Another of World War II's strange biplane antiques, the Gladiator lasted far longer than it should have after being ordered in summer 1935. So popular was the aircraft, it was bought by 13 countries in addition to RAF and the Royal Navy (as the Sea Gladiator). In spite of its configuration, it was fairly clean by the standards of the day with four machine guns (heavier than normal), an enclosed cockpit and landing flaps. Against great odds, Gladiators defended Britain from early German bomber raids, flew from Norway off frozen lakes when their carriers were hit and only three, the famous Faith, Hope and Charity, defended Malta day after day in June 1940. As with most biplanes, the Gladiator was a pilots aircraft, manoeuvrable and responsive to the slightest input. This sterling quality often made up for the lack of speed in fighting superior German fighters, but pilots had to know how to use it or get shoot down. Since the basic airframe was covered with fabric, it was also very easy to put back into service when shot up by doping fabric patches into the holes. The Gladiator was all that was available in some places and it held on until the more modern types could arrive.

Shuttleworth Collection's Gloster Gladiator in the markings of a Norwegian Gladiator.

The Gladiators of Lieutenant Krohn and Lieutenant Tradin taxing on Tyrisfjord April 9th 1940

Schye's Gladiator after the combat on 9 April.

Specification for Gladiator I