In early 1942, a Stirling Mk I Series 2 aircraft from No. 149 Squadron, based in Mildenhall, was outfitted with black camouflage that extended to cover the tail fin. However, it was later reassigned to No. 1657 (Heavy) Conversion Unit for training purposes. Unfortunately, on September 7th, 1943, the aircraft was shot down by a German intruder while flying over Britain.