British WW2 Vehicle Camouflage Schemes

The Evolution of British World War Two Vehicle Camouflage

The appearance of British military vehicles during the Second World War was far from uniform. Unlike a single, overarching directive, the camouflage schemes applied to Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and soft-skinned vehicles evolved significantly throughout the conflict. This evolution was driven by a combination of factors, including the need for better concealment against aerial and ground observation, the availability of paint pigments, and the theatre of operations. Understanding these changes is crucial for anyone seeking historical accuracy, whether for modelling, historical research, or simply satisfying a curiosity about the visual identity of British forces.

Pre-War and Early War (1930s - 1940)

In the years leading up to and immediately following the outbreak of war, British military vehicles generally adhered to a simpler colour palette. From the early 1930s until February 1939, a consistent colour was used: Deep Bronze Green No.24. This was a glossy, dark greenish hue. However, during exercises, it wasn't uncommon to see this base colour enhanced with bold, contrasting stripes for disruptive effect, though these were often temporary applications.

The onset of hostilities in 1939 saw a shift towards more deliberate camouflage patterns. The June 1939 M.T.P.20 diagrams dictated patterns using two greens: Khaki Green G3 as the base, with Dark Green No.4 or, less frequently, Light Green No.5 as a disruptive colour. A plain Khaki Green G3 finish was also an acceptable alternative.

Towards the end of 1939, a new colour, Dark Tarmac No.4, began to supersede Dark Green No.4 and Light Green No.5. This change was partly influenced by the need to conserve chromium oxide stocks, essential for producing strong green pigments. While no official order cancelled the use of Dark Green, its application appears to have been limited to new vehicles and those already in service during late 1939. It's speculated that the tonal contrast of Dark Green might have been deemed insufficient for effective disruption.

The period between January and May 1940 saw Khaki Green G3 and Dark Tarmac No.4 as the preferred colours. Notably, the interiors of closed vehicles, such as office bodies and ambulances, were to be painted Mid Stone No.62.

Mid-War Developments (1941 - 1943)

The period of 1941-42 marked a significant transition with the introduction of Standard Camouflage Colours (S.C.C.s) from BS.987c. These colours began to be used alongside, and eventually supplanted, Khaki Green G3 and Dark Tarmac, typically applied in the same M.T.P.20 patterns. The base colour shifted to S.C.C.2 brown, with S.C.C.1A dark brown used for disruptive patterns. Dark Tarmac No.4 or S.C.C.14 (black) served as alternatives.

The War Office stressed that existing stocks of older paints had to be exhausted before new colours could be implemented. This policy led to some interesting combinations, particularly as new schemes were applied over older finishes. Canvas tilts, for example, could be painted S.C.C.7 (green) with Dark Tarmac No.4 or S.C.C.1A (dark brown) stripes. This change in colour palette was partly driven by a severe shortage of chromium oxide pigment, which was vital for producing vibrant green colours and provided a degree of infra-red immunity.

The striped schemes of this era were not always highly effective, but the new patterns were designed to mimic natural evolution and work better with correctly applied netting. The introduction of M.T.P.46/4A diagrams in late 1941 brought a new two-tone patterned scheme, primarily aimed against aerial observation. These patterns typically used the BS.987C browns, as outlined in A.C.I.1160 of May 1942. While older colours were still to be used up, they were now applied within these new patterns. The most common variants of M.T.P.46 were the "Foliage" pattern and the "Mickey Mouse" variant of the Dapple pattern. However, many vehicles continued to be delivered and used in plain S.C.C.2.

A notable, though less common, scheme was implemented in June 1943 for the 1st Canadian Corps. All vehicles were instructed to be repainted in a basic colour of S.C.C.4 (stone), with disruptive areas in S.C.C.14 (black) applied to the lower body and cab. This was in preparation for Operation Husky in North Africa, and it also included the addition of pre-war RAF-type roundels on the upper surfaces.

Late War and Post-War (1944 onwards)

The final significant change in colour came in April 1944 with A.C.I. 533, which authorised S.C.C.15 Olive Drab as the new basic colour. This decision aimed to simplify the repainting of US-supplied vehicles. S.C.C.15 Olive Drab began replacing S.C.C.2 in M.T.P.46 patterns or was used on its own, especially after the abandonment of pattern painting with ACI 1100 in August 1944. S.C.C.15 Olive Drab was the first colour in this standard range to be formally named, though it did not match the US Army's Olive Drab No.9.

In Italy, many vehicles continued to use home theatre schemes. However, others displayed remnants of their North African finishes or adopted the new Middle East scheme. This ME scheme featured a basic colour of ‘Light Mud’ with bold patterns of black or dark olive green, similar to S.C.C.7, as introduced by Routine Orders in April 1943.

Softskins and Canvas Tilts

The camouflage of soft-skinned vehicles, particularly their canvas tilts and hoods, followed a similar evolutionary path. Pre-war to 1941, tilts were typically a light canvas colour or dyed Khaki Green No.3, sometimes with M.T.P.20 type bands. Dark Tarmac began to supplant Dark Green from late 1939.

August 1941 saw A.C.I.1559 authorise the use of S.C.C.7 green as a basic colour with S.C.C.1A stripes on canvas tilts in M.T.P.20 patterns, while the bodywork remained Khaki Green No.3 or Dark Tarmac No.4. Evidence suggests S.C.C.7 was a very dark black-green.

However, A.C.I.1559 was cancelled by A.C.I. 2202 in November 1941. The new directive mandated the M.T.P.20 pattern, with all top surfaces of tilts to be S.C.C.1A or S.C.C.14. S.C.C.2 was to be used for restoring faded tilts. By late 1941, M.T.P.46/4A became the exclusive pattern, with older colours to be exhausted within the new scheme. Custom-made tilts and hoods were produced from canvas dyed to closely match S.C.C.2, though shades could vary.

April 1944 brought A.C.I. 1233, making S.C.C.15 Olive Drab the new basic colour for tilts, with disruptive painting still in use. In August 1944, A.C.I. 1100 specified that tilts should be dyed S.C.C.15 instead of S.C.C.2. New vehicles in Britain were to be plain S.C.C.15, while overseas vehicles received disruptive patterns. Existing brown vehicles were to remain so and be repaired in those colours.

Middle East Theatre

Middle East camouflage practices were governed by Middle East General Orders (MEGOs). From 1936 to 1940, vehicles initially bore the 'service colour' Deep Bronze Green No.24. However, some vehicles were repainted in basic Silver with Black disruptive patterns. In 1937, the 11th Hussars' cars may have been painted Pale Cream No.52 and Terracotta No.44. A common pattern emerged by 1937, using Red Oxide 46 over a base of Pale Cream No.52, which was retained until 1939.

On 25 July 1939, GO.370 specified a base tone of BS.381C Middle Stone No.62 with disruptive patterning of "Dark Sand." This scheme was visible on vehicles in Egypt during the summer of 1940.

The "Caunter" scheme, a three-tone pattern, was introduced under G.O. 297 in November 1940. It used Light Stone 61 or Portland Stone 64 as the basic colour, with Silver Grey 28 and Slate 34 or G3 as the darker disruptive tones. Variations of this scheme were also seen in Greece and Libya in early 1941.

By October 1941, Signal 4/105 cancelled G.O. 297, calling for a single base tone of No.61 Light Stone. December 5, 1941, M.E.G.O. 1273 permitted a single basic colour (Portland or Light Stone) with one disruptive colour at the discretion of Commands. Various colours, including SCC.7 green, Silver Grey No.28, and black or brown, were used in seemingly random patterns, often brigade-specific.

A significant standardisation occurred in October 1942 with M.E.G.O.1650. This cancelled all previous patterns and introduced standardised drawings for AFV types. The primary colours were Desert Pink ZI as the basic tone with a disruptive pattern in Dark Olive Green (similar to S.C.C.11B and 7). Black, Very Dark Brown, and Dark Slate were alternatives. These designs were common on Shermans, Grants, Valentines, and Crusaders.

From April 1943, M.E.G.O. 1650 was cancelled, and new designs using S.C.C.5 "Light Mud" or similar with Black or S.C.C.7 in bold patterns became the standard for Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, and the wider Middle East. Lend-Lease vehicles often received Light Mud over their US Olive Drab base coat. By 1944, European colours and schemes became predominant.

Far East Theatre

Until 1943, vehicles in the Far East generally conformed to UK standards. Images exist of vehicles in Singapore finished in Khaki Green No.3 and Dark Tarmac. Early 1943 saw the introduction of S.C.C.13 "Jungle Green" for use as a single overall colour. By 1944, S.C.C. 16 Very Dark Drab may have come into use. While a range of camouflage colours was issued by SEAC in Ceylon in 1944, there is no evidence they were intended as disruptive colours; a single overall basic colour remained the norm.

Royal Air Force (RAF) Ground Vehicle Colours

The RAF had its own distinct colour requirements. From 1937, BS.33 RAF Blue Grey was introduced for all RAF ground vehicles, replacing previous colours like 'khaki' on UK-based vehicles. Ambulances overseas were typically white, while other vehicles in Iraq were khaki. Instructions in 1939 mandated disruptive painting for all RAF vehicles, with colours presumably mirroring army standards.

Early records suggest the RAF adopted Middle East army colours for vehicles in Iraq and Palestine. Disruptive painting on RAF vehicles deployed on airfields became common from mid-1940 onwards, though precise colours are not always known.

From August 1941, RAF Air Ministry Orders (AMOs) began to mirror War Office policy. AMO A618/41 ordered RAF vehicles to have a basic colour of Khaki Green No.3 with Dark Tarmac Green No.4 or Light Green No.5 as disruptors in M.T.P.20 patterns. By August 1942, the colours were Camouflage Green No.3 and PFU Dark Tarmac No.4, applied in M.T.P. 46/4A style.

A significant change occurred in December 1942 (AMO A1397/42) with a shift to Brown Special No.2 as the basic colour and Brown Dark (MT) No.1A for disruption in M.T.P. 46/4A. September 1943 saw Brown Special No.2 retained as the basic colour, with Black Matt S.C.C. No.14 for disruption, a scheme that persisted until 1944.

In 1944, some RAF vehicles on airfields were painted with yellow (likely BS.56 Golden Yellow) on top surfaces to improve visibility and reduce collision risks. June 1944 (AMO A519/44) changed the basic colour to 'Olive Drab' with Black Matt S.C.C. No.14 disruption. However, a later September AMO dispensed with the black disruptor, leaving vehicles in the plain basic colour.

Many RAF vehicles not based on airfields, such as those at radar and signal sites, remained in a plain basic colour throughout their service. Those with the 2nd Tactical Air Forces MT service commando columns generally featured full camouflage patterning.

This scheme continued until April 1946 when a reversion to pre-war colours and finishes occurred, with RAF Blue Grey and gloss Black becoming standard. It's important to note that due to slower vehicle wastage rates in the RAF compared to the Army, earlier colours and schemes often remained in use for longer periods.

Colour Mixes and Equivalents

The document provides extensive detail on colour mixes for modelling purposes, referencing Humbrol, Revell, and Tamiya paints. These mixes aim to replicate the historical colours as accurately as possible. Key colours discussed include:

• Khaki Green G3: A yellowish brown-green, used from 1938-42.
• Deep Bronze Green BS.24: A very dark yellow-green, used 1934-39 and post-war.
• Middle Stone BS.62: A strong yellow sand colour, used in the Middle East from 1939.
• Portland Stone BS.64: A very pale cream with a greenish tinge, used in the Middle East from 1940-41.
• S.C.C.2 (Brown): A rich ginger brown with a slight green hint, used as a basic colour 1941-45.
• S.C.C.1A (Very Dark Brown): The colour of plain chocolate, a warm black or deep rich brown, used as a dark tone 1941-44.
• S.C.C.14 (Blue-Black): A noticeably blue-black, used as a disruptive colour 1941-44.
• S.C.C.15 Olive Drab: A dark drab with a noticeable green, used from May 1944-45. Crucially, this is NOT a match for US Olive Drab No.9.
• S.C.C.7 (Dark Olive Green): A dull dark olive green, primarily used on canvas tilts.
• Desert Pink Z.I.: An earthy pink or dark warm sand with a pink aspect, used in the Middle East 1942-43.
• S.C.C.13 (Jungle Green): A very dark drab/muddy dark green, used in India & Burma 1943-45.
• S.C.C.16 Very Dark Drab: A very dull muddy looking green, darker than S.C.C.13, used in India & Burma 1944-45.
• US Army No.9 Olive Drab: Varies, but generally a dark drab with a green hint when new, fading to brown or grey.

The document also provides guidance on recommended non-camouflage colours for model use, such as dark grey for tyres (never black), and various shades for dyed canvas tilts. Manganese steel tracks are described as a consistent grey-brown colour, not bright polished steel.

Markings and Insignias

Beyond camouflage, British military vehicles carried various markings for identification. Prior to 1943, formal national identification was limited. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF) used a white vertical rectangle on the front of vehicles. Between 1939 and 1945, the roundel (similar to RAF aircraft markings) appeared on various parts of vehicles, particularly in the European theatre and North Africa. Late 1941 saw an 18-inch square patch with three vertical stripes (white, red, white) added to AFVs in the Western Desert, a pattern later adopted in the UK as a horizontal rectangle. From mid-1943, the Allied star was commonly used. Other markings included formation signs, unit identifiers, vehicle registration numbers, and sometimes personalised names or slogans painted on AFVs.

Specialist vehicles had specific markings: bomb disposal vehicles had bright red wheel arches and lettering, ambulances displayed the Red Cross, and RAF vehicles used the RAF roundel and unit codes. Guns rarely carried markings on their shields, but the Royal Artillery used coloured flashes to denote sub-units.

In conclusion, the camouflage schemes and markings of British WW2 vehicles were complex and varied, reflecting the evolving demands of warfare and the specific operational environments. This detailed breakdown provides a valuable resource for understanding these historical details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What was the most common base colour for British tanks in WW2?
While it evolved, Khaki Green G3 was a prominent early colour, later replaced by S.C.C.2 Brown and eventually S.C.C.15 Olive Drab. The specific colour depended heavily on the year and theatre of operations.

Q2: Did all British vehicles have the same camouflage pattern?
No, patterns varied significantly by year, theatre of operations (Europe, Middle East, Far East), and vehicle type. Schemes like M.T.P.20 and M.T.P.46 were introduced to improve concealment.

Q3: Why did the colours change so often?
Changes were driven by several factors: the need for better camouflage against evolving threats (especially aerial observation), shortages of specific pigments (like chromium oxide for greens), the introduction of new paint standards (like BS.987c), and the need to align with Allied practices or simplify logistics (e.g., adopting Olive Drab to match US vehicles).

Q4: What colour were vehicle interiors?
Interiors of AFVs were typically silver until mid-1940, after which gloss white came into use. Soft-skin vehicle interiors were usually the basic camouflage colour of the time, unless specified otherwise.

Q5: Was Olive Drab used by the British?
Yes, S.C.C.15 Olive Drab was adopted by the British in May 1944. However, it is important to note that it was not a direct match for the US Army's Olive Drab No.9.

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