WAR-WEARY AND SURPLUS AIRCRAFT

Two-inch letters will be stenciled directly beneath the type, model, and series designation on the fuselage of aircraft (with insignia red paint materials) in the following categories. This stenciling will be applied by activities at which the affected aircraft are now stationed, and will also include affected aircraft received in the future without these markings:

a. The letter “W” will be stenciled on ail war-weary aircraft which have not undergone a complete DIR. The term “WAR-WEARY” applies to any aircraft returned permanently from service in an overseas theater.

b, The letter “Q” will be stenciled on all war-weary aircraft that are processed through a depot for DIR. This symbol will replace the “W,” which will no longer appear on the aircraft.

c. The tetter “S” will be stenciled on all aircraft which have been declared by Headquarters, Army Air Forces, excess to the military requirement or surplus to the War Department or both. (Reference paragraph 9.a., AAF Regulation 65-86.) Under no circumstances will the letters “S" be used to indicate, or be interpreted to mean, “storage.” In cases where the symbol “W” or “0” is required to be placed on the aircraft, the “S” will be stenciled directly after that symbol. Example: “WS” – “QS.”