptive painted camouflage was at the discretion of local commanders. The US Army Corps of Engineers had a standard set of 13 camouflage

colors as listed below. The post-war Federal Standard is also listed here though extreme care has to be used when comparing these to wartime colors since FS-595 has changed several times over the years.

Nº1 Light Green (FS34151)

Nº2 Dark Green (FS34102)

Nº3 Sand (FS30277)

Nº4 Field Drab (FS30118)

Nº5 Earth Brown (FS30099)

Nº6 Earth Yellow (FS30257)

Nº7 Loam (FS34086)

Nº8 Earth Red (FS30117)

Nº9 Olive Drab (FS34087)

Nº10 Black (FS37038)

Nº11 White (FS37875)

Nº12 Forest Green (FS34079)

Nº13 Desert Sand (FS30279)

Nº14 Ocean Gray (FS35164)

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The US Army Corps of Engineers released Field Manual FM 5-21 on 7th October 1942 suggesting suitable disruptive camouflage schemes for tanks. This was roundly criticized at the time, including by the Engineer Board, and was not widely used. When the US Army deployed two armored divisions to North Africa in November 1942, their tanks were still finished in Olive Drab which was not an ideal color for deserts. US tank units were not issued camouflage paint, and so units undertook expedient methods, mainly making an improvised paint from local mud.

The lack of camouflage paint in the North African theater forced US Army units to use improvised camouflage, usually by mixing local dirt and water and applying this with a broom. This is a good example from the 1st Armored Division in Tunisia in March 1943.

At the end of the campaign in Tunisia in 1943, some US AFVs were painted in a pattern of BSC. No.64 Portland Stone over Olive Drab, with the paint coming from local British supplies. Prior to the Operation Husky invasion of Sicily, on 9th March 1943, the Allied Forces Headquarters (AFHQ) instructed units to apply a disruptive pattern of No.6 Earth Yellow or No.8 Earth Red over the usual No.9 Olive Drab base finish. Suggested patterns were released in Operations Memo No.34. The principal US armored unit earmarked for Operation Husky, the 2nd Armored Division, spray-painted No.6 Earth Yellow over Olive Drab for the Sicily operation based on this order.

Prior to the Operation Husky amphibious landings on Sicily, Allied Forces Headquarters issued instructions for US units to apply disruptive camouflage to their AFVs. These are the illustrations from those instructions.

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Disruptive Camouflage pattern test for tanks in 1942 The first disruptive camouflage proposals from the Field Manual 5-21 issued in October 1942, were not widely used. As can be seen on the drawing, the pattern could be adapted to Temperate, Desert, or Arctic conditions by changing the colors.

In the following photos you can see the different camouflage patterns that had been tested by the U.S. Army at Fort Knox and at the Engineer Replacement Training Center at Fort Belvoir in 1942.

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Following the Tunisian campaign, some units applied disruptive camouflage to their vehicles using British supplies of BSC. No.64 Portland Stone paint over the Olive Drab base color as seen here on some M3 Half-tracks of the 34th Infantry Division in July 1943.

The AFVs of the 2nd Armored Division that took part in the Operation Husky, received a disruptive pattern of No.6 Earth Yellow over the Olive Drab base, as can be observed on this M2 Half-track pictured at Gela beach.

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The failure of the 1942 edition of FM 5-21 to gain any traction led to the release of Technical Manual (TM) 5-267 on 1st July 1943, which offered another assortment of proposed color schemes. The illustrations for this publication also served as the basis for the FM 5-20B Camouflage of Vehicles issued in April 1944. This was the most influential engineer camouflage publication of the war. The 1st Armored Division repainted their AFVs in schemes based on these patterns prior to their deployment to Italy in 1943-44. They generally used the basic scheme of black over olive drab with white counter-shading on lower surfaces. When the US Army entered combat in the European Theater of Operations (ETO) on D-Day, most if not all US tanks and AFVs were finished in overall lusterless olive drab with no disruptive camouflage. During the fighting near Saint Lo in July 1944, a German tanker was captured

who mocked the failure of the US Army to take any camouflage precautions at all with their tanks. This led to a program by the First US Army to develop camouflage measures prior to the start of Operation Cobra, the Normandy breakout on 24th-25th July 1944. The engineer headquarters of the First US Army was put in charge of this program on 16th July 1944. While part of this program was the use of foliage, it also included disruptive pattern painting on tanks and AFVs. These patterns were a direct copy of the TM 5-267 and FM 5-20B schemes, except that there was no use of white counter-shading. The scheme consisted of sprayed-on patterns of black over olive drab. Most tanks and AFVs of the First US Army received camouflage painting prior to Operation Cobra. This camouflage policy remained in effect in the 12th Army Group through 1944, though it was not systematically applied due to a shortage of paint and painting equipment.

The Corps of Engineers issued a new set of disruptive camouflage patterns in various field manuals and technical manuals released in 1943 and 1944. These manuals included several schemes, usually applied using two camouflage colors plus white counter-shading.

The First US Army adopted disruptive camouflage prior to Operation Cobra on 24th-25th July 1944. This is one of the illustrations issued with the orders. As can be seen, the pattern is repeated from Field Manual 5-20B except for the absence of white under-shading. The colors were black over olive drab.

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The 1st Armored Division applied the camouflage patterns designed by the Corps of Engineers to their tanks prior to deployment to Italy in 1943-44. On this picture we can clearly see the white counter-shading on the lower hull side and the underside of the gun barrel.

This Sherman tank of the 2nd Armored Division carries the disruptive camouflage scheme introduced before Operation Cobra in July 1944.

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M4A1, Company E, 2nd Tank Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, Operation Husky, Sicily 1943. The basic Olive Drab finish of this tank was modified by spraying a pattern of No.6 Earth Yellow.

M3 Half-track, Operation Husky, Sicily 1943. This vehicle was painted with No.9 Olive Drab and No.6 Earth Yellow.

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Unlike German Panzer divisions, US armored divisions and separate tank battalions were not issued any significant amount of paint except for ordinary repair work. Disruptive camouflage painting was generally done by Engineer Camouflage Battalions, and in particular the 602nd Engineer Camouflage Battalion. This battalion usually set up a large outdoor painting “factory” in a large open field, and provided the paint and painting equipment. An armored division or separate tank battalion would be scheduled for camouflage painting over the course of a few days, and rotated through the facility, with tank crews providing the manpower for the painting and the engineers providing the

A M4A3 tank with 76mm gun of the 4th Armored Division, pictured at H-4 highway near Bastogne, Belgium, on 8th January 1945. This tank was painted with two colors, ie. No.9 Olive Drab and No.10 Black. It is clear that the secondary color was applied in a horizontal pattern in accordance with FM 5-20B regulations.

The 602nd Engineer Camouflage Battalion continued to apply the black/olive drab disruptive camouflage to the tanks of the 12th Army Group in 1944-1945 period as paint and time permitted. In some cases, a third color was added. This is a M4A3 (76)W of the 9th Armored Division pictured in the autumn of 1944, immediately after painting.

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supervision. However, only a small fraction of the tanks were painted. The same was true in the Italian theater where the 84th Engineer Camouflage Battalion was seldom more than two companies in strength and often short of paint. During the winter of 1944-45, many tanks received a coat of whitewash. This generally took place in late December 1944 and JanuaryFebruary 1945. As in the case of painted disruptive camouflage, the basic ingredients for the whitewash such as lime or white paint was provided by engineer troops, but applied by the tank crews.

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A crew getting their M4A3E8 ready for combat. This tank belonged to the 48th Tank Battallion, 14th Armored Division, and the photo was taken in Surbourg, France, in January 1945. It appears that two additional camouflage colors, ie. No.10 Black and No.1 Light Green, had been applied over the No.9 Olive Drab basecoat.

A column of Sherman tanks enters the abandoned German village of Bergerhausen in March 1945. The tanks belonged to the 3rd Tank Battalion. Note the different camouflage patterns and the variety of materials used by the crews to improve protection of their vehicles.

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M4A3 (76)W, 19th Tank Battalion, 9th Armored Division, Belgium 1944. This tank sported a three color camouflage pattern painted with No.9 Olive Drab, No.10 Black and No.1 Light Green.

M4A3 (76)W, Company A, 714th Tank Battalion, 12th Armored Division, Germany 1945. The camouflage pattern consists of wide, almost vertical patches of No.10 Black applied over No.9 Olive Drab basecoat.

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5.4

ANUAL 1944 FIELD MM FLAGE U O A C B 0 -2 5 FM OF VEH ICLES

This chapter is a summary of the most interesting parts of the Field Manual FM 5-20B "Camouflage of Vehicles".

MANUALS IN THE FM 5-20 SERIES FM 5-20 Camouflage, Basic Principles FM 5-20A Camouflage of Individuals and Infantry Weapons FM 5-20B Camouflage of Vehicles FM 5-20C Camouflage of Bivouacs, Command Posts, Supply Points, and Medical Installations FM 5-20D Camouflage of Field Artillery FM 5-20E Camouflage of Aircraft on the Ground and Airdromes FM 5-20F Camouflage of Antiaircraft Artillery FM 5-20G Camouflage of Rear Areas and Fixed Fortifications FM 5-20H Camouflage Materials and Manufacturing Techniques The Corps of Engineers Field Manual FM 5-20B provided a series of regulations for applying proper camouflage to the vehicles used in different conditions and terrains, and explained how to take advantage of them. It was aimed both at the unit commanders and individual soldiers.

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1. QUARTERING PARTY a. Make reconnaissance of area to be occupied. If aerial photographs and large-scale maps are obtainable, study them before and during reconnaissance. Purpose is to (1) Provide adequate dispersion. (2) S ite unit parking within dark and heavily textured areas of the terrain pattern. Make use of overhead cover, clumps of bushes, scrub growth, and folds or other shadowcasting irregularities in the ground surface. (3) T ake advantage of overhead cover and the terrain pattern to conceal traffic circulation. b. M  ake a track plan, preferably on a map overlay. This is necessary to prevent violations of camouflage discipline and to take full advantage of natural terrain features. Copies should be distributed to all motor officers and key unit N.C.O.'s. Track plan should. (1) Make full use of all existing roads and paths for entering and leaving, for circulation within the area, and for access to security outposts. (2) L ocate new routes close to and parallel to lines which are normal features of the terrain pattern. (3) P rovide one-way traffic circulation. (4) S how portions of routes to be wired in. (5) Show portions of routes to be patrolled by traffic guides to prevent short cuts and other violations of camouflage discipline. (6) S how portions of routes and parking areas requiring overhead or oblique screening. (7) Show portions of routes where tracks must be obliterated after traffic has passed. (8) S how locations of traffic signs. Reflectors and lighted signs for night traffic should have natural or artificial overhead screening. (9) S how locations of soft or soggy areas which may become. noticeably rutted. (10) Show locations of unloading areas. (11) Show locations of unit parking areas. (12) S how locations of areas where materials may be cut without making scars attracting attention of enemy aerial observers. MOTOR OFFICERS a. Instruct drivers in details of track plan. Make sure they understand purpose of it. b. Check parking for (1) Dispersion. (2) Concealment measures. c. C  over repair and refueling areas with overhead screens, if natural overhead cover does not exist.

DRIVERS a. Maintain dispersal distances on the march, at halts, and in bivouac. b. If vehicle breaks down, don't park in an open field. If possible, pulloff main road on to a side road and park under trees, or in the shadow of bushes or a building. Drape vehicle if repairs will take more than a short time. Don't keep shiny tools or repair parts in sun, where reflections may attract enemy airmen. c. F ollow traffic signs and instructions of traffic guides when approaching, within, and leaving a concealed position. Keep to designated routes, unloading areas, and parking areas. d. Don't make unnecessary noises during concealed movements. Disconnect horns during these operations. e. T o conceal your vehicle in a parking area (1) Park under overhead cover, if available, or parallel to and close beside a building, hedge, or other natural terrain lines, or close beside a clump of bushes. Park to take advantage of shadows. (2) T o prevent shine, cover windshield, headlights, cab windows,and taillights with mud, rags, foliage, or prepared covers. To conceal betraying shadow, drop curtain over rear entrance to cargo space. (3) D  rape with net. Arrange props so net is at least a foot above top of vehicle, and so props make soft and irregular bumpsin net. Pull edges of net out as far as they reach and stake them to the ground. In sparsely wooded areas, carry props and stakes with you. (4) If vehicle is not draped, use cut foliage to break up form of vehicle and the shadow it casts. If vehicle is draped, use cut foliage to break up prop bumps and edges of net. Choose foliage which blends with the surroundings and keep it in its natural growing position. (5) If in bivouac or a concealed position, cut foliage only in areas designated for that purpose (6) D  on't wash body of vehicle unless ordered to by motor officer. In some terrains, mud and dust help to blend vehicle with surroundings. (7) Maintain blackout discipline at night.

Source: FM 5-20B

The manual provided the methods for camouflaging, to hide and to minimize both aerial and terrestrial visibility of vehicles. It consisted of several guidelines on making use of sites, technical standards, natural or artificial materials, and the type of paints and camouflage.

Knowledge of the principles of camouflage is as important to the vehicle driver as proper vehicle maintenance. A badly concealed vehicle can draw a bombing or strafing attack, which is even more crippling than a poor maintenance job. In either case, the result is a lost vehicle. In the case of poor camouflage, it may mean much more -enemy discovery of a unit, disclosure of an important tactical plan, or complete destruction of installations.

Camouflage of vehicles depends not only on concealing vehicles themselves but equally on preventing and concealing their tracks. The latter task is extremely important in order not to betray the position of the vehicle or the entire unit location to enemy aircraft. It should be taken into account that the enemy's ground and aerial reconnaissance is attracted more quickly by anything that moves, and that nothing can hide vehicles that move through undergrowth or along exposed routes.

The aerial photograps are studied to determine the adequate dispersion of the vehicle, make a track plan for the particular area and take advantage of the natural conditions for better concealment.

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Enemy AERIAL and ground observation The factors which reveal vehicles to enemy aerial observation and which must be concealed or camouflaged are shine, shadow, shape, tracks, color and value. Aerial observers and photo interpreters are able to locate vehicles and often to identify their types, number, and intentions by detecting the presence of one or more of these factors. Even when the color of the vehicle is similar to its surroundings, the "value," or difference in lightness and darkness between them, may indicate the presence of the object. In an ordinary photograph, "values" indicate the presence of objects that are differently colored. When it is impossible to make a vehicle the same color as its surroundings, much is accomplished if the lightness or darkness of the vehicle is made similar to the surroundings. Vehicles are revealed to both ground and aerial observation by the same factors. However, because there is a tremendous difference in the appearance of a vehicle when seen from the ground and from the air, different measures must be taken against each kind of observation.

tracks Tracks are especially revealing signs to the aerial observer and to the interpreter of aerial photographs. They may reveal the location, strength, and even the intention of a whole unit. The gradual turns of wheeled vehicles are distinguishable from the skidding turns of track-laying vehicles, and often a single track across an area of low vegetation is clearly visible. Tracks crossing natural terrain lines are noticeable, while tracks parallel to natural terrain lines are likely to be overlooked. Cutting corners is a good indication to the enemy of traffic activity. It is a driver's responsibility to maintain the normal appearance of the terrain by not making this kind of scar. If there are no existing routes to a concealed position, any new ones should follow closely and be parallel to hedge lines, fences, cultivation lines, or other natural terrain lines. Tracks made this way are inconspicuous from the air.

Here is the correct way to gain access to a concealed position. Vehicles stay in one track which is continued past the position to a logical termination, such as a road. This track must show signs of equal wear throughout. Locate turnoff where it is least conspicuous.

Here, tracks point clearly to a concealed installation or bivouac because of lack of planning and lack of camouflage discipline.

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TRACK PLANNING Before a unit occupies a new position, a quartering party must first make a reconnaissance and lay out a concealed track plan. No vehicle should enter the new area until this plan has been made and marked so that drivers can stay on the allotted routes. The quartering party should be capable of visualizing the appearance of terrain when seen from the air. A standard track plan is impossible-an individual solution is required for each installation. Track plan must be laid out to fit into the terrain pattern as inconspicuously as possible by taking advantage of existing roads, overhead cover, and shadow-casting lines which are a normal part of the terrain pattern.

Many factors which affect the character of the track plan must be considered by the quartering party. Some of these are: the duration of occupation; time allowed for entering and leaving; size, character, and mission of occupying unit; known distance from enemy; effect of climate on visibility; availability of all-weather road surfaces; and strength of mobile AAA. In addition to laying out a track plan on the ground itself, track plan should be sketched on either a map overlay or a sketch of the area. Parking areas are indicated as well as portions of routes to be patrolled by traffic guides, who are posted not only to insure that correct routes are taken but that camouflage discipline is maintained.

SITING Siting is choosing an advantageous position in the terrain pattern. The aim of good siting is to occupy the terrain without altering its appearance. To do this, park vehicles under natural cover whenever it is available. When cover is inadequate, park so the shape of the vehicle will appear to be a natural part of the terrain pattern. Before a driver can site his vehicle to take advantage of the concealment possibilities of the terrain, he must learn how different types of terrain appear from the air. In combat zones, knowing this is as important as knowing how to drive his vehicle. There are four main types of terrain pattern: wooded, agricultural, urban, and barren.

Bad siting. No enemy airman would miss the story of this scene. An undisciplined congestion of vehicles, parked without regard to the terrain pattern, must expect machine gunning and bombing.

The DUKWs are parked off the road, taking advantage of the tree/ hedge line.

1

Wooded terrain gives excellent concealment for a vehicle and its tracks. The pattern of wooded terrain is irregular. To preserve its natural appearance vehicles must disperse and park irregularly, at varying angles and unequal distances apart.

2

The dominant characteristic of an agricultural terrain pattern is lines -fence lines, hedge lines, cultivation lines. A high degree of concealment is obtained if vehicles are dispersed parallel to terrain lines so that the lines remain more prominent than the vehicles.

3

The pattern of cities, towns, and villages affords many opportunities for concealment. There are large shadow areas, usually some overhead cover, and the wall lines of buildings can be used in the same way as hedge lines were used in the agricultural pattern.

4

Even in barren terrain, such as a desert, at least partial concealment can be obtained by careful siting. Here the terrain pattern is composed of dry washes and other irregular folds in the ground, scattered rock accumulations, scrub growth, and the shadows from these.

Park under cover or so the vehicle is parallel to walls and buildings. Stay on their shadow side and as close to them as possible.

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DISPERSION Dispersion serves two purposes. The preceding pages have shown how dispersion aids concealment when vehicles are sited to take advantage of the terrain pattern. Dispersion also is the only effective way of reducing damage caused by a bombing or strafing attack made against a group of vehicles on the march, at a halt, or in bivouac. The distance between vehicles when dispersed depends on the situation and is a command decision. Dispersion should be standing operating procedure unless the unit commander specifically orders otherwise to meet a particular situation. Vehicles are always important targets for enemy bombing and artillery attack. On the march, if the enemy is overhead, they are sure to be seen, but they can make unprofitable

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targets of themselves. An unprofitable target is one in which a wellaimed bomb cannot possibly knock out more than one or two vehicles. When vehicles are in terrain which does not restrict them to a column - as in a desert - maintain dispersion distances in width as well as in depth. This will further reduce the number of targets for an enemy bombing or strafing run.

Tanks rolling in line while maintaining safe spacing.

shine Siting and track discipline can do much to conceal a vehicle, but shine alone can nullify even the best siting and the best track discipline.

area traversed by the wipers should remain clear. Foliage may be used to cover headlights. The wise driver makes his own slip-on covers for headlights, windshields and other reflecting surfaces.

The existence of shine is not an accident; it is always present when there is light in the sky: sunlight, moonlight, or the light of flares. It is caused by windshields, headlights, cab windows, by wet vehicle bodies, even by light paint on the star insignia. These must be concealed by any means at your disposal. Blankets, shelter halves, or pieces of dark-colored burlap or osnaburg are expedients for covering the reflecting surface of a windshield quickly. Mud and leaves applied liberally to the windshield reduce shine. When moving, the

shadows There are two kinds of shadows to look out for in camouflage. One is the concealing shadows cast by objects or formations on the ground. From the air these shadows appear so dark that a vehicle parked within them has a good chance of being unnoticed. Other camouflage measures should often be taken, but making use of these shadows is an important primary step in concealment. In the northern hemisphere, the north side of an object higher than the vehicle is the best side to park on, and the east and west sides are each dangerous for half a day.

The other kind of shadow to look out for is that cast by the vehicle. This reveals and identifies a vehicle and must be hidden. Hiding is accomplished either by parking in the shadow of an object-if the shadow is large enough to encompass the vehicle-or by parking on the sunny side of the object, if the shadow is too small. Watch out not only for the overall shadow of the vehicle but also for the smaller shadow areas contained within the vehicle itself, such as the shadow line of the truck body, in and around the cab, underneath the fenders, within the wheels, and in the open back of the cargo space. A vehicle is easily recognized by these small shadows even when its main outlines are obscure. They must be broken up or hidden by natural or artificial materials.

If you must park on a road, watch that shadow. Park, as the foremost truck has done, so that the shadow is thrown into an irregular ditch or upon a bush. Do not park, as the rear truck is parked, so that the shadow of the vehicle falls on a smooth surface. Morning or late afternoon shadows are long and protective. Park your vehicle in them. But remember that shadows move. Be sure you move with them.

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ARTIFICIAL MATERIALS Camouflage nets, used as drapes, are the principal artificial materials used to conceal vehicles. Drapes are either small-mesh shrimp net, ungarnished, or large-mesh twine net, garnished. Both are easy to use, quickly erected, and quickly removed. They are easily adapted to various kinds of terrain, but they have limitations and they must be used correctly. Every vehicle driver must know what he can expect of a net in the way of concealment and how to erect it over his vehicle to best advantage.

Drapes can give complete concealment against direct observation but, as with most artificial camouflage, against photographic observation, they often fail to blend properly with the background and consequently may be detected. In every case, however, drapes properly suspended or propped up do conceal the identity of the object under the drape, even though the drape itself may be detected. In no case will the drape be allowed to rest directly on the vehicle, thus revealing its outline. Drapes must be tied in with bushes or other natural terrain features by proper siting of vehicles.

An overhead screen provides good concealment. It is particularly valuable over more permanent parking places, because it allows considerable freedom of movement underneath it and because vehicles can come and go while the camouflage remains in place. Nets must be propped above and away from a vehicle so that a distorted outline is formed. Branches or poles are used for this purpose. To eliminate shadow, extend net at a gradual slope from center of object covered.

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For best results, erect the net over the vehicle so that it is diagonal to the long axis of the vehicle, and slightly off center, and so the larger part of the net is on the side away from the sun.

A sloped side screen conceals a vehicle from oblique observation. Repairs, unloading, and other activities can be carried on behind it. As a guide for altering the net garnishing in rear areas or in training, the standard color combinations for summer, winter, and desert are given in the table. In front lines, when the color or thickness of garnishing is wrong, the only alternative is to modify it by using natural materials.

STANDARD COLOR COMBINATIONS FOR NET GARNISHING SUMMER (temperate and tropical)

WINTER (except in snow)

DESERT (most barren areas)

70% - dark green

60% - earth brown

70% -sand

15% - light green

30% - olive drab

15% - earth yellow

15% - field drab

10% - earth red

15% - earth red

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natural MATERIALS Camouflage measures for vehicles must often be hasty. Good siting in shadows and on the dark rough parts of the terrain pattern, as well as irregular dispersion, are essential, but they usually give only partial concealment. A much higher degree of concealment can be obtained by supplementing these measures with natural materials used to break up the shape and shadows of the vehicle. They are almost always available near a parking site and can be erected and removed quickly. They have the advantage of matching the local background. When cut foliage is used, it should be replaced as soon as it withers. A further use of natural materials is to aid concealment by altering the color of vehicles or by adding texture to them. These expedient measures make it easier to blend vehicles with their surroundings. Color may be altered by applying local mud to the body and tarpaulin, forming a pattern. Texture may be added all over or in pattern shapes by attaching leaves, heavy grass, or coarse sand to the surface of a vehicle by means of an adhesive. Old grease can be used as an adhesive, or a highly satisfactory dark colored adhesive can be made from almost any green vegetation, such as leaves, shrubs, vines, weeds, crop plants, and most desert plants. To make an expedient adhesive out of natural materials, fill

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a 5- or 10-gallon metal bucket two-thirds full of freshly cut plant materials, packed tightly. Add water until plant materials are covered by about 2 inches. Boil for half an hour, then transfer resulting liquid to a G. I. can or a 55-gallon drum and boil down until it is a paste with a consistency heavy enough to prevent it from running after it is applied. To avoid boiling over, never fill this container more than half way. Sixteen 5-gallon buckets of vegetation yield about 1 gallon of paste. Apply adhesive paste in small patches. Press texturing materials on each patch before next one is applied. Texture applied this way resists rains, but may be scrubbed off with water.

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vehicle painting The enemy will usually see vehicles at an angle. At least two adjoining surfaces will be visible to him at once. For example, from close-range ground observation he might see a side and the front; from the air, or on an aerial photograph, he might see the top, a side, and the front. For this reason, vehicle patterns are designed to disrupt the cube shape of vehicles from all angles, to disrupt shadows cast by tarpaulin bows, to tie in with the shadow at the rear of a vehicle when it is faced into the sun, to tie in with the large dark shadow areas of windows, mudguards, wheels, and undercarriage, and to be bold enough to be effective at a distance.

Camouflage painting is not a cure-all. Alone, it cannot be relied on to do more than render a vehicle obscure, making it hard for an enemy gunner to locate the vehicle and confusing him as to the location of vulnerable areas. Nor can it conceal a moving vehicle, because other sight factors, such as dust, reflections, and motion itself, will betray its presence. However, camouflage painting is a valuable supplement to other camouflage measures. Added to good siting, dispersion, camouflage discipline, and the use of nets and drapes, it increases the benefits to be derived from these measures. Together, and intelligently used, they will provide a high degree of conceal ment for any vehicle.

Patterns are composed of a light color and a dark color. Black or olive drab have proved satisfactory dark colors in several theaters of operations. The light color is selected to match a light color typical of and predominant in the terrain in which the vehicle operates. White or light gray paint is applied to the undersurfaces of vehicles to cause them to reflect light, thus lightening the dark shadows of the undercarriage. This is called countershading.

In the following pages the national symbol has been left off the vehicles in order to show the pattern-painting method more clearly. This is not to be construed as authority for leaving off this symbol on all occasions. The decision to obliterate the national symbol completely rests with the theater commander; the decision to obscure the national symbol, for reasons of tactical expediency, rests with the lower commanders concerned.

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Here we can see how the field reports were used to record issues and suggestions and requests to the command, in relation to the problems related to paint, camouflage and colors in different theaters.

SUBJECT: Camouflage in France - ASF Report No.15 (AGF#199)

APO 655 29 August 1944

TO: The Commanding General, Army Services Forces, Pentagon Bldg., Washington, D. C. (Att: Brig. General L. D. Worsham) 1. Reference is made to the remarks on camouflage in my report ASF No.5 (AGF No.155). Further studies in France have verified the conclusions give therein. 2. A copy of the camouflage annex to the Communication Zone engineer plan for the operations in France is attached as Inclosure No.1. This plan is excellent. It should be noted that complete concealment of more than a few installations was never contemplated. 3. When the enemy air strength was more clearly defined, say at D / 25, a new estimate of the camouflage situation should have been made by the highest headquarters in France and a new plan published to take the place of that given in Inclosure No.1. By such a procedure those concerned with rear area camouflage would have had something to guide them and we would not have had a lot of work put into a fine camouflage job in one field nullified by no camouflage in the next. 5. Inclosure No.2 gives answers to certain questions I asked Lt. Col. R. E. KEARNEY, CO, 602d Engr Cam Bn. In view of his experience in France, as well as on camouflage work at Fort Belvoir, his recommendations should be given great consideration. 6. The 602d Cam Bn. is the camouflage battalion operating with the First Army. The following inforation was obtained from Col. KEARNEY in addition to that given in Inclosure No.2:

a. The bn work has been mainly supply. b. H  e has operated the bn with success exactly according to the method outlined in FM 5-5. c. It was decided before the invasion that shrimp nets were unsuited for camouflage purpose. Consequently all shrimp nets were ordered turned in and only garnished fish nets were supplied. d. Most of the fish nets brought to France were garnished 60% brown and 40% green. These were not suitable as in France the garnishing was changed to 40% brown and 60% green. This caused a lot of work for the 602d Bn. e. O  ne of the later divisions to arrive brought shrimp nets. It was necessary to supply it with fish nets after landing and take in the shrimp nets. f. A  big job done by the 602d Cam. Bn was to repaint the armor of the First Army. Inclosure No.3 bears on this subject. The painting was done in a short time and was considered so essential that paint for the purpose was flown in by air.

7. Several AA and FA units have used flat tops but the practice is not general. 8. Inclosure No.4 gives the conclusions of Col. HOMER SAINT GAUDENS, camouflage expert, after more than a month's study of the camouflage situation in France. 9. This report has been forwarded in triplicate to Hq AGF as AGF Report No.199. /s/ X. H. Price Colonel, Corps of Engineers President, Observers Board.

SUBJECT: Disruptive Painting of Tanks.

APO 230, US Army 16 July 1944

To: The Army Engineer, Engineer Headquarters, Command Echelon, First United States Army, APO 230, US Army. 1. Requests for assistance and advise relative to the improvement of camouflage of tanks have been received from various sources. Officers from the 746th Tank Bn have reported that a large number of their tanks have been immobilised and that their interrogative of prisoners of war has brought on the fact that our tanks are conspicious because of their shine and high silhouette. In order to determine a satisfactory camouflage solution, a method is being tested using steel wool garnished chicken wire, out and placed on the tanks in such a manner as to break up the characteristic outlines of the vehicle and to obliterate to some extent the shine which is aggravated by the smooth flat surfaces of the armour. The result of this experiment will be the basis of a complete report in the immediate future as soon as the advantages or disadvantages have been determined. 2. It is believed the disruptive painting of tanks will to some extent lower their visibility, provided that the siting and use of tanks so painted conform to standard camouflage practise. If large bold patterns of black camouflage paint are used over a dark green or olive drab base, the vehicles will be less visible when sited along the edge of woods and hedgerows. Such disruptive patterns painted on the vehicles will not alter the silhouette if they are sited or moved against a light or sky background. However it must be remembered that every observation may be in one or in a combination of ways, ground, aerial or photography. Disruptive painting will make observation more difficult for the enemy. The coloring mentioned above cannot conceal moving vehicles because other factors such as dust, reflection, and action itself will reveal activity. Disruptive painting, properly accomplished will confuse the enemy gunners to the position or the vunerable places and make it more difficult to locate the mass of vehicles. 3. It is recommended that when a vehicle is disruptively painted for camouflage reasons, that the national symbol or star be removed from the painted vehicle. To camouflage paint a tank and leave a white bulls-eye thereon is a waste of time and materials. Authority for removal of symbols from a vehicle is contained in ETOUSA Directive AG 451/2 PUBGC - 24 Jan 1944. “Maintenance and operation of Motor Vehicles" par 5d Section XXI “Whenever camouflage and concealment require removal of symbols from a vehicle (Par. lOA, AR 850-5) symbols visible to the driver will be painted over with detector paint in an irregular pattern". Other symbols will be covered as proscribed in AR 860-5. 4. This organization has available 18 paint spray teams; each team is equipped to disruptive paint, under ideal conditions, approximately 20 tanks in a 12 hour day, provided that the tanks are presented to them in a clean condition, This figure will necessarily vary with the distance the team must travel between tank units, and the number of tanks available for painting at any one time. 5. It is estimated that 1,5 gals of lustreless dark green or O. D. paint, and 0,5 gal lustreless black paint will be required for each tank. 6. There are available 165 gals of lustreless O.D. paint, and 570 gals of black paint. This is sufficient to disruptively paint 110 tanks. 1000 gals of paint, camouflage, clouresinour, dark green (in paste form) has been ordered from the U.K. It is expected that this paint will arrive on 19th or 20th July. This will be sufficient to paint 2000 tanks. 7. The inclosed diagrams indicate the color combination and the general pattern plan recommended for use in the terrain of present operations. ROBERT E. KEARNEY Lt. Col, 602d Engr Cam Bn Commanding.

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pattern for desert terrain Olive drab and earth red blend with reddish desert backgrounds. Other light colors useful in a desert are sand and earth yellow. Patterns break up angular lines of vehicle.

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Camouflage Memorandum C-806 Camouflage in the Desert – 1941 Camouflage Memorandum No.151 An interim report of an investigation authorized by the Chief of Engineers under CM 272-A on February 17; 1941. C. Vehicles. Practically all movement of troops is accomplished by vehicles with thereby special problems. Vehicles concealment is not for personal safety only or for the preservation of an individual trucks. If the enemy spots one vehicle he will search for others and thus pick up an entire convoy thereby gaining valuable information as to movement and intention. 1. Pattern Painting. To diminish the possibility of observation each and every vehicle should be pattern painted. For general desert use, the Corps of Engineers Tentative Specification No. T-1213 recommends the following color schemes: No.3 Sand, No.6 Earth Yellow, or No.8 Earth Red or other light color to match terrain. Patterns should be irregular and extand over the corners and edges to obscure the characteristic outline and form of the object. Make the pattern large enough to be apparent at the range desired. Objects should be painted darker on top and lighter below. In general, not more than three colors will be necessary. Probably sand, earth yellow, and black will do.

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pattern for temperate zones and jungle Ground view and pattern plan of tank destroyer painted olive drab and black, the undersurfaces countershaded white. Keep patterns bold and simple.

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pattern for snow terrain White and olive drab for backgrounds of snow and trees. An equally effective scheme is black and white. In snow, countershading is not necessary.

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The M4 "Hurricane" from Company H, 66th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, was pictured during the engine change at a rear depot in Normandy, in mid-August 1944. The tank had already received the disruptive pattern of No.10 Black that had been applied over No.9 Olive Drab basecoat. Note that most of the markings were overpainted. Only the individual tank name and registration numbers were left in place. This M4A1 Dozer Tank of the 16th Engineer Battalion was photographed in Italy in September 1944. The tank carried an interesting camouflage pattern in form of angular stripes. Rather dark tonal value of the colors and low contrast between them suggest that the tank was painted with No.9 Olive Drab and No.10 Black.

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A Jeep crew drives two German POWs to the command post during the Battle of the Bulge. The whitewash seems to be applied using a rag dipped in paint.

A M16 Half-track from the 457th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion, photographed near Canach, Luxembourg, in February 1945. Again we can see a rather crudely applied and worn winter camouflage.

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DIGGING IN In a desert, or in any open barren terrain, the lower an object is to the ground, the smaller is its shadow and the easier it is to conceal from aerial observation. When time and soil permit, every effort must be made to dig in important vehicles. Not only are they more easily concealed, but they are also protected from bomb and shell fragments.

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snow camouflaGe From the air, snow-covered terrain is seldom entirely white, but is broken by dark areas of woods, scrub growth, and shadows made by irregularities in the ground surface, such as rock outcrops, ridges, and drainage lines. Concealment of tracks is a major problem in snow-covered terrain, as unconcealed tracks point the way to concealed installations. In even light snow, tracks make strong shadow lines, visible from a long distance. Sharp turns by vehicles should be avoided because ridges of snow cast heavy shadows. Whenever possible, vehicles should follow shadow-casting terrain lines, staying on the side where shadows are constant throughout the day. It is important that all vehicles keep to the same tracks. Vehicles leaving a road may achieve a short period of track concealment by driving into or away from the sun. Shadows cast by these tracks will not be apparent until the sun strikes them from an angle. Short lengths of tracks which are not too deep may be trampled down with snowshoes. Parked vehicles painted with solid olive drab can be concealed in snow if there are sufficient natural materials available. Park so shadow of vehicle falls on a bush or on another shadow, and break up shadow pattern of tarpaulin bows with cut foliage. If this is impossible, park facing sun or away from sun to reduce the size of the shadow cast by the vehicle. This shadow may be broken up by piles of snow, by large snow balls, or by holes dug in the snow. Snow thrown on the wheels of a parked vehicle helps to disrupt this telltale area.

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For vehicles which must operate in areas where snow is a daily problem, concealment is made much easier if they are painted with the snow pattern. Many field-expedient substitutes for paint can be used. Vehicles should be parked close to dark features of the terrain pattern. Concealment by shadows from buildings, ground formations, and trees, though effective in summer, loses as much of its usefulness when snow is on the ground, the white background lightens the shadows of those objects. Nets are not recommended for draping in snow. They require excessive maintenance, cannot carry a heavy snow load, become wet, bulky, and hard to handle. Garnishing becomes wet, wrinkles, and loses coverage, increasing texture and darkening tone values. They must be removed entirely during snow and sleet storms. Where nets are used for permanent overhead hammocks or to create permanent parking hides for vehicles, they should be garnished 100 percent. Where the terrain pattern is mottled, as during a thaw period, the perimeter areas of nets should be white; towards the center, apply patterns of slate gray, black, and olive drab. Site nets of this kind near trees, snow drifts, rocks, or other natural forms which cast shadows. Where nets are anchored directly to the ground, heap snow on the edges to relieve the irregularity of outline. All anchor stakes should be of wood. Metal stakes and driftpins conduct heat from the sun and thaw themselves free.

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5. 5

UFLAGE O M A C E IV T P U R DIS ARMY PAINTING OF US ACIFIC P E H T IN C M S U &

Disruptive Camouflage Painting of US AFVs in the Pacific As in the European Theater of Operations, most US Army tanks and AFVs in the Pacific theater were left in plain lusterless olive drab. There were a few examples of pattern-painted camouflage in the Southwest Pacific, usually black over olive drab. However, this was the rare exception. US Marine Corps (USMC) tanks were originally in olive drab since they were produced through US Army contracts. The USMC did not issue camouflage paint to its tank units. In 1944-45, some Marine tank battalions began applying disruptive camouflage to their tanks, usually as part of a larger program to add applique armor to defeat Japanese infantry close-attack. No Marine Corps records have been located that explain what colors or paints were used. The most likely source was the US Navy, which had a variety of green and earth colors used for painting coastal craft. The one exception to olive drab on US AFVs was the amphibious tractor (amtrac) such as the LVT-2 and the amphibious tank such as the LVT(A)1. These vehicles were procured by the US Navy and so were delivered in the standard US Navy landing craft color, Ocean Grey #17 (Formula 5-0), a blue-grey color. Ocean grey was used on all USMC and US Army amtracs and amtanks through 1944. During combat use of amtanks and amtracs in 1943, there were numerous complaints about the Ocean Grey paint since it tended to fade to a light blue color under the intense conditions of the Pacific theater. As a result, orders were issued in February 1944 that all newly manufactured amtracs and amtanks would be painted Olive Drab. On 30th May 1944, further instructions were issued (Technical Bulletin TB ORD 102) that all amtracs and amtanks already in service would be repainted in olive drab during periodic maintenance. The USMC often painted their amtracs and amtanks in disruptive camouflage. This was not based on any specific instructions and was peculiar to each battalion. The paint and colors were probably from US Navy stocks, but data is lacking.

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Knocked-out M4A3 No.47 "Clodhopper" of the Company C, 4th Tank Battalion, USMC, with all of its add-on armour (wooden planks added to the hull sides, metal "baskets" welded to the hatches, spare tracks on the turret and front hull) in place. Iwo Jima, March 1945.

During the Solomon Islands campaign, tanks crews started to camouflage their vehicles with elaborate patterns. There was no official regulation about vehicle camouflage in the USMC, so the crews designed the patterns on their own. Clear examples of such creativity are the M3 GMCs used in the Solomon Islands campaign, which Olive Drab basecoats were altered by applying No.5 Earth Brown, No.6 Earth Yellow or No.13 Desert Sand as secondary camouflage colors. During the later battles the use of disruptive camouflage on the USMC vehicles became more common, but no regulations for its application are known.

This photo allows us to see the Ocean Gray color of the amphibious vehicles, as well as different camouflage colors used for adding the disruptive camouflage to the Olive Drab basecoat.

The M4A3 "Tokyo Express" belonged to Company A, 5th Tank Battalion, USMC during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Note the two or three colored distruptive camouflage and several modifications typical for USMC tanks.

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LVT(A)-2, “Yellow” beach, Iwo Jima, February 1945. This vehicle sported a tricolor camouflage pattern consisting of No.9 Olive Drab, No.8 Earth Red and No.6 Earth Yellow patches.

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M4A2, 5th Tank Battalion, USMC, Iwo Jima, February 1945. The camouflage pattern of this tank was painted with No.9 Olive Drab, No.5 Earth Brown and No.13 Desert Sand.

LVT(A)-1, destined for the Tarawa invasion in 1943. This amtank was finished in Ocean Grey.

M7 Priest, 22nd Marine Regiment, USMC, Okinawa, June 1945. This vehicle was camouflaged with No.9 Olive Drab and No.6 Earth Yellow.

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T

ARBEN

IROFF ECHNIK

FARBEN • KIROFF • TECHNIK Presents you

RLM-FARBEN RLM-Farben is not only the Aircraft Branch of Farben – Kiroff – Technik then also the Archive of historical paints and stuff used on especial German aircrafts, cars and other industrial goods of the especial German industrial Culture. In this period of lack of raw materials the German Chemistry invented the whole paint chemistry of our days and those of tomorrow. This fascinating theme is the reason of Jürgen Kiroff´s researches. In cause of his efforts the well-known “Father of German Camouflage” the Australian paleontologist Kenneth Merrick discovered and won Kiroff for cooperation to his new “Painting Guide” his “Luftwaffe Camouflage and Marking in 1933 to 1945” as a Paint Technology Advisor. Also the German Institute RAL gave him in an honor to his work the Archive of the “Reichsausschuß für Lieferbedingungen”. For a long time he is consultant and supplier of the museum DTM Berlin and in friendship to Mr. Prof.Dr. Dr. Holger Steinle. He is the formerly curator of DTM Berlin aviation exhibition. Very good contacts to the Norwegian Aviation Museum, and many Worldwide aviation experts like Craftlab in Austria, Jerry Crandal in USA and Alexander Kuncze in Bavaria etc. consider us in our aviation knowledge up to date. Jürgen Kiroff is the speaker of the “NIL –Nürnberger Interessengruppe Lack” the Bavarian network of paint manufactures So you have now the lucky circumstance to have a historian who simultaneously is also a paint manufacturer.

WWW.RLM-FARBEN.DE . [email protected]

And that’s your benefits: 1. COLORING: We can help to give the history the right colors. And that´s imperative because of the current RAL colors don´t apply to the historical ones. It didn´t help to look only into a brand new ”RAL K7 Classic color fan” without the historical knowledge about the RAL colors! The RLM colors even aren´t to find in this fan! After 1943 the Germans used sometimes IR reflective paints! Even wrecks don´t show the real thing. They can only help to find out of the right course of history. You must see the documents! 2. GLOSS: We can help to give the history the right grade of gloss. Also the Gloss level dependents on the chemistry used and is dependent in a historical context. 3. BINDER: We can help to give the history the right paint. Also the paint has changed from 1933 to 1945. At the beginning mostly Cellulose paints were used and at the end artificial resins. At the beginning several different layers were used and at the end only one or two layers. And this was not only a consequence of the lack of raw materials but also a consequence of a technological progress! 4. RESUME: Today we are able to identify and produce almost any paint that was used on German aircraft. Our knowledge in paints will enable you also the possibility to give your warbird the best to a long and strong life!

One Reference: “… A reminder the Aircraft WON Reserve Grand Champion at the 2014 Sun N Fun Annual Air show the Second largest Air show in the United States. It also won an Award for BEST WWII Replica Aircraft 2014 from the Replica Fighters Association at Oshkosh Annual Air Show 2014. I flew the Aircraft 2000 miles round trip in 30 hours from Orlando Florida to Oshkosh Wisconsin. (Mike Taylor Florida)

WWW.RLM-FARBEN.DE . [email protected]

6 BIBLIOGRAPHY BOOKS

MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL ARCHIVES

- Block, Martin & Macdougall, Roddy. Panther: External Appearance & Design Changes. Spain: Abteilung 502. 2016 - Chorý, Tomás. Camuflage Colors, Wehrmacht Heer, 19391945. Czech Republic: Aura Design Studio. 2005 - Culver, Bruce & Murphy, Bill. Panzer Colors: Camouflage of the German Panzer Forces 1939-45. USA: squadron/signal publications. 1976 - Culver, Bruce. Panzer Colors III: Markings of German Panzer Forces 1939-45. USA: squadron/signal publications. 1984 - Denecke, Johannes. Tarnanstriche des deutschen Heeres 1914 bis heute. Germany: Bernard & Graefe Verlag. 1999 - De Diego Vaquerizo, Carlos. Orientación y guia sobre los camouflages e insignias de los carros alemanes 1935-1945. Spain: Acción Press S.A.. 2003 - De Diego Vaquerizo, Carlos & Vergara Duran, Cristobal. Carros en Rusia II. Spain: Accion Press S.A.. 2003 - De Diego Vaquerizo, Carlos. Carros en Rusia III. Spain: Accion Press S.A.. 2005 - Gillono, Claude. Battleline 1. Workhourse Panzer III in North Africa. Australia: The Oliver Publishing Group. 2011 - Harper, David E. Tank Warfare on Iwo Jima. USA: squadron/ signal publications. 2008 - Hettler, Nicolaus. Leichter Zugkraftwagen 3 ton and variants Hanomag / Borgward Sd.Kfz.11. Germany: Nuts & Bolts Verlag GbR. 2007 - Kolomiec, Maxim & Moshchansky, Ilya. Kamuflaz tankow Krasnoy Armii 1930-1945 (Camouflage of tanks of the Red Army 1930-1945). Moscow: Eksprint. 1999 - Larrañaga, Pedro. D.A.K. Profile Guide. Spain: AK Interactive. 2014 - Lock, Olivier. Tarnfarben Vol.1. UK: Military Mode Publishing. 2015 - Mesko, Jim. U.S. Armor Camouflage and Markings World War II. USA: squadron/signal publications. 2005 - Skulski, Przemysław. Soviet Medium Tank T-34. Military Coloring & Marking Collection. Japan: Shinkigensha. 2014 - Skulski, Przemysław. T-34-85. Camouflage and markings. Poland: MMP Books/Stratus Publishing. 2015 - Skulski, Przemysław. JS Stalin Heavy Tanks. Military Coloring & Marking Collection. Japan: Shinkigensha. 2015 - Zaloga, Steven J. US Armour Camouflage And Markings 191745. UK: Osprey Publishing. 1984 - Zaloga, Steven J. The Sherman at War. The US Army in the European Theater 1943-45. Hong Kong: Concord Publications Company. 2000 - Zaloga, Steven J. & Grandsen, James. The Eastern Front. Armour Camouflage and Markings, 1941 to 1945. UK: Arms and Armour Press. 1996 - Profile Guide. Soviet War Colors 1936-1945. Spain: AK Interactive. 2013

- U.S. National Archives. USA - German RAL Institute. Germany - Das Bundesarchiv. Germany - Denmark Nationalmuseets Samlinger. Denmark - Library and Archives Canada. Canada - CECOM Historical Office; Aberdeen Proving Ground. USA - National Museum of US Marine Corps. USA - The National Archives (originally PRO) Kew, UK - Australian War Museum, Canberra. - Royal Engineers Museum and Library, Chatham, UK - Hussars Museum, Winchester, UK - The Tank Museum, Bovingdon, UK - Personal interview, correspondence and loan of photographs from persons in UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Germany by Mike Starmer WEBSITES http://olive-drab.com http://www.mafva.net http://www.zimmerit.com http://www.schwimmwagen.ch http://www.panzerworld.com http://matadormodels.co.uk http://www.militarymodelling.com http://www.kfzderwehrmacht.de

I appreciate the help I have received from Jordi Rubio and Albatros Models by their invaluable advice and for opening the doors of their magnificent collections, leaving original pieces in perfect condition and to the 45th Cherokee Division. I also want to acknowledge the help of our good friends from France, Eric George and Denis Toutain, by providing magnificent German material recovered in Normandy. Yann Renaud, for letting me publish the photo of the doors from a Sd.Kfz.251 from Panzer-Lehr Division recovered in Normandy, to Przemyslaw Skulski for his invaluable contribution to the colors used by the Soviet Army, to Maciej Góralczyk and Marek Jaszczołt for their contribution and study of the German vehicles, to Mike Starmer for his amazing contribution to British chapter, to Steve Zaloga for his magnificient explanation of US Army colors used during WWII, and to Jürgen Kiroff and his brand Farben-Kiroff-Technik, the specialists in German colors. And finally, I would like dedicate this book to my wife Paula and my son Miquel, for their invaluable support in hard times.

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Jürgen Kiroff

Przemyslaw Skulski A highly illustrated guide to WWII colors. Dive with the best experts into the most exhaustive study of the colors, their specifications and regulations during WWII for each army.

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE FOR WWII AFV COLORS

Mike starmer

www.ak-interactive.com Phone: (+34) 941 44 52 28 [email protected]

Steven Zaloga

AK187