Messerschmitt Bf 110 colors
In its operational history Messerschmitt Bf110D wear almost all major camouflage patterns used by German Luftwaffe. Most common was in first time splinter camouflage of the very dark green Schwarzgrun and dark green Dunkelgrun. Bottom was medium light blue Hellblau at the bottom. Some later was introduced mid level camouflage pattern where is on the top used Dunkelgrun as well one older color Grau, RLM 02. After some experience there was noted that this pattern is too light so over the medium blue side of fuselage was painted mottle in topside colors. And final camouflage pattern introduced and used by this type is with grey colors RLM 74 and 75 with bottom in light blue color RLM 76. This pattern was used also in Africa where is more common to see desert camouflage. For this theatre of operation was developed desert camouflage where is in general on top surface used RLM 79 Sandbraun and at the bottom RLM 78 Himmelblau. Over top surfaces was added in many cases spots and patch in RLM 80 Dunkelgrun.
Special camouflage pattern was used on night fighter samples and sources state that that was RLM 66 Schwarzgrau color. Very rare samples are of the Bf110D in the overall RLM 76 color and just few of them is know to have this pattern. During the winters on Eastt front on the airplanes was applied washable white paint.
01. Bf110D-0 VF+HP, W.Nr.3354, used by Generalluitzeugmeister Ernst Udet. Airplane was in standard RLM greys set if colors 74 and 75 with bottom and side in RLM76. Spiners as well band on rear fuselage in white. Plane was stationed on Tempelhof airfield and also was used at Tarnewitz for the armament trials.
02. Bf110D-0 of NJG 1, code G9+JN, with overall black grey color. This machine was used as night fighter in early stage of war and they used infra red device for that purpose. Unit insignia is carried on fuselage and it is partially covered from view with engine cowling.
03. Bf110D-3, 3U+KR, from 7./ZG26, based at Comiso or San Pietro on Sicily. This machine have standard camouflage pattern of RLM 74 and 75 colors. White band on the rear of fuselage indicate theatre of operation and unit insignia is on nose and it present penguin holding umbrella.
04. Bf110D-2, 3U+CS, from 8./ZG26, during the battle for Crete where the unit was engaged in support of Rommel troops. Machine have early splinter camouflage pattern of RLM 70 and 71 with RLM 65 at the bottom. White nose is obviously field application and its purpose is fast recognition in the air combat.
05. Bf110D operated by ZG 76 in Iraq. This machine was in standard German unit colors with the RLM 74 and 75 on topsides and large side area with unit markings is repainted and there is placed Iraq national insignia.
06. Bf110E flown by German high political leader Rudoplh Hess and landed on British soil. Airplane have no special feature, it is in basic RLM 70 and 71 colors with RLM 65 at the bottom.
07. Bf110D-1, S9+ C, from Stab of ZG1, Italy 1943. Machine is captured abandoned and it feature simple version of the desert camouflage with the simple RLM 79 at the upper surface and RLM 78 at the bottom.
08. Bf 110D Werke No. 3341, S9+CK from Erprobungsgruppe 210, crash landed near Hawkhurst at 15 August 1940, piloted by Oberleutant Habisch and radio operator gunner Unteroffizier Elfner. Plane is shortly after public display at Hendon and then transfer to the USA for the test in the Vultee Corporation. Machine have early camouflage pattern of RLM 02 and 71 on top surface with RLM 65 at the bottom.
09. Bf110D with standard grey camouflage of RLM 74 and 75 but adopted to carry winter washable camouflage. This is very interesting as well it is wash out during the time and exposing parts of original color. Much of the serial is not known and yellow seems to be yellow.
10. Bf110D, 3C+GS, from Nachjagdgeschwader 4, it have very rare overall blue camouflage. On the top fuselage surface is also visible some patches, and this can be dirt but also possible spot in some color like RLM 02 which is fade during the time.
Srecko Bradic
