Info needed: correct colours for WWII Aust vehicles

[Tony Wheeler]

Getting back to paint colours, these Bedfords received at Fishermans Bend in '42 would have been repainted KG3 with Light Earth disruptive, as seen on Chev CMP vehicles pictured at GMH Pagewood NSW in '42. However this scheme was effectively obsolete by late '42, being found too light for SWPA, and lacking sufficient contrast for effective disruption, which at the time was believed essential for concealment.

Preferred scheme by late '42 was Dark Green with Light Grey disruptive, but instructions were that vehicles already camouflaged were not to be repainted, unless moving into operational areas.

Which of these two schemes are we seeing in these pics? The one in the parade looks quite pale and not much contrast. My guess would be still in factory KG3 / Light Earth.

The other one is demobbed about to be civilianized. Very high contrast, with much darker dark tone, even in bright sunlight. Has to be Dark Green / Light Grey. Notice how the light tone / dark tone pattern has been reversed during repaint. I wonder if this was intentional, so the ARN on the doors would be visible. If so they’ve defeated the purpose somewhat by stencilling it higher on the doors!

When you start looking for Dark Green / Light Grey scheme you’ll discover it everywhere from late ’42 onwards. It’s time we recognized this scheme and start using it on restos. Until then we’re failing to do justice to Australian military history in the field of camouflage.

BRG-213-121-10-52A.jpeg

Bedford QL Bofors tractor. source Cam Finlay FB Dec 2016.jpg

Bedford QL version. ARN 62144 after demob but before civilianization. per Keith Webb FB Dec 201.jpg

Bedford QL version. ARN 62144 after civilianization. per Keith Webb FB Dec 2016.jpg

015823 1943-09-25. NEW GUINEA. ADVANCE ON LAE. A NUMBER 6 ARTILLERY TRACTOR TOWING A 40 MM BOFO.JPG