The Office of Air Force History 2011 Calendar

 

RAAF Aircraft Art

Markings on military aircraft were commonly used during World War I to aid in the identification of airframes to friendly forces on the ground or sea, and in the air. Fairly quickly, however, pilots and often whole units gave expression to individual identity by applying unique images to the sides of aircraft―on the nose area in particular.

Within the constraints of military order, this special form of artwork frequently took on the representation of home and peacetime life, and was often a psychological protection against the stresses of war and the probability of death.

During World War II, provocative slogans were added to boost confidence and show defiance to the enemy. Cartoons, nicknames, home town names, and images of pin-up girls adorned many aircraft, and it was often observed that the further away from headquarters units were, the ‘racier’ or more risqué the art became. Recent times have seen the emergence of more conservative designs, with most art now having a commemorative purpose to recognise some significant milestone.

This calendar features only a small selection of aircraft art used by the RAAF throughout the years. The story behind each of the featured designs has also been included to help foster interest and develop knowledge of how Air Force has developed over the 90 years of its existence—which anniversary it celebrates in 2011.