The SAAF Forum

Hi,

I am still busy building up a collection of 1/72 SAAF models of aircraft used in Abyssinia, North Africa and Italy and post WW II. I need the camo colours, patterns and SAAF markings applied to the Hawker Hartebeest light bombers flown in Abysinia against the Italians. Does any one have any pictures to help me please.

The following is an extract from “A Portrait of Military Aviation in Southern Africa" by Ron Belling:

Hawker Hartbees
When first commissioned, the Hartbees was Silver overall with a polished metal cowling. Roundels were worn on the wings and fuselage, but there were no fin flashes or rudder stripes. The serial numbers, sometimes accompanied by thin matching bands, were applied to the rear fuselage in Black. In operations the aircraft had Dark Green and Dark Earth upper surfaces with Sky Blue (SAAF ‘A’) undersides. A, A1 and B roundels with fin flashes were applied, as well as serial numbers in Black.

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How come every time my ship comes in, I'm at the airport?

The camouflage pattern for the Hartebees is the standard RAF pattern with the exception that the lower wings were not painted in a lighter shade.

Orange centre to the roundel's and orange in place of red on the fin flash.