[Hanno Spoelstra]

On FB it was questioned if there were any official instructions for Mickey Mouse camouflage. Here are some quotes:

Mike Starmer notes: “1942- 44 – M.T.P. 46/4A introduce new toned schemes aimed primarily against aerial observation, usually using the BS.987C browns as laid down in A.C.I. 1160 of May 1942. The most common versions were variants of the ‘Foliage’ pattern and the ‘Mickey Mouse’ variant of the ‘Dapple’ pattern.”

"Hi Steve [Burvenich]

The term 'MM' is of course reference to the profile of Mickey Mouse which is more apparent when the large vehicles have dark areas on their sides. The actual pattern is simply a simple means of applying the MTP 46 style of disruptive painting. It is simple to use, templates to chalk around, mark the dark area then have unskilled labours to fill in those areas by brush. With a contract for say, 1,000+ vehicles being common, then a regulated method is best. The tilts could be placed over a jig at ground level to allow easy access whilst the vehicles are systematically painted during production. The templates would be located at the same places, give or take a few inches, spray the top then brush fill the sides or just sharpen the edges. This regulated method was not approved, the note at the side of Camouflage Chart No.15 states mechanical painting from the factory was not really what was desired and recommended a more ragged edged scheme as and when repainting.

This patterning style was widely used by AEC, Vauxhall/Bedford, Commer motors, Standard Motors, Guy, Fordson, Austin, Karrier, Leyland and Scammell. ERF used similar but more pointed shapes. The CMP range carried it too but since these arrived in UK as CKD the disruptive painting was often applied after erection by civilian companies, sometimes by spraying which should not have been done. These were also painted at Canadian workshops too in similar method. Basically human beings tend towards regularity so naturally there is adrift towards a common appearance of disruptive painting. You can see this at model shows within a varied display, one can tell fairly easily that the same person is responsible for different models by the colours and method of application. Ideally each vehicle should have have wide range of shaped areas but when speed and expediency are required then MM is what happens.

The 1943 Italian camouflage orders do not specifically mention MTP.46 but do state that vehicles already the dark colours from UK need not be repainted until necessary. Photographs confirm that MTP.46 painted vehicles were common there. HTH

Mike [Starmer]"