picture 203005

By the time of Operation Sheepskin some C.Mk 1s had received this standardised camouflage pattern in dark sea grey (BS381C/638) and dark green (BS381C/641) on upper sides, with undersurfaces in light aircraft grey (BS381C/627). Several – including XV222 (depicted here), and XV302 – had a large white cross on the cockpit side where they usually wore squadron crests. Aircraft involved in Operation Sheepskin were drawn from No. 242 Operational Conversion Unit, and Nos. 30 and 47 Squadron: both of the latter had a rich history of service around the world before and after, and their participation further highlighted their expertise in this type of mission. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)