[Mrs Vampire]

Just opening the discussion again in respect of discussions I have had with Tony and after having read Stephen Tabouts attempt on Vehicle markings.

I remain unconvinced that a scheme that incorporated vehicle Greens or Vehicle Grey was ever used.

I have reread the files concerning this especially 32172419 which discusses it at length and even appears to promulgate orders that specify such a scheme.

There are several difficulties here. The special order for a scheme for NSW , the debate that was ongoing and inconclusive among the various commands through out 1943, especially the objections of Qld questioning its usefulness the expenditure of labor, and other resources and the general push for each different command to have their own scheme.

There are also issues with that file flying in the face of very very definite instructions and orders in relation to the application of camouflage. Two that stand out is the requirement to adhere tightly to the laid down pattern. Camouflage instructions of the time make it clear that having uniform camouflage patterns in fact makes vehicles easier to spot not harder. The eye will train itself to see repetitive patterns in a landscape so the more chaotic the pattern the more difficult it is to see. The second issue is the idea of diffuse edges. All camouflage instructions insist on definite edges even outlining them with a brush so there is a sharp definition between tones. This is a primary rule of camouflage and can be seen in most armies of the world at the time . ( save those who had opted for single tone camo .)

The earlier referred to file AWM52 1/8/46/13 has a scheme for The Adelaide river area and specifies a scheme of Vehicle dark green vehicle medium green and vehicle grey.

There are a couple of difficulties with taking this as an absolute proof that such a scheme was ever used.

The first is that it was promulgated on the 8th December , within weeks of the Master General of Ordnance declaring that all disruptive schemes will be discontinued forthwith and KG3 will be applied to all vehicles irrespective.

Daikin confirms this in his history of Camouflage noting that after observing exercises of the US Army, who used only olive drab , that it was as effective as disruptive especially after the vehicles had been "muddied" up.

The Second it the selection of colours . The question here is why would three new colours be needed , a dark green a lighter green and a grey given all of those colours could be found on the existing colour chart.



I am also disappointed with Stephens treaties in that he has attempted to recreate the documents from archival sources rather than simply post images of the originals. It leaves one pondering just what has been included and what has been omitted for convenience sake or because of its relevance in the judgement of the author. The lack of attribution of sources in the Biblio or foot notes means it is impossible to go to source documents to verify the information.
I have managed to find a few and the difference between Stephens recreation and the original is enough to make more detailed observations from the originals

The schemes for vehicles seem fanciful, though I am told they were taken from an archival source I have been unable to locate it . It appears they are recreations of a Pamphlet issued in 1946 "painting of Army Vehicles" I havnt see the pamphlet so what relevance it might have to 1942/43 is unknown.

I remain unconvinced that the three toned scheme Green D Green L and V grey was ever used. If it was I would also need to be convinced that standard colour chart tones were not used. It makes no sense to me that new colours would need to be invented given the range of colours available and that those in the files proposing the changes had the resources to properly formulate colours and provide the requisite samples to the Standards association...

Finally the issuance of the schemes and the paint colours needed the final approval of the Master General of Ordnance . I cannot find any order to effect such a change from that office. The Camouflage bulletins refer to all the changes so far as I know and there is no reference there.

B&W Photographs available of three toned schemes are not all that helpful as the 1942 order specified five three tone schemes most of which would be indistinguishable from dark green , medium green and grey , Indeed I have had a couple of correspondents who have insisted schemes are three tone from very indifferent photographs whose history and location are unknown and shadowing and mud could constitute the third tone of a two tone scheme .

In the end the artifact is the ultimate arbiter providing care has been taken to maintain remnant camouflage schemes. Failing that a photograph and adherence to schemes that have definite and proven unit provenance.

If anyone has links or can provide references to Vehicle Drawings outside of those I have already posted or references to Standards to paint colours beyond those contained in the Emergency Standard Jan 1943 I would be grateful .