Robert Lock

@robertlock.bsky.social

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Amateur Naval History enthusiast . Often found digging into odd corners of WW2 Naval History - very slowly writing book on Hertfordshire's Navy

The last pattern was designed by Prof. Dakin and appears to have been applied in Nov 1941. The Starboard side was painted in a pattern using Light Grey (MS4A or 507C) and Very Dark Grey ( MS1). The intention of the design was to confuse the enemy as to her inclination and which way she was actually steaming.

The Port side carried no pattern and was painted in two tones of Dirty Blue-Grey. The two blues were very similar in tone and look like one color in photos. ( This blue is virtually identical with the Sea Blue worn by the U.S.Navy in 1942) The deck was painted Dark Blue. This pattern was worn at the time of her loss.

( Aust.Nat Arch. Files C1707/P1 and Series A5954/69 Item 396/7.)

The first pattern was applied at Alexandria on the 27th December 1940. A competition was held for the design and it was won by AB Ross Birbeck and was often called the "Harbour Bridge" pattern.The colors used were Royal Navy Dark Grey 507A and Light Grey 507C. The deck was painted a dark blue but was painted slightly offset at the bow and the stern to confuse aircraft as to her true course. The tops of the turrets were painted Dark Blue.
( Information courtesy of the late Mr.Ray Parkin who was in charge of painting the design on the forward part of the ship )

Intermediate patterns.
Late in 1941 PERTH was used to trial a number of Camouflage Patterns. The trials were carried out off Sydney under the supervision of Professor Dakin who designed her last camouflage. A final report was sent to the R.A.N. on 25.11.1941 explaining the merits of the different patterns worn by PERTH so it appears that the trials took place just prior to this date.