Funny how a practical joke can lead others to inspiration and then tradition.

Dan was a member of the 79^th Tatical Fighter Squadron and hails from Walla Walla, Wa, USA. This is Dan's recollection of these events

Rumors have it (I wouldn't want to suggest a specific source-"the names have been changed to protect the innocent" sort of deal) that the night after the 439 flew into Woodbridge the crews , with a little assistance from some of the other attendees got this great idea....and voila, stripes.

Another rumor has it that it was done by vicious and uncaring crews from other squadrons picking on the Canadians and did it without the knowledge of the 439 crew. The "79th" script was apparently applied as some sort of signature.
 

Anyway, the word we got the next day was that certain command level officers were somewhat what upset with the paint job and demanded it be removed. After some discussion as to the merits of the display, it was determined that removal of the paint from the radome at the front would suffice. That was done, as shown in the pictures.
 

To the best of my recollection of rumors, that's how it happened. Perhaps there are some "old" 439 crew out there that no longer have to fear courts martial and may provide more information.