Spitfire letters variations

[zetland76]

I have built a 1/10 scale PSS model of a Mark I Spitfire.
The squadron letters on the side are usually "XT roundel M". But some aircraft in the same squadron have "N roundel XT" for example. I notice it isn't because of the side of the aircraft or the space available.
Any explanation or was it the whim or the ground crew.

Thanks

Mike

 

[antoni]

Whim.

Air Ministry Order A154/39 dated 27 April 1939, stated:

1. It has been decided to adopt a standard system of identification
marking on aircraft of operational squadrons throughout the service,
at home and abroad, and on those items of equipment which
are liable to be taken into the air.
2. The system is to be adopted forthwith.
3. No markings other than those described hereunder are to be permitted
on operational units.
Aircraft identification markings:
Type of Marking: National Marking
On the top surfaces of the wing tips: A blue ring surrounding a
red centre
On both sides of the fuselage: A blue ring surrounding a red centre
On the lower surfaces of the wing tips: A blue ring surrounding a
white ring and the latter surrounding a red centre
Code Letters: (to indicate squadrons and individual aircraft)
Two letters to indicate number of squadron: Either forward or aft
of the national marking on both sides of fuselage.One letter to indicate individual aircraft: On the other side of the
aircraft national marking on both sides of the fuselage.
Aircraft number:
The Air Ministry letter and number allocated to the aircraft: Underneath
the lower planes and at the rear end of the fuselage.
Squadron badge:
As approved by HM the King; as laid down in Air Ministry Orders
Note: Fighter aircraft:
(i) are not to carry the national marking on the lower surface of the
wing tips;
(ii) the lower surface of the starboard plane and half the undersurface
of the fuselage is to be painted white. The corresponding
port side is to be painted black.
5. The code letters allotted to squadrons are shown at the appendix
to this order. They are to be painted in grey paint (Stores Ref.
33B/157). The letters are to be 48 inches high and are to be made
up of strokes 6 inches in width. Smaller letters are to be used only
when the space available on the fuselage makes such a course
unavoidable.
6. Squadron badges may be carried if desired on aircraft but they
must be removable at short notice without leaving any trace.

 

[zetland76]

Thanks very much for this information

Mike