The French Air Force roundel has changed little since its appearance in 1912. During the First World War, tricolour blue, white and red roundels with a diameter of one metre were painted under the wings to facilitate the identification of reconnaissance aircraft by the ground artillery and thus avoid fratricidal fire. It was not until 1933 that the diameter of the roundels was reduced on military aircraft and the proportions of one third for each colour was adopted (photo). From 1945 onwards, the French roundel was surrounded by a yellow border, which became the post-war standard. The border was removed in 1984.