No, the covers were replaced by completely plain types (even the small bulge on the top of the outermost cover, which made room for the rear of the ,303", was removed.) When the first conversions, in the RAF, were done, it was permissible to cover the ejection ports, and gun muzzles, with a double layer of plain (not red) fabric patches; later, plain covers became available.
The bulges, just in front of the ejection ports, were there to deflect cold air away from the ports, to stop the breeches freezing up; when the guns were removed the bulges became redundant, too.
It's entirely possible that the covers might have been sealed (the compartments made ideal receptacles for bringing bootleg liquour home,) but even a couple of coats of paint would make the lines quite indistinct.
On the low-back XVI, due to the extra fuselage fuel tank, the outer compartments were use to house the displaced compressed-air tanks, plus a couple of oxygen cylinders.
Only the late XIVe, F.R.XIVe, and XVIII had completely plain outer wing surfaces, since there were never any plans to fit the .303" guns in them.
The lack of stiffeners on 5531's wings could be because the airframe dated from before the modification; the British government rather messed the Turkish government about, and kept them waiting, for months, for their deliveries, and the Vb(trop) aircraft came from Middle East stocks, held in the Mediterranean area. They were generally in poor condition, apparently, so could have been quite ancient.
I guess I should have done a bit of checking, first, instead of barreling in, playing the smart-Alec know-all; sorry.
Edgar
Associate Editor
