Bathurst Class Corvettes - RAN

[spidge]

Originally Posted by Kyt

Just wish they would make up their minds on definition

Place Names of Wollongong

I always thought it was #1.

Now I am confused!

[John Brew]

Hi guys

Interesting subject - can anyone suggest where I may be able to locate information on these Corvettes' camouflage schemes, and particularly that of HMAS Bundaberg?

It would appear that up until about 1942, these ships had elaborate colour schemes, with up to about three colours, but were they shades of green or blue? Judging by black & white photographs, by 1943 most ships appear to have been repainted with a two-colour horizontal scheme with a dark colour from the water line to upper deck and a lighter colour above that.

By 1944, with the advent of radar, the ships reverted to a wartime grey over all.

And then there is the question of the anti-fouling paint; was it a black or a red? A model in the AWM of a Bathurst Class Corvette shows the anti-fouling to be light green, which appears to be unlikely.

Can anyone direct me to a reliable source for the schemes applied throughout WWII, please? Any help would be most appreciated.

Regards
John

[spidge]

Originally Posted by John Brew

Hi guys

Interesting subject - can anyone suggest where I may be able to locate information on these Corvettes' camouflage schemes, and particularly that of HMAS Bundaberg?

It would appear that up until about 1942, these ships had elaborate colour schemes, with up to about three colours, but were they shades of green or blue? Judging by black & white photographs, by 1943 most ships appear to have been repainted with a two-colour horizontal scheme with a dark colour from the water line to upper deck and a lighter colour above that.

By 1944, with the advent of radar, the ships reverted to a wartime grey over all.

And then there is the question of the anti-fouling paint; was it a black or a red? A model in the AWM of a Bathurst Class Corvette shows the anti-fouling to be light green, which appears to be unlikely.

Can anyone direct me to a reliable source for the schemes applied throughout WWII, please? Any help would be most appreciated.

Regards
John

Welcome to the forum John.

This is not an area I know about however someone may be able to lead the way.

[Antipodean Andy]

Funnily enough, Jodi and I sat next to a lady on the plane back from Melbourne yesterday. Her husband served on the HMAS Bendigo. Unfortunately, I have a cold so my hearing was almost negligible on the plane and couldn't hear all of what she was saying.

Welcome John. Good to have you on board. Have you come across this?
Corvettes

I'm sure you've seen that link before but it might help. It would be worth asking Hugh on this forum as he has an extensive knowledge of the Merchant Navy side of things so might be able to point you in the right direction for researching something nautical.

What we need is a colour photo of one of these old girls in dry dock...like that'll happen!

Just remembered that I have a small book on the Corvettes produced by The West Australian newspaper over here. I will dig it out, please remind me if I don't. I can pretty much guarantee it'll all be in black and white but there might be some interesting references.

[Antipodean Andy]

John, were you aware of the existence of this painting?

After formal art training, Lawrence studied oil painting under professional artist Frank Cullen. Painted with the Marrickville Art Society for a number of years, during which time regular exhibitions were held.
Commissioned by the crew of the HMAS Bundaberg to do an oil painting of the ship which was then presented to the Mayoress of Bundaberg on Anzac day 1994, and now hangs in the Council's Chambers. A reproduction of the painting is now with the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Lawrence has sold work throughout Australia and overseas, and has had two painting selected for the Sultan of Brunei.

Artists

[Antipodean Andy]

Have a few hours this arvo so just tying up a few loose ends and remembered this thread. I attach an interesting (bloody funny at the end) piece on the HMAS Parkes which shows off her camouflage well.

Will load when forum lets me! Message says Mods have been informed.

[Hugh]

Welcome John,
I don't know if this will help you but I offer it anyway:

Warship Colour Schemes of World War I
Warships Perspectives RN Camo Volume 1
Warships Perspectives RN Camo Volume 2
Camouflage

Regards
Hugh

[Antipodean Andy]

Excellent links, Hugh. Good to know someone's examined this subject. I love the schemes used on C'th ships. B*stard to paint on 1/600 Airfix models though! LOL. 1/350 with brass etched parts etc as they do these days for sharp detail is just too expensive for me! Still, one day, just building one would be nice!

[Antipodean Andy]

Originally Posted by Andy in West Oz

Have a few hours this arvo so just tying up a few loose ends and remembered this thread. I attach an interesting (bloody funny at the end) piece on the HMAS Parkes which shows off her camouflage well.

Will load when forum lets me! Message says Mods have been informed.

Problem was at my end. Nut behind the keyboard...

[Antipodean Andy]

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