silly question

[Geoff]

If the UK had got involved officially in Vietnam would our planes have SEAC roundels or just the toned down tactical dull blue and red?

[Dizzyfugu]

Just a guess, but I think that they might have used high-viz Type "D" roundels for better distinction, at least during the pre 1970 phase, and maybe some high-viz ID markings (like D-Day or Suez stripes) might have been introduced, too, just to be safe? Things were very bright over Vietnam, and even the USAF SEA scheme with smaller/subdued markings was only gradually introduced in the later phases of the conflict.

[kitbasher]

Yeah, I'd go with Dizzy's assumption.  Change to red/blue roundels only if the war had still been going on when these were actually adopted.

The UK didn't change it's national markings to suit post-WW2 conflicts - Korea, Malaya, Oman, etc, so very much doubt it'd happen over Vietnam had the UK been involved.

[Geoff]

Hmmm yes I had not considered that - so maybe a SEAC type wing fin and tail stripe? Thanks

[McColm]

D-day stripes and high visibility until the Americans were used to what the British were flying.

[Leading Observer]

D-day stripes and high visibility until the Americans were used to what the British were flying.

And even then...

[Rheged]

A silly question?  No, I don't think so;  it's a perfectly logical request. 


As to the answer, it could depend on what aircraft were being used by the RAF/FAA

[zenrat]

Take a leaf from the South Vietnamese AF and use USAF wing and fuselage markings (albeit with a different colour border and bar) with an RAF tail flash.
IMO this would be best for avoiding friendly fire - they could shoot at anything not carrying a white star.

[Old Wombat]

Or, go the RAAF route; standard camo or SEAC with standard hi-viz markings. Worked for us.

[kitnut617]

At the time, the RAF's Javelins in Singapore were like this;

[Old Wombat]

And this is a 2 Sqn RAAF Canberra B20 over Vietnam 1970:


Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Canberra_B20_2_Sqn_RAAF_over_Vietnam_1970.jpg

[Geoff]

Thank you all

[Dizzyfugu]

I actually like the idea of high-viz roundels with an USAF-style simple white or even a red-and-white bar. Should look pretty stylish! 

[Geoff]

I actually like the idea of high-viz roundels with an USAF-style simple white or even a red-and-white bar. Should look pretty stylish! 

A bit like the Pacific Fleet Air Arm - hmmm yes

[McColm]

You might consider these two;