++++Article from http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/a-question-of-foreign-markings.html++++


A Question of Foreign Markings

This article attempts to track the origins and detail of one of the most unusual markings to be seen on a Spitfire in the European theatre during the closing months of World War II -  Spitfire LF Mk. IXE, serial no. PV181 of the Norwegian ace W/Cdr Rolf Arne Berg.
Rolf Arne Berg’s career was closely tied with No. 331 (Norwegian) Squadron, with which he served from July 1941. His personal tally counted 6 (according to some sources 5.5) enemy aircraft destroyed. In the period preceding the invasion of Europe, Berg took the leadership of No. 132 Norwegian wing.
As part of the 2nd Tactical Air Force, the No. 132 Norwegian wing participated in the Normandy Landings and moved to Caen, France in August 1944. From September onwards, the Norwegian squadrons participated in the liberation of Holland and took part in the crossing of the Rhine. During the entire period, beside his commanding duties Berg flew continuously on operations. Indeed, rumours said that he had flown more sorties than anyone else in the entire 2nd TAF!

Berg’s personal aircraft was PV181, a Spitfire LF Mk. IXE with broad-chord rudder. Built at Castle Bromwich, it was delivered to No. 33 Maintenance Unit on 5 September 1944. Officially taken on strength by No. 66 Squadron on 5 October 1944, it was selected as Berg’s personal aircraft immediately after delivery and so was never used operationally by that unit.
As Wing Commander, Berg was entitled to carry personal markings on his aircraft. Indeed, his own initials were used instead of the regular squadron codes as per ordinary RAF practice. However, Berg wanted something more and thus went beyond the regulations. The Norwegian units’ morale and desire to fly again under the Norwegian colours must have played the part in his decision to have the RNoAF national markings applied to the wings and rudder of his Spitfire.
It is not entirely clear when the change was made. Probably from Autumn 1944 when D-Day stripes were to be removed on wings. The pre-war Norwegian Air Force markings consisted of flag coloured stripes on wings and rudder. These were applied to PV181, and the corresponding RAF roundels and fin flashes were removed.
Carried previously on his Spitfire, and following the No. 331 Squadron’s practice of the time was the spinner band in the same Norwegian colours.