One of the only biplane fighters to have any measurable success in the Second World War, the Gloster Gladiator was the product of a bygone era combining with modernity for one last fling. The Gladiator was obsolete by September 1939, but it still had what it took to make a significant impact on history. Air Ministry specification F.7/30 realized (correctly) that future fighters were going to be faster and better armed.

Unfortunately, the delay in placing an order lasted 4 and a half years, by which time war was approaching, and it was realized that biplanes were soon to be judged obsolete. Folland created the S.S.37, which was the best design, and was accepted. It was really obsolete by the time of its first flight. However, since nothing else had arrived to replace the aging Bulldog fighter, the Gloster was readily accepted, and was the main fighter of the RAF until the Hawker Hurricane was delivered. By 1939, four squadrons were still operational with Gladiators.

Gladiators formed the core of the British Expeditionary Force's Advanced Striking Force in France in 1939. Many served in Belgium and the Netherlands, and many were present for the collapse of France. After 1940, most that still remained with the RAF worked as Meteorological Reconnaisance Aircraft.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Gloster Gladiator Mk. II fighter was piloted by Sgt. Ron Walter, who was attached to No. 6 Squadron, then deployed to Libya, during 1941. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-1/4-inches
Length: 4-1/2-inches

Release Date: May 2007

Historical Account: "Desert Fury" - Following the Armistice of WWI, No. 6 Squadron was transferred to Iraq, arriving in July 1919. Operating in the Army cooperation role in Northern Iraq, which was equipped with Bristol fighters, it remained there for ten years before moving to Egypt in 1929. At the same time, it re-equipped with with Gordons and assumed the bomber role, Harts replacing these in 1935. Following problems in Palestine, the squadron relocated there in 1938 reverting to the Army cooperation role with Hardys, adding Gauntlets and Lysanders later. It eventually left Palestine and started operations in the Western Desert, with Lysanders in September 1940, although the squadron HQ remained in Palestine.