11 Squadron Blenheim IV, Ceylon 1942

[Procopius]

How would 11 Squadron's Blenheims have been painted, and does anyone know the probable markings of S/Ldr Ken Ault's aircraft? The only photos I've seen have been underbelly shots, and Graham Warner's book has the serial number (V5992), but that's it. I'm contemplating getting the MPM Blenheim IV kit, is this setting myself up for heartbreak?

[Test Graham]

The allocated codes were YH. It is a reasonable assumption that they were wearing them at this stage, and another that the Sq. Commander's aircraft would have been A. Camouflage will probably have been Temperate Land: Dark Green and Dark Earth over Sky, but perhaps these aircraft came from ME stocks in Desert scheme?

I have the MPM kit but haven't started it. It is not "shake and bake" but will produce a good result. If like the Mk.I, the transparent nose section is slightly wider than the fuselage, so add a piece of mictrostrip to widen the latter. Check it out first, anyway.

[Procopius]

The allocated codes were YH. It is a reasonable assumption that they were wearing them at this stage, and another that the Sq. Commander's aircraft would have been A. Camouflage will probably have been Temperate Land: Dark Green and Dark Earth over Sky, but perhaps these aircraft came from ME stocks in Desert scheme?

I have the MPM kit but haven't started it. It is not "shake and bake" but will produce a good result. If like the Mk.I, the transparent nose section is slightly wider than the fuselage, so add a piece of mictrostrip to widen the latter. Check it out first, anyway.

Although Ault was a Squadron Leader, Wg Cdr AJM Smyth seems to have held command of the squadron until June. (I don't know, but I suspect he was relieved because of the botched first attempt to find the IJN ships in April.) Would he likely have still used A?

[Test Graham]

Yes, bomber squadrons were usually commanded by a Wing Commander because of the number of personnel involved. My slip. Although A was common for the unit commander, it was not an absolute rule. Without knowing more details, it is certainly possible that Ault would have kept his "own" aircraft and crew.

Combat Codes gives us YH.C Z7984 but describes it as MedME rather than Ceylon. In which case the camouflage will have been Dark Earth and Mid Stone over Azure Blue. On transfer to India, it is possible that the Mid Stone will have been overpainted with Dark Green but we could do with a few more photos.