Military Aircraft Bodywork Paintings

Question

Where did the paintings on the sides of aircraft originate? For example the ones you see on the sides of bombers and the sharks teeth. Were they painted without consent or was it something that went on but a blind eye was turned to it? Thanks.

Answer 1

I really can't remember the author but many years ago a friend lent me a book entitled "WW2 Nose Art" a very interesting book, perhaps you could check on Amazon.

Answer 2

WW1.   Crews would individually paint their aircraft both to make themselves easily identifiable, and to let the opposition know who they were up against.  Both Allied and Central Powers crews customized their aircraft.

Painting kills on aircraft started in the Spanish Civil War.

In WW2, commanders on all sides rightly saw it as a morale issue and allowed it.  Though the Japanese, though they painted kills and squadron markings-didn't allow individual customization.

  

Answer 3

Yes in WWII the pilots and crews painted them for morale and to ease the longing for home and their women.  They were allowed in the 40's and 50's but then the brass started coming down on them.  I hear the Navy got tougher than the Air Force on the paint regs and they started disappearing in the 80's and 90's.  There is a great book called Aircraft Nose Art that has photos of the art over the years.  There was some really creative stuff out there.