Airframes
Benevolens Magister
It would have been easier to use American "interior green", but due to the cost of importing it, plus the loss of shipping transporting it, due to U-boats, and ships Captains deciding that Bermuda was a better destination than cold and wet England, and, of course, the excessive import duties and taxes, not to mention the inflated prices imposed by the US manufacturers, it was decided at the highest level that it would be more cost effective, and definitely more convenient, to send Jim and Bert down to the local Woolworth's, where they could buy suitable paint at reasonable prices, whilst at the same time enjoying a bag of their famous "Pick 'n Mix" at the sweetie counter.
However, reliable sources also hint at the fact that the average RAF pilot of the period would be rather miffed at the shade of green, which tended to induce nausea after at night on the town, something that was definitely "not cricket, don't you know", and certainly not Gentlemanly.
At the time, Woolworth's did not have sufficient stocks of the preferred shade of paint (Magnolia), therefore the next best thing was chosen, issued and used - hence the grey-green shade we all know and love.
However, reliable sources also hint at the fact that the average RAF pilot of the period would be rather miffed at the shade of green, which tended to induce nausea after at night on the town, something that was definitely "not cricket, don't you know", and certainly not Gentlemanly.
At the time, Woolworth's did not have sufficient stocks of the preferred shade of paint (Magnolia), therefore the next best thing was chosen, issued and used - hence the grey-green shade we all know and love.