WWI strut ribbons

[Guest]

Here's one I can't seem to figure out from all the photos I have found. In many cases the wing-struts on WWI fighters have a number of ribbons.

What were these made of? In some pictures I only see a color difference in the wood, as if there was something there, that is now missing. Other pictures show fabric- or leather strips wrapped around the struts. Yet others show something that could be metal.

I can imagine that it was for holding the strut together i case of a bullet-hit, but I'm only speculating. If anyone can enlighten me please do.

TIA

Daniel

[stona]

First daniel I know nothing about WW1 aircraft,however as an englishman I know a bit about cricket. Cricket bats often had cloth tape wrapped around them to prevent them splitting. I don't mean a catastrophic failiure so much as the loss off a sliver at the edge. In the old days (when I was at school) bats were oiled with linseed oil and this was applied over any taping. I'm sure the struts you illustrate were varnished in a similar way.

Just an educated guess!

Cheers

Steve