British Military Camouflage & Colours
The Caunter Scheme

Reference Book by Mike Starmer

Reviewed by Peter Brown

Summary

FirstLook

“Caunter Scheme” is not an official term but it is well-known by modellers and vehicle restorers. Used by British forces in North Africa in late 1941, it consisted of bands of colours intended to break up a vehicle’s outline and make estimating range more difficult.

Over the years there have been many misinterpretations of this scheme. Some old photos appeared to show a Light Blue shade which was then used on museum repaints and colour plates which has been taken as accurate. Serious research by Mike Starmer shows the real colours to be one of two sand colours, “Silver Grey” - a pale green shade - and “Slate” ie a dark grey. These were usually applied at depots when new vehicles arrived in the Middle East or by unit workshops using official diagrams as laid down by Army orders. There was some variation but generally the patterns were adhered to as closely as possible.

This is the latest edition of the book, I have all of them from the original thin volume but this is more substantial. It is still hand-produced with a laminated cover and spiral binding. Some have criticised this but it does allow the book to be laid flat which is ideal for modelling. It includes a dozen drawings adapted from the original orders showing the layout of the scheme on typical vehicles such as lorries, smaller trucks and cars, light and medium tanks, Carriers and armoured cars. As well as the standard three-colour scheme, variations such as the two-colour “Sudan” version and the schemes used in Greece as well as reported two-tone ones for Matildas and Stuarts.

Very useful is a set of real paint chips mixed from Humbrol paints showing the actual shade of the paint. This is better than relying on printing which can vary. It also allows modellers and restorers using a different brand to match the shades. Additional notes on official and model colours are included.

Anyone wanting accurate layouts and shades for a model or real vehicle should have this book! I highly recommend it.

Copies may be had direct from the author, contact him at mikestarmer18@gmail.com to buy or to find price including P&P outside the UK. Do not forget the other books he has produced covering European and later desert schemes.

Home Discussion Groups Gallery Articles Reviews
Copyright Vendors Room Links Contact us

Copyright www.missing-lynx.com 2025

Text and Images by Peter Brown
Page Created 9 March. 2025
Page Last Updated 9 March, 2025