112 Squadron

Originally sailed from Southampton on 16th of May 1939 onboard the H.M.S. Argus, with 24 crated Gladiator 1's.
Helwan, June 1939 to February 1941. Gladiators were supplemented by a few Gauntlets between March and July 1940.
Code letters: "XO", later "RT". When war broke out 112 Sqn had 35 pilots on it roll, the planes listed below only reflect 

the ones found so far.

Gauntlet Mk II, K5292 was flown from 6 Sqdn 7 June 1940 and handed over to 112 Sqdn it was coded 44 while with 6 Sqdn, K7792 from 6 Sqdn , K7870 from 6 Sqdn, coded XO T while with 112 Sqdn, Gauntlet K5318 transferred to 3 Sqn, Gauntlet K5331, K7843 went to 3 Sqdn , Gauntlets K7861, K7870, Gauntlet K7881 used for training, Gauntlet K7992

Serials

#

Code

Arrival & Notes

Avro 

Anson I

7977 this should probably have a L prefix as I do not think it fell into the K serials

Due to serial numbers this could easily get confusing as Gladiator K7977 carried the same serial number

These might have been from 4 FTS, Although the courses were shortened, the training syllabus was expanded to include instruction in night flying, formation and instrument flying and, for the potential Army cooperation pilots, reconnaissance and photography training. A Navigation Flight was formed in October 1938 with the delivery of 9 Avro Ansons from the UK.

Confirmation courtesy of Chris Charland via RAF Commands Forum:

Avro Anson Mk. I s/n L7975 served with No. 206 (GR) Squadron where it carried out anti-submarine patrols. The aircraft was later transferred to No. 4 Flying Training School. It was transferred to the South African Air Force on the 2nd of December 1940 and subsequently re-serialed as 1159.

Trivia note: pictures of the Anson in flight with gear down generally meant they were being flown solo - it took 140-160 turns of the crank to raise/lower the gear & pilots weren't about to do that -- crews actually found that about 100 turns were close enough for government work ... or they just didn't bother (First RAF plane with retractable landing gear)

13 thru 18/12/39, Flown by P/O Geoffrey Buxton Smither, RAF 112 Sqdn, on 6 different occasions

27/12/39, Flown by P/O Geoffrey Buxton Smither, RAF 112 Sqdn

27/12/39, Flown by P/O Geoffrey Buxton Smither, RAF 112 Sqdn

Avro

Anson I

7975, should probably have a L prefix

22/12/39, Flown by P/O Geoffrey Buxton Smither, RAF 112 Sqdn, 

Confirmation courtesy of Chris Charland via RAF Commands Forum
Avro Anson Mk. I s/n L7977 originally served with No. 217 (GR) Squadron carrying patrols of the western approaches. This Anson was later transferred to No. 4 Flying Training School at. It was then transferred to the South African Air Force on the 2nd of December 1940 and subsequently re-serialed as 1161

Avro

Anson

N/A

Blenheim

N/A

Bristol

Bombay

L5828

Loadstar (sic)

AX685

Lockheed Lodestar Mk1

the serial number AX685 would make it a model 18

Civil L-18-07 / -08, impressed for military use in the Middle-East.
Assigned RAF s/n: AX685 / AX687, AX717 / AX723,
AX756 / AX759, AX763 / AX765, HK855, HK973, HK976,
HK980, HK981, HK990, VR955.
AX719 to HK975, AX722 to HK974

28/04/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser,  Eraklion to Maaten Bagush, (From Flt LT Fraser's log book)( some sources indicate he was accompanied by F/O Harrison, 104 operational sorties, 57 of them over Greece and Crete and  S/L Schwab) F/L Jack Groves was also flown out in a Lodestar, he lists the date as 24/04/41, Lodestar to Eygpt---14 days rest Leave to Ismailia - Then Palestine & western desert on Tomahawks----- Back from where we started

The protection of our returning vessels was not the only service rendered by the Royal Air Force during the evacuation. An emergency 'air lift' for 'V.I.P.s', Headquarters parties, and the like was organized by No. 201 Group at Alexandria. The aircraft employed were the Sunderland of Nos. 228 and 230 Squadrons, which carried out reconnaissance by day and evacuation by night, the Lodestars and Bombays of No. 267 (Communications) Squadron, and two B.O.A.C. flying-boats. The Lodestars and Bombays made only five trips to Greece before conditions at Menidi and Eleusis made further flights impossible; thereafter, with the two B.O.A.C. aircraft, they concentrated on the Crete–Egypt section of the run.³ But the Sunderland made full use of their ability to alight at remote spots along the coast—one of them was attracted to a stranded party by signals from a shaving-mirror—and between them they succeeded in bringing off from Greece nearly nine hundred persons. The King of Greece and most of our senior commanders mad their exit this way; a little earlier in King Peter had been rescued in similar fashion from Yugoslavia. Needless to say, the pilots took on fantastic loads. One Sunderland with an official 'emergency capacity' of thirty bodies staggered off the water with eighty-four.

³ The two B.O.A.C. aircraft were used without interrupting the normal running of the Corporation's service. 'As each flying-boat arrived on a normal Horseshoe service at Cairo, its crew was rushed in a fast car along the desert road to Alexandria, to take its turn on the Crete ferry; the same car brought back to Cairo the weary crew from the previous Crete ferry, who at once took over the Horseshoe aircraft and continued its flight to Durban or to Singapore. "Coorong" and "Cambria", with a changing roster of crews in this manner, made thirteen return trips to Crete between 22nd April and 5th May, and brought out a total of 469 British troops. All normal standards were ignored. The method of loading the flying-boats was to allow the troops to file in until the forward door was to low that water began to pour in, then the door was slammed, and the flying-boat took off. On some trips more than fifty passengers were carried in an aircraft built for twenty-one.' (Merchant Airmen—the Air Ministry account of British Civil Aviation, 1939–1944.)

Hudson

N/A

Bristol

Bombay

L5811

06/12/40, Flown by unknown, to Tatoi

07/12/40, Flown by unknown, to Eraklion Crete – Excursion to Greece.  ‘C’ Flight with Bombay to Crete, night at Candea, just enough petrol to reach Erakleon, terrible weather, flying 500ft round Crete, welcomed with open arms by Greeks in Greek Club. Evening with Commandos – tough mixed bag.  Next day Eleusis, terrible weather, Bombay and Glads close formation 300ft, zigzagging along dangerous Peleponese coastline.  Rocketed about, passenger in Bombay thrown against roof.  Onto Larissa.  9 planes, Glads. Handed over to Greeks, large lunch interrupted by alarm.  Mt. Olympus snow-capped.  Back to Athens to await ‘C’ flight, held up for 5 days.  Lived in King George Hotel, feted everywhere, presented with flowers in the street.  Little thought of defending Athens before Jerries.

07/12/40, Flown by unknown, back to Sidi Heneish Egypt (This is how they got back after delivering their old "Glads" to the R.H.A.F. 1-2/12/40)

Following are observations made by Flt Lt Fraser and have no relationship with the above mentioned Bombay:

10/12/40 The Squadron promised to be re-equipped, long awaited Hurricanes – not available on return from Greece, only 3 or 4 worn out Gladiators left in Squadron, 6 or 7 rebuilds brought from M.U.s and 6 F.A.A. pilots and Sea Glads. without air cleaners arrived. Patrols over Maktilla and Tumma camps on 9^th & 10^th, beginning of advance.  Sidi Barani taken so opposition till battle for Sollum, 8 Glads v. 20 plus CR.42s.  Sea Glads all U/S engines (no air cleaners in sand storms).  Glads forced landing all over the place – dead beat not from action, prop flew off over Sidi Barani, returning to Base, pilot forced landed, Engines running dry of oil after an hour and quarter flying.  6 remaining Glads operating from LG. 89 (20 miles S.E. Sollum) doing patrols over Bardia over Xmas.

09/01/41, back to Amirya to re-equip at long last with hurricanes.  C.O. in Palestine whole time. F/L Abrahams acting C.O. to M.E. ref. Hurricane promise – none available.  ‘A’ Flight via El Adam & Crete to Eleusis.  ‘B’ Flight held El Adam for days, weather.  Huge amount captured, brandy & Chianti at El Adam – 70 Sqdn. W/C Webb.  Flying boat escort over drome……off to Crete, terrible weather, on to Greece, joined Sqdn Eleusis.  Eraklion – little thinking we would be back here defending Crete from Jerries in 3 or 4 months. Squadron low morale given 21 Glads. and sent to Greece…..

Bombay

N/A

Vickers

Valentia K8852

13/01/40. Flown by S/Ld MacIntyre. (Sqdn unknown at this time), to Fuka - Mersa Matruh (From Flt LT Fraser's log book) ( maybe LXX (70) Sqdn )

14/01/40. Flown by S/Ld MacIntyre. (Sqdn unknown at this time), Mersa Matruh - Dhaba - Helwan (From Flt LT Fraser's log book) (The outbreak of World War 2 found LXX Sqdn equipped with the Vickers Valentia in Nov 1935 until Sep 1940 and stationed at Helwan in Egypt.) ( The "Communications Flight, Habbaniya, Iraq", May 1941. OPERATIONS RECORD BOOKS EXTRACTS.(© Ref:-PRO, AIR29/893 ) (Form 540). (The clincher....... According to the Official Records the "Communications Flight, Iraq" was disbanded at the outbreak of World War II. The Original Unit consisted of "C" Flight No 70 Squadron under the Command of Squadron Leader H.A.Simmons. On the 9th of October 1939 the main bulk of "C" Flight flew to RAF Helwan to rejoin No. 70 Squadron for Combat duty in Egypt and North Africa. "A" and "B" Flights of No. 70 Squadron who were previously Stationed at Habbaniya had proceeded to Helwan during September under the Directives of the "BELLUM PLAN".However 2 Valentia's with Crews remained at RAF Habbaniya to carry out routine transport duties. The Detachment's Valentia Aircraft are recorded as being, K3161 and K8848.) Valentia K8848 was coded X, K3604 was coded B while with 216 Sqdn,  I will continue to watch for the code of K8852.

Vickers

Valentia

K3608

10/07/40, Flown by P/O Baker, - Summit to Erkoweit - Khartoum. 

15/07/40, Khartoum to Atbara and Station 10 then to Wadi Halfa. 

16/07/40, - Wadi Halfa to Tushka L.G. and Asswan, Asswan to Luxor.  

17/07/40 - Luxor to Assuit and Helwan (All from Flt Lt Fraser's log book)

Good reason to believe this was another LXX (70 Sqdn ) plane due to the following....On the 6th of August Flying Officer M.R.Skeet arrived from RAF Heliopolis to assume the role of Officer Commanding the Transport Detachment at Habbaniya, replacing acting Flt Lt Barnard who returned to RAF Heliopolis.
On the 5th of October 1940 No. 70 Sqdn Detachment at Habbaniya was transferred in its entirety to No. 216 Sqdn forming No. 216 Sqdn Detachment at RAF Habbaniya with F/O Skeet retaining command, the strength of the Detachment at that date is recorded as being: -
2 officers, 3 Non Commissioned Officers, 12 Airmen including one attached.
The Detachments equipment is recorded as: -
3 Valentia's with one Aircraft maintained by the Detachment for the use of No 4 S.F.T.S. as an Observers Training Aircraft.

On the 14th of December 1940 on the recommendation of the Officer Commanding, No. 216 Sqdn Detachment Habbaniya was disbanded and all personnel and Aircraft transferred to the reformed "Communications Flight Iraq" with the newly promoted Flight Lieutenant M.R.Skeet retaining his position as Officer Commanding.
The strength of the Communications Flight at that date was recorded as: -
2 Officers, 3 S.N.C.O.s, 2 Cpl's, and 8 Airmen.
The Flights equipment is recorded as being: -
2 Initial Equipment Valentia and 1 Initial Equipment Valentia attached for maintenance K2808, K8852 and KR2792

ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT.
2 Tiger Moth's (K.4255 and K.4252)
7 Airspeed Oxford's (P.1940, P.1942, L.4650, L4656, L.4662, L.4668, L.4667.)
1 Bristol Blenhiem (L6656.)
1 Vickers Valentia (K3599.)

Short Junior

Z7190

possibly a model 12 Electra Junior

Westland

Lysander

L4686

05/38, First serial copies in May 1938 16 ( number Lysander L4677-4686 and L4688-4691) delivered to the RAF

20/12/39, Flown by P/O Geoffrey Buxton Smither, RAF 112 Sqdn,

Hawker Audax 

K7514

22/05/41, not confirmed as the right plane as the one noted above is called a Hart

also K7514 was used by 4 SFTS Habbaniyah, on 22nd May 1941. Flown by Hans Ravn, K7514 0:40 hrs. Bombing and machine gunning troops at Fallujahbut,  K7514, could easily have been Returned On Strength after this little upset.

Known Audax at 4 SFTS at the time where K3099, K7502, K7542, K7544, K7512, K3111, K5235, K7514, K7528, K7539, K3124. 

The Habbaniya Air Striking force consisted of the following:

'A' Squadron - Wg Cdr G. Silyn-Roberts, Main Field 10 Hawker Audax

'B' Squadron - Sqn Ldr A.G. Dudgeon, Main Field, 1 Bristol Blenheim (possibly L6656 which was on strength with the Communications Flight see above Valentia K3608), 26 Airspeed Oxfords ( seven of which where on strength with the Communications Flight see above Valentia K3608, P1940, P1942, L4650, L4656, L4662, L4668, L4667.), 8 Fairey Gordon and 4 Gloster Gladiators

'C' Squadron - Wg Cdr C.W.M. Wing, Polo Field, 10 Hawker Audax

'D' Squadron - Wg Cdr J.G. Hawtrey, Main Field, 10 Hawker Audax

Fighter Flight - Flt Lt R S May, Polo Field,  9 Gladiators ( three known ( K7899 ( see below for RAF 112 Sqdn service), N5777 and N5887)

Iraq Communications Flight - 3 Vickers Valentia under command of the O.C. Flight Lieutenant Maurice Roy Skeet.
The Valentia serial numbers are KR2792, K2808 and K8852

Hawker Hardy

K4309

Possibly from 6 Sqdn.....update... Following information from, No 6 Squadron RAF Association,  Hardy K4309 came to 6 from the depot at Aboukir, having been shipped out originally for 30 Sqdn

20/06/40, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser,  to Abu Sueir and return

25/06/40, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, To Abu Sueir with L.A.C. Chadwick

Hawker 

Hind

K6824

Prior service with 113 Sqdn, flown by S/Ldr Keily in April 1939 at Heliopolis

Transferred to 112 Sqdn date unknown at this time

01/08/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser,

02/08/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser,

23/08/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser,

02/10/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser,

17/10/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser,   

Copyright Stan Harrison - 113 Squadron. com

Hawker

Hurricane

L1669

Hawker

Hurricane  

P3969

Hawker

Hurricane

P6138

Hawker

Hurricane  V6939

Hawker

Hurricane  

V7288

27/02/41, Flown by Fg Off R A Acworth, 80 Sqdn plane up on a test flight, 1 CR 42, Claimed in combat with CR.42 of 150^o Gruppo over Greece

28/02/41, Flown by Fg Off R A Acworth, 80 Sqdn plane, 1 CR 42 over Greece although he thought it was a Z.1007bis.

Hawker

Hurricane MkII V7733

Hawker

Hurricane  

V7765 

04/04/41, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Abu Sueir to Menidi   F/Lt Vicki Boehm killed ( he was with 113 Squadron )

05/04/41, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Menidi to Larissa, Greece (he was accompanied by F/O Cochrane and F/O Bennett I have yet to determine which Hurricanes they flew in as re-enforcements / new to 80 Sqdn re-equipments)

Hawker

Hurricane  

V7875

Hawker

Hurricane Z4003

Hawker

Hurricane Z4106

Hawker

Hurricane Z4178

19/05/40, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser ,Local Flying, Lydda

20/05/40,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Ground Strafe Damascus and Lydda to Ammaan   One JU52, One ME110 destroyed on aerodrome CONFIRMED

With 3 pilots from 208 Sqdn , F/L Lewis, F/O Stevenson & another who’d flown Hurricanes in Greece, picked up 6 Hurricanes at Abu Sueir and flew to Lydda and on to Amman, arriving in evening, unchecked for guns etc.  Ordered to take off at 0500 & ground staff Damascus at dawn – none had night flown a Hurricane.  Circled over Amman (small, hilly aerodrome) & joined up in dark, flew off to Damascus.  Dawn broke – a/c 50 miles north.  Returned south to Damascus, complete surprise, expected Germans ground strafing a/c, m.t., hangars & building.  2 a/c destroyed as well as m.t. & other damage in spite of guns not harmonized and firing in all directions.  All 6 a/c returned Amman, the most with 12 gallons left. 

21/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Amaan to Haifa

22/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Patrol Syrian Frontier

25/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

27/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

27/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

28/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

28/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

29/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

30/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

31/05/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa (x2)

02/06/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

02/06/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Escort 11 Sqdn Beyrouth   4000 tons petrol destroyed 

04/06/41,  Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Escort 11 Sqdn Beyrouth, 147th operational sortie  255.50 operational hours flying. This completes his time with 112 Sqdn.

Hawker

Hurricane Z4223

23/05/41, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Coop: with Haifa Defense

03/06/41, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Alarm Patrol Haifa

Gauntlet  

Mk I

K5292

.

To 56 Sqdn, North Weald, 1936-37

To 6 Sqdn, Ramleh, Palestine, 1939

07/06/40 From 6 Sqdn to RAF 112 Sqdn   

Following information from, No 6 Squadron RAF Association, K5292 was sent to the Middle East on 18 Apr 39 and was transferred from 112
to 6 and then to the reserve pilots pool and was struck off on 1 Aug 42

Gauntlet  

Mk I

K5318

.

To 46 (F) Sqdn, Kenley, 1936-1938

No 9 F. T. S. 1939

From 112 Sqdn. Served with RAAF, 3 Sqdn under UK Control

Gauntlet  

Mk II

K5331

.

To 65 Sqdn, Hornchurch 1936-1937

To 6 Sqdn, Ramleh, Palestine, 1939

To RAAF 3 Sqdn date unknown

17/06/40, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, - Ferrying A/C 102 M.U. returning to Helwan in Anson

Gauntlet  

Mk II

K7792

.

Trials at R. A. E., 1936

To 46 Sqdn, Kenley, 1936-1938

To 74 Sqdn Hornchurch 1938

From 6 Sqdn to RAF 112 Sqdn date unknown

Following information from, No 6 Squadron RAF Association, K7792 seems not to have been with 6 but was with 46, 80 and 74 before going
to 24 and then 36 MUs.  It went to the Middle East as a reserve and thence
to the Greek Flt at Gaza. It was struck off on14 Jan 42.

14/03/40 Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Air Fighting

02/04/40 Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Aerobatics

10/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - General Practice

Gauntlet  

Mk II

K7843

.

To 46 (F) Sqdn Kenley 1936-38

To Head Quarters R. A. F.  Middle East May 1939

From 112 Sqdn. Served with RAAF, 3 Sqdn under UK Control

16/12/40,  Flown by Flying Officer Peter Turnbull (RAAF 3 Sqdn) took off for Maaten Bagush at 07:45 at 16 December. At 08:00 they arrived at Bagush and took off again at 08:30 to escort three Lysanders conveying General Wavell and staff bound for ALG 75. They landed at 09:40. They took off again at 14:20 to escort one Lysander back to Bagush were the Lysander landed at 15:30. The Gauntlets (which didn’t land at Bagush) returned to Gerawla and landed at 15:40.

Gauntlet  

Mk II

K7861

.

To 46 Sqdn, Kenley, 1936-1938

To 74 Sqdn Hornchurch 1938

To Head Quarters R. A. F.  Middle East May 1939

From 6 Sqdn to RAF 112 Sqdn date unknown, used for training

02/04/40 Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, Evasive Tactics

24/01/41, Flown by P/O Neville Bowker, 70 (ME) OTU

Gauntlet  

Mk II

K7870

.

XO T

To 46 Sqdn, Kenley, 1936-1938

To 19 Sqdn, Duxford, 1937-38

To 6 Sqdn, Ramleh, Palestine, 1939

From 6 Sqdn to RAF 112 Sqdn date unknown

Following information from, No 6 Squadron RAF Association , K7870 seems to have gone to 6 and then went to 112 on 4 Mar 40, on to Greek Flight.

06/03/40 Flown by Flt Lt Fraser. - Formation Practice

12/06/40, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser - to Ismalia urgent spares and to Helwan

10/01/41, Flown by P/O Neville Bowker, at 70 (ME) OTU

13/02/41, Flown by P/O Neville Bowker, at 70 (ME) Operational Training Unit

Gauntlet  

Mk II

K7881

.

To 79 Sqdn, Biggin Hill, 1937

To 601 Sqdn, A.A.F., Northolt, 10/12, 1938

To 6 Sqdn, Ramleh, Palestine, 1939

08/03/40 Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, - Air Fighting, used for training

18/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Target No.1 F.A.

Saved engine wear on the Gladiators

Magister

unknown

Magister

P2390

(Magister M.14A 1627 P2390)

Magister

P2396

(Magister M.14A 1633 P2396)

25/6/40, To Abu Sueir with L.A.C. Chadwick / - from Abu Sueir with L.A.C. Chadwick,  Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

26/6/40, To Abu Sueir with P/O Ackworth, and return without Ackworth,  Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

01/7/40, Local flying instruction with P/O Goar,  Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

07/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, with Lt Gerati to Bir Kenayis

1, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, with Sgt. Mansfield - Gun post inspection

Magister 

P1944

(serial may or may not be  a typo in log book or transcript no record of a P1944 in Magister list)

12/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn , with F/O Ackworth to Heneish

17/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn ,To Sidi Barrani.  Looting.   From Sidi Barrani.  2 sorties

08/01/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn , with F/Lt Lean.. Instruction

09/01/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, with F/Lt Lean to Heliopolis.  To Helwan.  To Heliopolis.  To Amiryia.  4 sorties

10/01/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, with Lt Gerati to Abu Sueir.  To Amiryia.   2 sorties

.

.

.

Gladiator Mk1,engine Bristol Mercury IX, Watts propeller, specification F.14/35

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6130

1

. 

22/02/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn, On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere

11/05/39 To HMS Argus to form 112 Sq.  "A" Flight plane

22 Feb. 1937, Flt Lt E M Donaldson (Later Air Commodore E M Donaldson ,CB, CBE., DSO., AFC.) of No 72 Sqn along with three other pilots collected this plane and three others from Brockworth and flew them to their new base at Church Fenton 

16/05/39 To the ME with unit. Was usually flown by Fg Off Dennis Herbert Vincent Smith, used at Port Sudan

13/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

18/07/40 Hit a hill obscured by a cloud at Qaret el Naga; F/O Gray-Worcester KIFA  

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6134

2

RT-S

22/02/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere

16/05/39 To the ME with unit.

01/07/39,  Flt Lt Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn,

10/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

20/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - from Aboukir, Collection and taking over test

30/05/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Air Drill & No.3 F.A.
03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
18/06/40 10:00-10:30 Port Sudan to Summit; F/L Savage.
23/06/40 16:30-14:40 Weather test; F/L Savage.

Flown in the Sudan by F/Lt K. H. "Pete" Savage "B" Flight RAF 112 Sqdn in 1940. see picture on K Flight webpage
31/08/40 ‘B’ Flight redesignated to ‘K’ Flight  

22/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000ft, 2.30 hours

25/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 18,000ft, 1.35 hours

30/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Interception, 0.20 hours

06/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.15 hours

07/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.35 hours

08/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.25 hours

10/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.35 hours

13/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.30 hours

14/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.45 hours

14/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.10 hours

15/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.25 hours

16/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.30 hours

16/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.15 hours

23/12/40 short of fuel in bad weather it was ditched, Crashed in Red Sea 15m South of Suakin, Sudan, 

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6135

3

RT-E

22/02/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn, On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus. On Strength June 1939 Helwan "B" Flight was used at Summit (Summit was an airfield in Sudan, about 60 miles south west of Port Sudan on the Red Sea coast, beside the railway line that goes across Sudan to Khartoum. it was near the airfields of Wadi Gazouza & Erkowit. Gebeit airfield was about 10 miles up the railway) Port Sudan and Khartoum, July 1940

16/05/39 To the ME with unit.

20/07/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser

31/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

01/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

05/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To and From Heliopolis

06/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Aboukir and Amiriya

08/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Amiriya to Helwan

19/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, X Country, Mansura Tel El Kebir
03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
18/06/40 10:00-10:35 Port Sudan to Summit; Sgt Woodward.
20/06/40 09:15-09:25 To firing range for gun tests; P/O Chapman.
21/06/40 05:00-05:10 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; P/O Wolsey.
21/06/40 09:00-09:10 Return to Summit; P/O Wolsey.
22/06/40 04:15-04:25 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; P/O Wolsey.
22/06/40 07:20-07:30 Return to Summit; P/O Wolsey.
24/06/40 04:30-04:40 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; P/O Wolsey.
24/06/40 06:45-07:00 Patrol; P/O Wolsey.
24/06/40 07:20-07:30 Return to Summit; P/O Wolsey.
31/08/40 ‘B’ Flight redesignated to ‘K’ Flight

11/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Flying Practice, 0.35 hours

12/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Flying Practice, 0.40 hours

18/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 1.35 hours

19/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 2.10 hours

19/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 2.10 hours

19/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 1.20 hours

22/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 1.20 hours,  'Chased 2 SM79s. No result - Too fast!!'

26/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 2.05 hours

29/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, D. F., 1.25 hours

30/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Met Flight, 1.15 hours

03/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.20 hours

15/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, No. 1 F. A., 0.30 hours

09/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Port Sudan - Atbara, 2.05 hours

09/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Atbara - Wadi Halfa, 2.40 hours

10/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Wadi Halfa - Assuan, 1.30 hours

10/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Assuan - Assuit,  1.35 hours

10/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Assuit - Heliopolis, 1.30 hours.

10/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Heliopolis - Abu Sueir, 0.30 hours

13/04/41. to Royal Hellenic Air Force , fate as yet unknown, probably destroyed in Greece, again if it went to Greece/Crete at that late date how did it get there?  That is partly answered by the following............ 02 December 1940
 21 Mira Squadron was withdrawn from frontline to re-equip, its remaining PZL-24's being handed over to 22 and 23 Mire. The Squadron received 14 Gloster Gladiator Biplane Fighters from Britain, 8 arrived on 02 December from No.112 Squadron, RAF, based in Egypt, and were followed shortly after by 5 from No.80 Squadron, RAF (in Greece), and finally by 1 more from No.112 Squadron in Egypt.

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to Greek Air Force 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq. / "K" Flight,  31/4/41)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6136

4

.possibly RT F or RT P

22/02/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus.

16/05/39 To the ME with unit. 

On Strength June 1939 Helwan "B" Flight

23/06/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser 

03/07/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser

14/07/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser

28/07/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn
10/11/39 Overshot landing into ditch, Helwan.
Returned to Squadron after repair.
03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
18/06/40 04:00-04:10 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; Sgt C. J. W. Tait.
18/06/40 07:30-07:40 Return to Summit; Sgt C. J. W. Tait.
18/06/40 16:30-18:15 To Erkowit LG for evening standby. Hit ground during slow roll at Erkowit and DBF; Sgt C. J. W. Tait KIFA., flying accident, Sgt Charles John Wilson Tait, 565362, RAF, attempting to slow roll over Sgts' Mess flew into the ground, Erkowit, Sudan pilot KIFA

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6138

5

.

04/03/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn, On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere. A further six Gladiators (K6138-K6143) arrived for the squadron on 4 March.1937.

29/6/38 Collided with K6139, (which was destroyed), 2 miles south of Selby while with 72 Sqn but was able to return to base

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus.  On Strength June 1939 Helwan 112 Sqdn

12/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

21/12/39 Tire burst on landing at Helwan, swung and wing hit the ground, returned to 112 Sqdn after repair

13/03/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Air Test. New Engine

09/02/41, 1 CR42 Claimed by Squadron Leader Donald Swift 'Don' Gregory DFM, RAF nos. 565558 (NCO); 47849 (Officer), 80 Sqdn , Tepelene-Argyrokastron area

01/03/41 Flown by Flt Lt J. F. Fraser, 112 Sqdn, in Greece, Oil Test

Westenra  flew K6138 from Crete to Egypt, 19 May 1941

on strength with 1411 Flt, Heliopolis, 1942-43

02/08/42 Local flying Sgt H. Thomas.
03/08/42 Local flying Sgt H. Thomas.
04/08/42 Local flying Sgt H. Thomas.
26/09/42 Met. climb to 24,000ft Sgt H. Thomas.
26/09/42 To Alamya Sgt H. Thomas.
01/10/42 Met. climb to 24,000ft Sgt H. Thomas; landed at LG 222.
01/10/42 LG 222 to Heliopolis Sgt H. Thomas.
01/10/42 Heliopolis to Almaya Sgt H. Thomas.
02/10/42 Met. climb to 24,000ft Sgt H. Thomas.
Used to 01/43.

Westenra  flew K6138 from Crete to Egypt, 19 May 1941, Fighter command only 5 aircraft remained, 3 Hurricanes and 2 Gloster Gladiators withdrew at dawn 19th May, the remainder fought as infantry at Malame airfield and Hill 107,  K6138 was with 1411 (met) Flight by 03/42, 31/06/44 SOC further note On 18 May 1941 two Hurricanes and two Gladiators from Heraklion were airborne and after an air attack on this field they were ordered to land instead at Retimo. The remaining Hurricane and Gladiators at Heraklion were no longer flyable. On arrival at Retimo the four pilots were ordered to evacuate to Egypt, and after refueling, all took off. Flying Officer A R Costello 112 Sqdn and Sergeant W Bain, 112 Sqdn flew the two Hurricanes, Flight Lieutenant Dennant, 1430 Flight pilot, flew out in N5825, (112 Sqdn Plt Off Leonard Lawrence ‘Len’ Bartley having lost a toss of a coin) and Pilot Officer Westenra, 112 Sqdn,  K6138 the Gladiators. All arrived safely.

During 24 April the full evacuation of troops from Greece commenced under the codename Operation ’Demon’ and 80 Squadron was transferred to Crete. However due to shortage of Hurricanes the squadron was required to leave only four pilots on the island, the remainder being evacuated to Egypt in a 267 Squadron Lockheed Lodestar. These four, Flying Officer Wanklyn Flower, Pilot Officer Vale, Flight Sergeant Rivalant and Sergeant M. W. Bennett, joined others of 33 Squadron to form a composite unit with seven Hurricanes (V7181, V7461, V7761, V7795, V7800, V7826 and W9297). One of these had an irreparable hole some ten inches in diameter through the main spar of one wing, but was still to be used due to small numbers available; the pilots agreed to take turns flying it, although it was feared that any tight turning would probably result in the wing breaking off! 

On 29 April Squadron Leader Edward 'Tap' Jones and Flying Officer Wanklyn Flower departed from Crete, leaving the small Maleme detachment under Flying Officer Vale’s command 

29 April, 10:15, Vale Hurricane V7781

16:15, Vale Hurricane V7795

5 May Flying Officer Vale (V7181)

At 20:00 on 13 May Flying Officer Vale scrambled after an unidentified plot reported flying off the coast. Within 30 minutes he had been vectored onto a Ju52/3m and had landed again, claiming to have shot this down into the sea.
At this time Vale was operating virtually as a ‘one-man air force’ so far as 80 Squadron was concerned. The only other member of the unit still present was Sergeant Bennett

At 06:15 on 16 May Hurricanes were scrambled from Maleme and Flying Officer Vale (Hurricane V7795) encountered a number of Bf109s, one of which he claimed to have shot down.

Message 21 May From C-in-C Mediterranean  WO106/3241 P.M. on 16th repeat 16th Suda Bay was attacked by 30 Ju87s and 88s and 15 to 20 ME109s.  Three pilots of 80 Sqdn, in Hurricanes of 33 Sqdn shot down 3 ME109s certain one probable and one JU87 probable.  2 ME109s forced landed at Maleme.  Two Hurricanes and pilots missing.
At about 16:30 a new raid developed over Crete when Ju87s of I/StG 2, escorted by Bf110s of II/ZG 26 attacked Maleme and Suda Bay. Bf109s of I(J)/LG 2 and III/JG 77 were also in the air.
Vale had been on patrol over Suda Bay in his 80 Squadron aircraft when the raid approached. He attacked the Ju87s, which were attacking the shipping in the Bay, and claimed one shot down before being attacked by Bf109s, which he evaded.
Early in the afternoon on 17 May the three remaining serviceable Hurricanes were scrambled from Maleme. Flying Officer Vale (V7795), Lieutenant Commander Black (V7761) and N2610 (Gladiator ?) flown by a pilot from 33 Squadron intercepted approaching Ju88s. Vale claimed damage to one of the bombers.Later in the day Vale and Black were unable to make an interception when ordered off again. The next day both Hurricanes V7795 and V7761 were destroyed in attacks on Maleme airfield.  At 18:00 in the evening on 18 May, 1941 Vale was evacuated from Crete to Egypt in Sunderland N9020 flown by Flight Lieutenant Lywood. Vale flew over Syria against the Vichy French after 80 Squadron had reformed on return to Egypt

Extracts from the Operational Record Book (ORB) for 33 Squadron.  Held on microfilm in the PRO at Kew.

On 1 May the Sqn was based at Maleme and consisted of 4 Hurricanes, 8 pilots and "ample ground crew", however there were no spares and only two boxed of tools.  They joined forces with the remnants of 80 Sqn, also at Maleme, who had 4 Hurricanes and 3 pilots.  The group was called the Hurricane Unit, and it was the HU that Sqn Ldr Howell took command of.  Howell was sent in from Egypt with six pilots, and they relieved six of those who had been in operations on Crete since the evacuation of Greece.  On the 15th May two more Hurricanes were flown in from Egypt  On the 18th May Flt Sgt Salmon, in charge of the ground crew, and a large number of the airmen left by Sunderland for Egypt.  When the invasion started the Hurricane Unit soon became unable to operate as an RAF unit, and joined with the infantry in the defense of Hill 107.

Heliopolis, Egypt Met Flight formed on 14th April 1941. Redesignated 1411 (Met) Flight in January 1942. As 1411 (Met) Flight the unit was entirely manned and serviced by Egyptian personnel, although there was the odd RAF pilot in the unit. The aircraft even carried Egyptian markings. The following Gladiators were used, K6138, K7893, K7913, K7925, K7961, K7963, K8003, K8008, N5825 and N5830. In August 1943 the unit was disbanded and the surviving Gladiators were passed on to the Royal Egyptian Air Force, although at least three aircraft (K7961, N5828 and N5830) were passed onto the Royal Iraqi Air Force

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6140

6

RT-A (Unconfirmed but comes from a drawing done by Leonard Francis Paddouck while he was a POW)

04/03/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus.  On Strength June 1939 Helwan, On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere. A further six Gladiators (K6138-K6143) arrived for the squadron on 4 March.1937.

15/06/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, making it a very good possibility that this was the 2nd Glad put into service for 112 Sqdn

21/06/39,  Flt Lt Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn,

06/07/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser

15/07/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser

17/07/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser

12/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Faiyum L. G. 

and Air Firing V. Q. T. 22nd

22/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, X Country Bir Hooker, Khataba, El Rus

27/09/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Monkey M

08/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - to Bir Kenayis.  Patrol Sidi Barrani.  2 sorties

09/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Bir Kenayis.  Patrol Sidi Barrani.   Patrol Sidi Barrani - Sofafi.  3 sorties

15/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - to 274 'Drome and return

16/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - to Nibeyia L.G.   Patrol Bardia - Tobruk (navy shelling Bardia 15".  No E.A.    Escort C in C.  Patrol & return to base.... Sollum surrenders.  4 sorties

24/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Test and to Buq Buq.  Patrol Bardia & return base.   2 sorties

K6140 shows up on some sources as being on 33 Sqdn strength Mataan Garawala 1940, according to the above information I believe it was retained by RAF 112 Sqdn.

06/06/41 From 33 Sq. to X’ Flight Amman

During the thirties, the Royal Iraqi Air Force purchased numerous aircraft from various countries. Among these purchases were 15 Gladiator Mk.Is from RAF M.E. stocks; although the exact date of purchase remains a mystery.
The aircraft were based at Mosul and Raschid and were maintained by RAF at Habbaniyah Aircraft Depot.

The Iraqi aircraft took part in the attacks on RAF Habbaniyah in May 1941during the Iraqi revolt. The Gladiators came from 2 (Fighter) Squadron, which operated 9 Gladiators from Kirkuk.
During this revolt, the Iraqi Gladiators claimed one shared victory.

Some of the aircraft were later returned to the RAF

Known Iraqi Gladiators:
RAF serials:
K6140, K6141, K6147, K7897, K7907, K7928, K7961, K7989, K8005, K8006,
K8007, K8011, N5780, N5825, N5827, N5828, N5830, N5857 Most of the aircraft listed were delivered after the Iraqi Revolt. At the moment, the serials of the initial batch of 15 aircraft bought from Britain during the late thirties are unknown, although they may include K6140, K6141, K6147, K8005-K8007 and K8011

01/01/42, K6140; delivered from ‘X’ Flight Amman and returned to 1412 (Met) Flight RAF 

Khartoum, Sudan A Met Flight was formed at Khartoum on 21st September 1941. In January 1942 it was redesignated 1412 (Met) Flight. A total of 7 Gladiators (K6140, K8001, N5828, N5829, N5831, N5833 and N5851) were used by the flight. K6140 was a real veteran. Originally issued to 72 Squadron it later served with 33 Squadron in Egypt. It was then transferred to the Royal Iraqi Air Force in April 1941 before being returned to RAF service in March 1942
22/06/42 Damaged on landing, Summit.1412 (Met) Flight
17/10/43 ROS, Wadi Halfa.

31/06/44 SOC

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6141

7

.

12/03/37  From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere. A further six Gladiators (K6138-K6143) arrived for the squadron on 4 March.1937.

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus.  

16/05/39 To the ME with unit On Strength June 1939 Helwan, 

30/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

18/08/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Gerawla - Sidi Barani  forced landed  and Sidi Barani to Gerawla  - Savoya 79. F/O J. Lapsley 80.S    (this is 10 days after his marriage!)

23/08/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to 'Y' landing ground

24/08/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, K6141    Fleet covering Patrol to Gerawla....Broken tail unit crossing road..... repaired.

06/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Patrol M. Matruh 15,000 ft

11/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol M.M. 15,000.   To immergency (sic!) L.G.

12/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - to Sidi Heneish

31/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Patrol

06/06/41 To ‘X’ Flight Amman ("X" Flight Amman, "X" Flight, was formed on 6 June from the Gladiators left at Habbaniya. These aircraft were K6140, K6141, K7914, K7947, K7954, K7978 and N5777,) 

01/02/42 SOC

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6142

8

RT-U

12/03/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere. A further six Gladiators (K6138-K6143) arrived for the squadron on 4 March.1937.

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus.  

16/05/39 To the ME with unit.

05/10/39 Force-landed in desert after engine cut "A" Flight 

11/09/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Patrol Mersa Matruh

05/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Patrol M. Matruh 15,000 ft

09/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn,  landed next C.Os car, damaged main spar on rock

in RAAF 3 Sqdn at LG 74 by 17/12/40 , From 112 Sqdn, 

31/12/40 ~16:10 Crashed during take off from Ikingi, Maryut. The aircraft run into a wadi and the aircraft turned up on its nose, causing fairly extensive damage to the main plane and undercarriage; F/O J. Jackson 3 RAAF Sqdn safe.

excerpt from: http://www.awm.gov.au/events/conference/2003/scully.asp

Jackson was on patrol the next day – 9 December 1940 – when General Wavell commenced the Allies’ first push westwards. Such was the introduction to operations in this new environment; you might agree that it could reasonably be regarded as a shock to the system.

The squadron moved forward with the army – offensive patrols and escort duties mainly – with marked operational success. However the aircraft re-supply problems were acute, with the squadron’s Lysanders being replaced by cast-off Gladiators from 112 Squadron RAF, which Jackson described as completely unfit:

In shocking condition and should be scrapped as unfit for further service. It’s damned near criminal that we should have to use such kites, but I suppose if there is nothing better available we have to use them and not growl.

Just to prove his point, on the delivery flight Jackson suffered an engine failure on take-off, ending up upside down in a wadi, fortunately unhurt.
No court of inquiry was held.
The aircraft was not repairable in the unit and was collected by 51 RSU.

27/01/41 SOC

Gladiator 

Mk I

K6143

9

.

12/02/37 From Manufacturer to 72 Sqdn Used until 04/39. On 22 February 1937 the first of the Gladiators (K6130-K6137) entered service with the newly formed 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere. A further six Gladiators (K6138-K6143) arrived for the squadron on 4 March.1937.

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus.  On Strength June 1939 Helwan "B" Flight, 

16/05/39 To the ME with unit.

25/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

22/05/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Demonstration flight Cairo

(One of the last flights that the squadron took part in before war was declared by Italy, was a demonstration Derby flight over Cairo in the name of propaganda.  This was to be carried out by nearly all the available aircraft in Middle East.  A rendezvous was decided over the barrage, whence all aircraft would proceed to Cairo and carry out 3 left hand circuits of the Town at 500ft, the slowest aircraft on the inside, the fastest on the outside.  Two Blenheim

Squadrons and one Gladiator Squadron arrived from the desert, Lysanders and Bombays from Heliopolis, Gladiators and Valentias from Helwan and some Hurricanes from Amiria – the pride of Middle East.  The aerial Derby was on.  Midday was chosen and the air was incredibly bumpy from up currents apart from slipstreams, which gave the aircraft a feeling of jumping fences.  Gladiators were galloping past Valentias and catching up Bombays.  Blenheims were dashing past hovering Lysanders and on the outside of the course Hurricanes were racing past everything.  The Egyptian Mail wrote of the Air Power of Britain in the Middle East.  The powers that be were ashamed at their pitiful attempt to bluff the educated Egyptian, and the ‘Gyppy’ in the street gave an annoyed grunt as the noise of engines kept him from his afternoon siesta.)
03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
18/06/40 To Sub Flight Port Sudan.
18/06/40 06:55-07:05 Patrol; P/O Kirk.
18/06/40 09:10-09:30 Patrol; P/O Sanderson.
18/06/40 11:45-11:55 Patrol; P/O Sanderson.
18/06/40 12:35-13:15 Patrol; P/O Kirk.
18/06/40 13:25-14:00 Patrol; P/O Kirk.
19/06/40 14:15-14:45 Patrol; P/O Sanderson.
20/06/40 09:05-09:25 Patrol; P/O Sanderson.
20/06/40 10:45-11:15 Patrol; P/O Sanderson.
20/06/40 16:30-16:35; P/O Sanderson.
21/06/40 12:10-12:30 Patrol; P/O Kirk.
22/06/40 19:00-09:10 Patrol; P/O Sanderson.
22/06/40 13:45-14:05 Patrol; P/O Kirk.
23/06/40 09:30-09:55 Patrol; P/O Kirk.
24/06/40 06:10-06:45 Patrol; P/O Kirk.

31/08/40 From 112 Sq.,"B" Flight To K Flight then , Port Sudan and Khartoum,

14/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 1.50 hours

16/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Met Flight, 0.50 hours

23/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 18,000 ft, 2.35 hours

23/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 18,000 ft, 1.05 hours

24/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 18,000 ft, 2.25 hours

24/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 18,000 ft, 2.15 hours

28/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Interception - No A/C seen, 0.45 hours

17/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.5 hours

30/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Formation, 0.35 hours

06/01/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 14,000 ft, 1.50 hours

21/02/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Reconnaissance, 0.40 hours

To 117 Sqdn, after service with "K" Flight, 

20/06/41 Tire burst on landing at Khartoum, the aircraft swung and was damaged beyond repair.

.

10

.

Gladiator Mk1, universal armament mounting under lower wings, specification F.14/35

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7574

.

I can find no Gladiators with this serial number perhaps it was a Blenheim ?

Can anyone e-mail with what plane carried this serial number?

Never mind found it Fairey Battle K7574 good possibility this was one of 

No 1 SAAF Sqdn planes as they had, I think, 5 of them while "K" Flight and them where together. or 274 Sqdn? Anyone have any information on it?

16/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Formation, 0.15 hours

18/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.10  hours

18/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.25  hours

20/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, A/A Co-op, 0.40  hours

21/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol, 1.35  hours

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7604

.

On a couple of occasions I have come across

what I think are mis-labeled aircraft serials, this could 

easily happened during their repaints, this was likely L7614

22/09/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Test own new a/c

26/09/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Patrol Monkey Monkey

27/09/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Test

01/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol Buq Buq 10,000 ft   Bomber protection.  Water tanks hit;  heavy A/C fire

03/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol M.Matruh

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7608

.

On a couple of occasions I have come across

what I think are mis-labeled aircraft serials, this could 

easily happened during their repaints, this was likely L7608

05/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Delivery flight from 102 MU

08/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, , -  Patrol Mersa Matruh

09/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Mersa Matruh.  To Sidi Barrani.  Patrol Ras-El-Milh. 1 S.79 unconfirmed.   To Sidi Heneish - (4 sorties)

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7612

.

20/04/37 From Manufacturer

28/03/38 To Packing Depot.
28/04/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sq.
25/04/40 To 1 ARS.
16/05/40 Returned to 80 Sq.
13/06/40 11:34-12:20 Patrol; F/Sgt Richens.
13/06/40 17:35-18:30 Patrol; F/Sgt Richens.
14/06/40 12:15-12:55 Patrol; F/Sgt Richens.
15/06/40 11:00-11:10 Patrol; F/Sgt Richens.
15/06/40 15:50-16:35 Patrol; F/Sgt Richens.
16/06/40 13:32-14:20 Patrol; F/Sgt Vaughan.
08/08/40 1 prob. CR.42 claimed by F/O Dowding.
06/07/41 Crashed in Iraq.  (457 hrs)

On a couple of occasions I have come across

what I think are mis-lettered aircraft serials, this could 

easily happened during their repaints, the plane for Flt Lt Fraser was likely L7612, hard one to pin down

02/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn,-  Helwan to Abu Sueir

06/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn, - Abu Sueir to Assuit, to Asswan - to Wadi Halfa

07/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn, Wadi Halfa to L.G. 10 - Atbara ..landed dead prop: Oil 0.lbs O bombed 1 hr previously - Summit

09/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn, - Battle Patrol

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7615

.

26/04/37 From Manufacturer.

28/03/38 To Packing Depot.
28/04/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sq.
14/11/39 Collided with K7900 and caught fire; crashed 2m SE of Amirya; pilot (F/Sgt G. A. Brett or P/O L. G. Lamb) KIFA.

31/01/40 SOC.

On a couple of occasions I have come across

what I think are mis-lettered aircraft serials, this could 

easily happened during their repaints, due to above information this was likely L7615

23/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Buq Buq.   Patrol Sollum.   Patrol Sollum.  3 sorties

04/08/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Mersa Matruh

23/12/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn, - to Buq Buq.   Patrol Sollum.   Patrol Sollum.  3 sorties, - To Sidi Barrani.  Sidi Barrani to base.  2 sorties

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7892

.

10/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Oil test

25/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To Almara, 

Forced Landing, no oil left.    (Christmas Day!)

02/12/40 During the day the Greeks received a welcome gift from the RAF in the form of 14 Gladiators. These were all ex-RAF aircraft and were pretty well worn out, but at the time they were welcomed with open arms. The aircraft were-: K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 direct from Egypt, K7892, K7923, K7973, and K8017, L8011 from 80 Sqdn and K6135 from 112 Sqdn ( K7892 must have been a tad late getting to them, was eventually delivered to R.H.A.F)

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7893

11

XO-S

09/04/37 From Manufacturer to RAF 3 Sqdn

27/05/37 Overshot landing and hit hedge, Kenley. while with RAF 3 Sqdn

21/04/38, from 3 Sqn RAF Kenley to 73 Sqn 

04/07/38 Returned from 73 Sq. to RAF 3 Sqdn
07/05/39 From RAF 3 Sqdn To 72 Sq.

11/05/39, From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus on strength 112 Sqdn 

16/05/39 To the ME with RAF 112 Sqdn

24/07/39, Flown by Flt Lt Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

17/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

24/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

saw action with 80 Sqdn while on detachment in Greece

12/12/40 To 51 RSU

To 3 RAAF Sq.

16/01/41 13:00-13:45 Prot. patrol F/O Arthur.
16/01/41 15:45-17:45 Prot. patrol F/O Arthur.
17/01/41 07:30-08:15 Returned to Gambut after patrol previous day F/O Arthur.

07/41 from RAAF 3 Sqdn to  1411 (Met) Flight.,

Heliopolis, Egypt Met Flight formed on 14th April 1941. Redesignated 1411 (Met) Flight in January 1942. As 1411 (Met) Flight the unit was entirely manned and serviced by Egyptian personnel, although there was the odd RAF pilot in the unit. The aircraft even carried Egyptian markings. The following Gladiators were used, K6138, K7893, K7913, K7925, K7961, K7963, K8003, K8008, N5825 and N5830. In August 1943 the unit was disbanded and the surviving Gladiators were passed on to the Royal Egyptian Air Force, although at least three aircraft (K7961, N5828 and N5830) were passed onto the Royal Iraqi Air Force

20/07/42 Lost by enemy action.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7895

12

.

05/04/37 From Manufacturer to RAF 3 Sqdn

11/04/38 To 65 Sq.
31/03/39 To 8 MU.
11/05/39 To 112 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus

16/05/39 To the ME with RAF 112 Sqdn

06/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

14/06/40 Engine test for 00:30hrs; S/L A. R. G. Bax.
16/06/40 Defensive patrol for 00:50hrs. Nothing seen; S/L A. R. G. Bax.
16/06/40 Defensive patrol for 00:15hrs. Nothing seen; S/L A. R. G. Bax.

29/07/40 Hit ground during slow roll, Sidi Barrani; P/O P. R. M. Vand der Heijden injured, he did not return to 112 Sqdn

06/08/40 SOC.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7897

13

XO-S

01/04/37 From Manufacturer.
18/05/38 To 72 Sq.

11/05/39 From 72 Sq. when the unit was formed on HMS Argus

16/05/39 To the ME with RAF 112 Sqdn

19/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - No.1 F.A.

14/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Instructing Sector Recce x 2 sorties, Battle climb 31,000ft x 2 sorties

15/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Instructing No.1 F.A. x 2 sorties and instructing air to ground 3rd sortie

16/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Instructing Air to Ground x 2 sorties

17/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, ,  - No.2 F.A. x 2 sorties

18/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Aerial Combat (Lt. Masson), 2nd sortie Aerial Combat  Lt. .Colenbrander

04/07/40, Flown by Fg Off R H Smith, RAF 112 Sqdn, on a detachment with 33 Sqdn

07/40 At 33 Sq

4/7/40, shot down a Fiat C. R. 42  while with 33 Sqdn

12/10/40 Loaned to Royal Iraqi Air Force.

06/07/41, SOC as crashed  (495 hrs).

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7899

13/04/37 From Manufacturer to RAF 3 Sqdn
30/03/38 To Packing Depot
05/05/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir as reserves to 112 Sq.

20/06/40 07:35-08:40 Patrol; P/O Weller of 80 Sqdn

This aircraft reportedly went to ‘X’ Flight in 06/40 but was used on two days in December 1940 by F/L Fraser of 112 Sqdn.

21/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - to Buq Buq L.G.  Patrol Sollum.  S.B. to L.G.   L.G. Buq Buq to Base.   4 sorties

22/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To Buq Buq.  Patrol Bardia & return base... Tail Plane Hit by ac/ac fire.  No E.A.  2 sorties

01/05/41 taken on charge by Sqn Ldr Wightman from the Storage Unit hanger at Ismailia

04/05/41 it was in service with the "Habbaniyah Air Striking Force"  

07/05/41 In Egypt Wg Cdr Wightman was ready with his detachment to fly down to Habbaniya. The aircraft, two Mk Is and three Mk IIs, arrived at Habbaniya next day, The pilots involved were, Wg Cdr Wightman, Flt Lt Sir R A MacRobert, Fly Off G D F Herttage and Sgts E L Smith and W H Dunwoodie ( some of these where ex RAF 94 Sqdn Gladiators)

17/5/41 Sgt later Flight Lieutenant Leslie Ernest Smith DFC, RAF nos. 518837 (NCO); 47123 (Officer) of 94 Squadron shot down a Bf 110 at Raschid airbase. Bf110Cs from ZG76 or ZG26.On their return to base both pilots (Dunwoodie) stated that the Messerschmitts did not carry any rear gunners. It does not seem possible that Leutnant Woerner, leader of the ZG26 Kette, was killed in this action since he was killed in action in Iraq, together with his gunner, Unteroffizier Fischer.

31/5/41 K7899 left Iraq 

29/06/41 To 127 Sq.

28/10/41 To Meteorological Flight, Habbaniya
To Iraqi conversion flight.
14/04/44 Crashed on landing, Habbaniya.
31/06/44 SOC.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7904

15

.

16/04/37 From Manufacturer.

28/03/38 To Packing Depot.
28/04/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sqdn presently can find no record of service with 80 Sqdn

Date of transfer to 112 Sqdn unknown 

07/10/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol M. Matruh 15,000 ft

08/10/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Recce of new L. G.

09/10/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Recce immergency (sic) L .G. (landed next C.Os car, damaged main spar on rock). Returned to S.Heneish.  Patrol M.M. 15,000  (3 sorties)

13/10/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, ,  - Patrol M.M. 15000

21/10/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol M.M. 15000

30/10/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol

31/10/40 Shot down by CR.42s and destroyed by fire. RAF 112 Sqdn lost 5 Gladiators that day 

This was a large combat over Mersa Matruh with ten S.79s from 9o Stormo, 11 from the 14o Stormo and five from the 33o Gruppo escorted by 18 CR.42s from 13o Gruppo and 18 more from 151o Gruppo.
They were intercepted by seven Gladiators from 112 Sq. and at least four Hurricanes from 33 Sq.112 Squadron and 33 Squadron claimed 4 CR.42s, 3 S.79s, 

1 probable S.79 and 1 damaged S.79 while losing 5 Gladiators and 2 Hurricanes.

04/11/40 SOC

Sqn planes flown by 112 Sqn pilots at one time or another, A typical Middle East field shot. 80 Squadron had a detachment at Ramleh from May 1938. Reforming at Kenley in March 1937, 80 Squadron first took Gauntlets on charge, soon relinquishing them for Glads. Indeed, K7904 served with them from April 1937 in the UK and onwards to the Middle East from April 1938. Later acquired by 112 Squadron, the aircraft was shot down by CR42s on 31 October 1940. The Hind to the rear is most probably K6833 (later AO-N) of 211 Squadron, an ex-82 Squadron aircraft taken on charge 17 March 1938 and then straight to the Packing Depot and on to AD Aboukir for the Squadron. One of several Hinds sold to the Indian Air Force in April 1939

31/10/40, destroyed in combat Mersa Matruh, Shot down by CR.42s and destroyed by fire

04/11/40 SOC

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7907

16

.

06/04/37 From Manufacturer.

28/03/38 To Packing Depot.
28/04/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sq.
03/04/40 Collided with K6146 and damaged. (K6146, Collided with K7907 in formation and abandoned 20m E of Helwan)
12/06/40 15:52-16:18 Patrol; P/O E. Mason.(80 Sqdn)
15/06/40 15:50-16:35 Patrol; P/O Weller.(80 Sqdn)
22/08/40 To 51 RSU.
09/09/40 Returned to 80 Sq.

Transfer to RAF 112 Sqdn date unknown

10/40 From 112 Sq. to 4 Service Flying Training School, ‘C’ Flight became the Habbaniyah Striking Force between 30 April and 6 June 1941 which may have made up the reinforcements flown in on the 19 April 1941
29/06/41 To 127 Sq.

01/02/42 To Iraqi Conversion Flight.
11/08/42 To ‘X’ Flight Abadan

21/09/42 Swung on landing and wing hit ground, Abadan

06/12/42 To Royal Iraqi Air Force.

Fate unknown

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7914

17

.

22/04/37 From Manufacturer to RAF 80 Sqdn

28/03/38 To Packing Depot.
28/04/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sqdn.

12/10/40 To Iraq

Date of transfer to RAF 112 Sqdn not known

28/02/41 1 CR.42 and 1 G.50 claimed by F/L Fry RAF 112 Sqdn, Greece

06/06/41 To ‘X’ Flight Amman

15/06/41 Damaged by Vichy D.520s; F/O Watson safe.

01/09/42 To 1413 (Met) Flight

26/02/43 To 1565 (Met) Flight

25/03/43 Engine cut after take-off; crash-landed 2m S of Beirut

01/05/43 SOC

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7916

all information to date points to 80 Sqdn

.

02/05/37 From Manufacturer

28/03/38 To Packing Depot.
28/04/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sqdn
13/06/40 11:34-12:20 Patrol; P/O A. H. Cholmeley.80 Sqdn
13/06/40 17:35-18:30 Patrol; P/O A. H. Cholmeley. 80 Sqdn
15/06/40 15:50-16:35 Patrol; F/L Pattle. 80 Sqdn
16/06/40 13:32-14:20 Patrol; P/O Stuckey. 80 Sqdn
16/06/40 18:45-19:05 Patrol; F/L Pattle. 80 Sqdn
08/08/40 1 CR.42 claimed by F/O Wykeham-Barnes. 80 Sqdn
15/09/40 Damaged by return fire from S.79, dived into sea 15m NW of Sidi Barrani; P/O A. H. Cholmeley 80 Sqdn KIA.

25/09/40 SOC.

Above information leads to a mis- lettered L7619 for following entry

11/12/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol Buq Buq - Sofafi

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7922

18

.

14/05/37 Allocated to DTD at Glosters.
02/06/37 To DTD at Faireys for propeller trials.

18/08/37 To 72 Sq.

From 72 Sq. ,ex A. & A E E 1938

11/05/39 To HMS Argus to form 112 Sq.

16/05/39 To the ME with unit.
07/11/39 Damaged in a heavy landing

in RAAF 3 Sqdn at LG 74 by 17/12/40  From 112 Sq

01/11/41 To SAAF, Transferred to South African Air Force for evaluation 

Fate Unknown

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7923

.

05/05/37 From Manufacturer to 54 Squadron, Hornchurch, April 1937 to April 1939.

07/04/38 To Packing Depot
05/05/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sq.

24/04/40 To 1 ARS.
Returned to 80 Sq.
12/06/40 15:52-16:18 Patrol; P/O J. Lancaster. 80 Sqdn
13/06/40 11:34-12:36 Patrol; P/O J. Lancaster. 80 Sqdn
15/06/40 15:50-16:35 Patrol; P/O J. Lancaster. 80 Sqdn
16/06/40 11:08-12:15 Patrol; P/O J. Lancaster. 80 Sqdn
04/08/40 Damaged in combat with CR.32s; P/O Lancaster safe and the aircraft repaired but not used by the 80 Squadron any more

08/08/40 To 51 RSU.
15/08/40 To 103 MU.

05/11/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Acceptance Test.  Aboukir - Heneish. Patrol. 3 sorties

02/12/40 To Royal Hellenic Air Force

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7932  

19

.

19/05/37 From Manufacturer to RAF 54 Sqdn

06/04/39 To 603 Sq.

15/10/39 To 152 Sq

28/11/39 To 5 MU.
08/02/41 To 52 MU for shipment to the Middle East.
14/03/41 To Royal Hellenic Air Force Training Squadron, Aqir, 

some source have it as 11/03/41, Further Gladiators were received when K7932 and K7984 were handed over by the RAF. These had recently belonged to 112 Sqdn.

20/06/42 Swung on landing at Aqir 

Returned to RAF and transferred to 1413 MET Flight dates unknown unaccounted history between 20/6/42 to whenever it went to 1413 met Flight

08/08/43 To 135 MU.
01/09/43 To 1565 (Met) Flight

Fate Unknown (From available records it is estimated that the Greeks operated 25 MkIs and up to 10 MkIIs. The serial range was from Delta 181 to Delta 204. As can be seen this does not cover all the Gladiators that were issued. It may be that towards the end of the Greek Campaign not all Gladiators received Greek serials. It is not known how many Gladiators served with the Greek Training Flight but one of them was K7932)

Sqdn planes flown by 112 Sqdn pilots at one time or another in their careers

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7937

.

28/05/37 From Manufacturer to 65 Squadron, Hornchurch, June 1937 to April 1939

15/10/37 To 54 Sq.

05/04/38 To Packing Depot
05/05/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sq.

11/06/40 04:30-05:55 Dawn patrol; F/Sgt Vaughan. 80 Sqdn
12/06/40 15:52-16:18 Patrol; Sgt Gregory.80 Sqdn
13/06/40 11:34-12:36 Patrol; Sgt Gregory. 80 Sqdn
15/06/40 15:50-16:35 Patrol; Sgt J. C. Hulbert. 80 Sqdn
16/06/40 11:08-12:15 Patrol; Sgt Gregory. 80 Sqdn

13/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To Heneish.  To Kenayis.  2 sorties

25/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn - To Heneish

06/42 To Alsace Free French Fighter Flight.

26/06/42 Force-landed at Assiut

To 58 RSU.
No further trace.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7938 does NOT appear to have RAF 112 Sqdn history

20

.

28/05/37 From Manufacturer to RAF 65 Sqdn

15/10/37 To 54 Sq

30/07/39 To 603 Sq

27/10/39 To 141 Sq.

27/11/39 Overshot forced landing in bad weather and hit wall on ferry flight, Auldhouse, Lanarkshire

08/12/39 SOC

Sqdn planes flown by 112 Sqdn pilots at one time or another in their careers

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7939

21

.

01/06/37 From Manufacturer 65 Squadron Hornchurch, June 1937 to April 1939

04/11/38 Collided with K8029 during formation loop, landed OK and ROS.

21/04/39 To 8 MU.
11/05/39 To HMS Argus to form 112 Sq.

16/05/39 To the ME with unit

08/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - C.R. Test

25/07/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Helwan to Gerawla

27/07/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Interception Monkey-Monkey

21/08/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol, covering troops moving

30/08/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn,- to Sidi Bahraini

31/08/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn,- Patrol Ras-El-Milh 20,000 ft, to Gerawla, to Helwan - 48 hrs leave (3 sorties)

18/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol over fleet. Sidi B.  -  HMS cruiser KENT damaged

21/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Standing Patrol Mersa Matruh

23/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Sidi B. Bomber defense

28/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - To Helwan

30/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - To Sidi Heneish

08/11/40 SOC

Was the first production Gladiator with Browning under wing guns

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7944

.

01/06/37, From Manufacturer to 65 Sqdn, Hornchurch, June 1937 to April 1939
25/04/39, To 8 MU.
20/10/39,  To 20 MU.
11/39,  Fom From 65 Sq. To 12 Group Pool

06/03/40, From 12 Group Pool to 5 OTU

06/03/40 , From 5 OTU., To the Middle East., To 112 Sqdn.

12/01/40,  Overshot landing and hit fence, Helwan, and damaged beyond repair (Possibly F/O Scott as he was posted out shortly after in Feb 1940)

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7948

22

.

Prior service with RAF 615 Sqdn coded KW-M, December 1939, at Vitry, France.

On Strength June 1939 Helwan, From 112 Sqdn, "B" Flight, To K Flight then, used at Port Sudan and Khartoum, July 1940

03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
18/06/40 To Sub Flight Port Sudan.
18/06/40 09:10-09:25 Patrol; P/O Hamlyn.
18/06/40 11:45-11:55 Patrol; P/O Hamlyn.
19/06/40 14:15-14:45 Patrol; P/O Hamlyn, Hit concrete block on landing and rendered unserviceable.
Repaired and Returned On Strength (ROS)

31/08/40 ‘B’ Flight redesignated to ‘K’ Flight  

20/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 2.15 hours

24/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15,000 ft, 1.50 hours

26/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 1.30 hours

28/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.10 hours

21Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 2 S79, 1.00 hours, claim half shared,  In the early afternoon of 21 November two S.79s raided Port Sudan. The cruiser HMS Carlisle opened fire and two Gladiators of 'K' Flight were scrambled to intercept. Flying Officer Green and Pilot Officer G. B. Smither attacked the bombers at 16000 feet, hitting both, but Green’s fighter was hit and damaged by return fire forcing him to retire. The gunners in the S.79s claimed to have shot down both Gladiators.

??/02/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Reconnaissance, 0.50 hours (?? sometime between 11 and 21 February)

15/03/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Local Flying, 0.20 hours

22/03/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol, 1.00 hours

24/03/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Local Flying, 0.40 hours

No further details known at this time

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7954

23

XO-

15/06/37 From Manufacturer, to 73 Squadron, Debden, June 1937 to November 1937. Digby, November 1937 to July 1938

04/07/38 to RAF  3 Sqdn

29/08/38 Flown by P/O Billy Drake his first time flying a Gladiator, what a coincidence, at the time he was with B Flight of No 1 Sqdn. at Tangmere.

07/05/39 To 72 Sqdn, Tangmere, March 1937 to May 1937. Church Fenton, June 1937 to April 1939. The unit also operated Gladiators for two weeks in March 1940 from Acklington on the Northumberland coast due to the bad state of the airfield at this time. Code letters: "RN".

11/05/39 To HMS Argus to form 112 Sqdn

28/07/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

01/11/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

10/11/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

22/11/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

29/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Formation Flying

10/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, No. 1 F. A

24/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Aerobatics

24/05/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, X Country canal Zone

Date of transfer unknown  to 33 Squadron, Ismailia, February 1938 to September 1938. Heliopolis, September 1938 to October 1938. Ramleh, Mersah Matruh and Helwan, September 1938 to October 1940. Over the period February to June 1940, some Gauntlets reinforced the Gladiators.Code letters: These were initially "SO". In 1939 they were changed to "TN" and finally, with the outbreak of war, to "NW".

12/10/40, to Royal Iraqi Air Force on loan

06/06/41, Returned to ‘X’ Flight Amman 
15/07/41 Hit obstruction while landing at LG H4.and destroyed beyond repair (alternative date is 05/07/41). while with X’ Flight Amman.

01/12/41,  SOC

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7963

.

.

New aircraft ex works, 6/37

15/06/37 From Manufacturer to 73 Squadron, used at both Debden, June 1937 to November 1937. Digby, November 1937 to July 1938.

11/06/38 Hit by K6145 while taxiing at Sutton Bridge., ROS.

01/11/38 to RAF  3 Sqdn, used at Kenley, March 1937 to March 1938 and July 1938 to May 1939. Biggin Hill, May 1939 to July 1939.Code letters: "OP".

07/05/39 to 72 Sqdn, , Tangmere, March 1937 to May 1937. used at Church Fenton, June 1937 to April 1939. The unit also operated Gladiators for two weeks in March 1940 from Acklington on the Northumberland coast due to the bad state of the airfield at this time.Code letters: "RN".

11/05/39 To HMS Argus to form 112 Sqdn

28/07/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn  

08/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn 

06/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Air Drill

08/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Air Drill

17/05/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, No.1 F.A.

31/10/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Interception (23 S.79, 18 CR42) - 1.S.79 confirmed. (F/L Schwab 2.CR42. F/O Ackworth 1.CR42. F/O Clarke - missing  

Transferred to RAAF 3 Squadron date unknown (reasonable to suspect it was part of the batch transferred to LG 74 on or about 17/12/40)

16/01/41 13:00-13:45 Prot. patrol F/O Rawlinson., RAAF 3 Squadron 
16/01/41 15:45-17:45 Prot. patrol F/O Rawlinson., RAAF 3 Squadron 
17/01/41 07:30-08:15 Returned to Gambut after patrol previous day F/O Rawlinson.,RAAF 3 Squadron 
21/01/41 10:00-12:00 Prot. patrol F/O Rawlinson., RAAF 3 Squadron 
21/01/41 14:30-16:30 Prot. patrol F/O Rawlinson., RAAF 3 Squadron 
22/01/41 10:20-11:10 Schooner set on fire on the sea by F/O Rawlinson., RAAF 3 Squadron 
22/01/41 15:30-17:35 Prot. patrol F/O Rawlinson., RAAF 3 Squadron 
23/01/41 07:00-09:05 Prot. patrol F/O Rawlinson., RAAF 3 Squadron 
24/01/41 10:00-12:00 Prot. patrol F/L D. Campbell., RAAF 3 Squadron 
24/01/41 15:30-17:55 Prot. patrol F/O Trimble., RAAF 3 Squadron 
25/01/41 07:30-08:45 Prot. patrol F/L Rawlinson; 2 G.50s damaged, this was one of 5 Gladiators bounced by 5 Italian G.50bis fighters with the pilot being F/L Alan Rawlinson (386) who managed to claim 2 G.50bis fighters damaged

3 Sqdn Patrols continued until the end of the January, 1941, Enemy aircraft were spotted on several occasions but no further combats took place. The beginning of February brought with it replacements for the Gladiators, as the first Hurricanes began to arrive. During their short service at the front 3 RAAF Squadron fought five conclusive actions with the enemy and claimed twelve aircraft shot down for the loss of five Gladiators and two pilots

to 267 Squadron, which was reformed on 20 August 1940 at Heliopolis, Egypt, by re-designating the Communication Unit, Heliopolis.267 Sqdn used Anson Mk I from Aug 1941 to Jun 1942, Gladiators where with 267 Sqdn from January 1941 to June 1942 Code letters: "KW". It is not known of any codes were used on the Gladiators (they where I have seen the photo, Rob. KW T and KW R serials not known) (Known Gladiators in 267 Sqdn service where K7925, K7963, and N5825, (KW-T is thought to be N5825))

And now so have you :-) Photo supplied by Military Aircraft Photos

?/07/41 to 1411 (Met) Flight

01/08/43, SOC

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7969

26

XO-N then,

RT-N

with 112 Sqdn

22/06/37 From Manufacturer

87 Squadron Debden, June 1937 to July 1938

01/06/38 To 85 Sqdn

85 Squadron,  Debden, June 1938 to September 1938.
Very briefly, before re-equipping with Hurricanes, this squadron had a few Gladiators (ex-87 Sqdn.) on strength but it never became operational and carried no distinctive markings.

05/10/38 To 72 Sqdn

10/03/39,  Engine cut and hit hedge in forced landing, Ledsham, Yorks, pilot unknown 72 Sqdn

72 Squadron Tangmere, March 1937 to May 1937. Church Fenton, June 1937 to April 1939. The unit also operated Gladiators for two weeks in March 1940 from Acklington on the Northumberland coast due to the bad state of the airfield at this time.
Code letters: "RN".

11/05/39 To HMS Argus to form 112 Sqdn

On Strength RAF 112 Sqdn, June 1939 Helwan, originally an "C" Flight plane it was lost in service with "B" Flight which by that time was formally known as "K"Flight

23/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

24/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

09/11/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

07/02/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Formation Practice

13/02/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - F.C.A. No. 1 Leading

06/05/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Air to Ground firing

07/05/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Air Defense exercise

Port Sudan and Khartoum, July 1940

03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
20/06/40 09:30-09:40 To firing range for gun tests; Sgt Woodward.
21/06/40 05:00-05:10 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; Sgt Woodward.
21/06/40 09:00-09:10 Return to Summit; Sgt Woodward.
22/06/40 04:15-04:25 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; Sgt Woodward.
22/06/40 07:20-07:30 Return to Summit; Sgt Woodward.
24/06/40 16:20-16:30 To Erkowit LG for dusk standby; Sgt Woodward.
24/06/40 18:00-18:10 Return to Summit; Sgt Woodward

31/08/40 ‘B’ Flight redesignated to ‘K’ Flight  

06/11/40, Shot down by Fiat CR42`s near Gallabat/Metemma,  Plt Off Kirk baled out. during the Sudan offensive to capture the Italian fort at Gallabat

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7971

.

Photo supplied by DaveW a contact from RAF Commands Forum

02/07/37 From Manufacturer to 87 Sqdn

87 Squadron, stationed at Debden, June 1937 to July 1938

09/07/37 Undershot landing and hit hedge, Debden., ROS.

28/03/38 To Packing Depot
26/04/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sqdn

08/08/40 2 CR.42s claimed by F/L Pattle 80 Sqdn .

28/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Patrol Fuka 20,000  E.A.   2nd sortie - test.

01/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Eraklion, Crete 

02/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To Eleusis, Greece

06/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - to Larissa

delivered to R.H.A.F.

They flew back in, Bombay L5811 pilot unknown - to Tatoi on 06/12/40, to Eraklion Crete on 07/12/40 then back to Sidi Heneish Egypt on 07/12/40

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7973

27

YK-Y with 80 Sqdn

03/07/37 From Manufacturer

87 Squadron, stationed at Debden, June 1937 to July 1938

28/03/38 To Packing Depot
05/05/38 To Aircraft Depot Aboukir for 80 Sqdn

26/03/40 Lost power on attempted overshoot at night and hit ground avoiding hangar at Amriya; P/O G. T. Baynham, 80 Sqdn,  safe and the aircraft repaired. 

31/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, 1 SM79 Damaged over Mesa Matruh

01/11/40, Patrol, Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn,

2/12/40, During the day the Greeks received a welcome gift from the RAF in the form of 14 Gladiators. These were all ex-RAF aircraft and were pretty well worn out, but at the time they were welcomed with open arms. The aircraft were-: K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 direct from Egypt, K7892, K7923, K7973 "YK -Y", K8017and  L8011 “YK-O”. To Royal Hellenic Air Force on 15/12/40 from 80 Sqdn and K6135 from 112 Sqdn

probably lost in Greece

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7974

28

XO-O then, RT-O

87 Squadron Debden, June 1937 to July 1938

72 Squadron Tangmere, March 1937 to May 1937. Church Fenton, June 1937 to April 1939. The unit also operated Gladiators for two weeks in March 1940 from Acklington on the Northumberland coast due to the bad state of the airfield at this time.
Code letters: "RN".

wore 87 Squadron, colours in 1938, with a 601 Sqdn "Flying Sword" painted on its rudder along with "Popeye The Sailor man" painted on the left rudder side, picture at, http://flyingsword.messofthedamned.org/601%20Doc%20Williams/13%20Gauntlet%203.html

From 87 Sqn "B" Flight 8/38 then to 72 Sqn, then to

112 Sqn "B" Flight On Strength June 1939 Helwan, 

03/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

10/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

19/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

05/03/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Ae robatics

11/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Army Co-op Exercise

03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
20/06/40 10:00-10:10 To firing range for gun tests; Sgt Woodward.
23/06/40 14:30-14:40 To firing range to test guns; F/O Whittington.
24/06/40 16:20-16:30 To Erkowit LG for dusk standby; P/O Green.
24/06/40 18:00-18:10 Return to Summit; P/O Green.
01/08/40 1 Ca.133 claimed by P/O Green.
22/12/40 Damaged beyond repair in take-off accident and crash. Pilot unknown as yet

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7977

29

RT-P

From 87 Sqdn "B" Flight, 8/38 then to 72 Sqdn, then 112 Sqdn "B" Flight On Strength June 1939 Helwan,

23/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

05/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Interception of Blenheims 

16/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, No.1 F.A.

17/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, No.1 F.A.

25/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Visit Canal L.Gs

30/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, No.3 & No.5 F.A.

28/05/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Wadi Natrun L.G.

03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.

To ‘K’ Flight. ( ’K’ Flight, Formed on 1 September 1940 Summit, Sudan, by re-designating ‘B’ Flight of 112 Squadron. Disbanded 1 April 1941 at Aqir, Palestine to become 250 Squadron) 
18/06/40 04:00-04:10 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
18/06/40 07:30-07:40 Return to Summit; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
18/06/40 16:30-00:10 To Erkowit LG for evening standby; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
20/06/40 06:00-06:10 Returned to Summit from Erkowit; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
20/06/40 09:00-09:10 To firing range for gun tests; F/O Whittington, "K" Flight,
20/06/40 09:15-09:25 To firing range for gun tests; F/O Whittington, "K" Flight,
21/06/40 11:15-11:30 Weather test; F/O Whittington, "K" Flight,
21/06/40 16:15-16:25 To Erkowit LG for dusk standby; F/O Whittington, "K" Flight,
21/06/40 18:00-18:10 Return to Summit; F/O Whittington, "K" Flight,
22/06/40 08:20-08:40 Patrol; F/O Whittington, "K" Flight,
22/06/40 16:15-16:25 To Erkowit LG for dusk standby; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
22/06/40 18:20-18:30 Return to Summit; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
24/06/40 04:30-04:40 To Erkowit LG for dawn standby; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
24/06/40 06:45-07:00 Patrol; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
24/06/40 07:20-07:30 Return to Summit; P/O Chapman, "K" Flight,
24/06/40 17:15-18:00 Co-operation with 223 Sq.on attacks; F/O Whittington, "K" Flight,

31/08/40 ‘B’ Flight redesignated to ‘K’ Flight  

18/09/1940, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15'000ft 2.05 hours

20/09/1940, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15'000ft 2.05 hours

22/09/1940, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15'000ft 2.35 hours

18/10/1940, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol 0.25 hours

06/11/40 Shot down by CR.42s in the Gallabat area; F/O J. M. Hayward, "K" Flight KIA

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7978

30

.

72 Squadron, Tangmere, March 1937 to May 1937. Church Fenton, June 1937 to April 1939. The unit also operated Gladiators for two weeks in March 1940 from Acklington on the Northumberland coast due to the bad state of the airfield at this time.
Code letters: "RN".

87 Squadron, Debden, June 1937 to July 1938

25/07/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

22/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

10/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

05/02/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - F.C.A. no.2

08/02/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, F.C.A. No.1

10/02/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, F.C.A. No.1

19/03/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Air Drill

22/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn,- Battle Interception

RAF 112 Sqdn service before going to X’ Flight Abadan.

Then to 1413 Flight,

22/10/42 Crashed at Nicosia while flown by W/O Lavalee.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7983

31

.possibly XO-S

56 Squadron
North Weald, July 1937 to May 1938

No. 3 Sqdn, Kenley 1937-38

25 Squadron
Hawkinge, June 1938 to September 1938. Northolt, September 1938 to October 1938. Hawkinge, October to December 1938.
Code letters: "ZK".

  Then to 607 Squadron, Code letters: "ZK" Usworth, December 1938 

Unknown service details

1413 (Met) Flight
15/05/42 Crashed at Nicosia

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7984

32

.

73 Squadron, Debden, June 1937 to November 1937. Digby, November 1937 to July 1938

615 Squadron, Kenley, June 1939 to September 1939. Croydon, September 1939 to October 1939. France, November 1939 to May 1940.
Code letters: "RR", changed to "KW" in September 1939.

11/03/41, Greek Air Force, Further Gladiators were received when K7932 and K7984 were handed over by the RAF. These had recently belonged to 112 Sqdn,  K7984 was returned to RAF and used by 261 Sqdn then 237 Sqdn. 

14/04/42, Aircraft broke up in the air over Tel Kotchek, Iran?

Gladiator 

Mk I

K7986

33

73 Squadron, Debden, June 1937 to November 1937. Digby, November 1937 to July 1938

RAF 3 Squadron, Kenley, March 1937 to March 1938 and July 1938 to May 1939. Biggin Hill, May 1939 to July 1939.
Code letters: "OP".

72 Squadron, Tangmere, March 1937 to May 1937. Church Fenton, June 1937 to April 1939. The unit also operated Gladiators for two weeks in March 1940 from Acklington on the Northumberland coast due to the bad state of the airfield at this time.
Code letters: "RN".

Factory Works 1/38  

On Strength June 1939 Helwan  

17/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

24/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

16/11/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

07/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

11/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

"B" Flight 112 Sqdn then to  to K Flight,  

Port Sudan and Khartoum, July 1940

03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
20/06/40 09:45-09:55 To firing range for gun tests; P/O Chapman.
21/06/40 16:15-16:25 To Erkowit LG for dusk standby; P/O Green.
21/06/40 18:00-18:10 Return to Summit; P/O Green.
22/06/40 08:20-08:40 Patrol; P/O Green

31/08/40 ‘B’ Flight redesignated to ‘K’ Flight  

12/09/1940, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, to Port Sudan 0.25 hours

13/09/1940, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol 15'000ft 2.30 hours

15/9/40, Crashed on take off, Sudan, unknown pilot

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8008  

34

.

RAF 3 Squadron
Kenley, March 1937 to March 1938 and July 1938 to May 1939. Biggin Hill, May 1939 to July 1939.
Code letters: "OP".

RAF 112 Sqdn  On strength with 112 Sqdn Delta Defense Force Helwan 1939

80 Squadron, Henlow, March 1937 to June 1937. Debden, June 1937 to April 1938. Egypt, May 1938 to November 1940. Greece, November 1940 to April 1941.
Code letters: "OD", as war approached the code letters were changed first to "GK" and finally to "YK".

12/06/40 15:52-16:18 Patrol; F/O Kettlewell. 80 Sq
13/06/40 11:34-12:36 Patrol; F/O Kettlewell.
15/06/40 15:50-16:35 Patrol; F/O Kettlewell.
16/06/40 11:08-12:15 Patrol; F/O Kettlewell.

3 RAAF Squadron, Helwan and Gambut, September 1940 to January 1941.
Operated under RAF control using mainly ex-112, 33 and 80 Sqn Gladiators. Until December 1940, was mixed with one flight of Lysanders and four Gauntlets.
Code letters: "NW".

There was also an L8008  which had been upgraded to Mk II standard at No 27 MU, January, 1939

Cosigned for shipment to RAF Storage Depot, Aboukir, Egypt in March, 1939, L8006-L8008 remained in Storage, eventually used as spares (Francis K Mason, my interpretation is used as spare planes not for spare parts, as all 3 planes where actively used)

L8008 was actually used by 3 Sqdn, RAAF and SOC 01/41

3 Sqdn Patrols continued until the end of the January, 1941, Enemy aircraft were spotted on several occasions but no further combats took place. The beginning of February brought with it replacements for the Gladiators, as the first Hurricanes began to arrive. During their short service at the front 3 RAAF Squadron fought five conclusive actions with the enemy and claimed twelve aircraft shot down for the loss of five Gladiators and two pilots

K8008, on strength with 1411 Flt, Heliopolis, 1942-43

Heliopolis, Egypt Met Flight formed on 14th April 1941. Redesignated 1411 (Met) Flight in January 1942. As 1411 (Met) Flight the unit was entirely manned and serviced by Egyptian personnel, although there was the odd RAF pilot in the unit. The aircraft even carried Egyptian markings. The following Gladiators were used, K6138, K7893, K7913, K7925, K7961, K7963, K8003, K8008, N5825 and N5830. In August 1943 the unit was disbanded and the surviving Gladiators were passed on to the Royal Egyptian Air Force, although at least three aircraft (K7961, N5828 and N5830) were passed onto the Royal Iraqi Air Force

26/01/43 K8008, Force-landed at El Adem

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8013

35

.

54 Squadron, Hornchurch, April 1937 to April 1939

K8013, 0n 33 Sqn strength Ismailia 1938, L8012-L8028 were sold to Egypt and delivered in April 1939 were they are believed to have been re- numbered with Egyptian serials K1331-K1348. Some of these were subsequently taken back on RAF M.E. charge. 

Gladiator Mk 1, L8025, with Egyptian markings,

 With 5 Sqdn Royal Egyptian Air Force still carries the RAF fin flash large carburetor filter box and the watts propeller

02/12/40. Given to Royal Hellenic Air Force delivered ?/5/41, From Sidi Haneish in Egypthttp://www.geocities.com/ww2greece/0303.html

Under Lt. Col E. Kelaides, Commanding Officer Greek Fighter Command.

21st Mira (Kalampaka)
28 October 1940

Commanded by Captain J. Kellas, with 12 PZL-24 Fighters, and based at Kalampaka. Three Aircraft were detached under 1st Lt. J. Sakellariou and based at Yanina. 21 Mira shared a base with 80 and 112 Sqn. RAF as part of "Advanced Operations Wing West" during February 1941.Only about 8 of the squadron's aircraft were actually operational (There were 24 Operational PZL-24's out of a total of 36 in three squadrons).
02 December 1940
Squadron was withdrawn from frontline to re-equip, its remaining PZL-24's being handed over to 22 and 23 Mire. The Squadron received 14 Gloster Gladiator Biplane Fighters from Britain, 8 arrived on 02 December from No.112 Squadron, RAF, based in Egypt, and were followed shortly after by 5 from No.80 Squadron, RAF (in Greece), and finally by 1 more from No.112 Squadron in Egypt. 

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8018

36

.

33 Squadron, Ismailia, February 1938 to September 1938. Heliopolis, September 1938 to October 1938. Ramleh, Mersah Matruh and Helwan, September 1938 to October 1940. Over the period February to June 1940, some Gauntlets reinforced the Gladiators.
Code letters: These were initially "SO". In 1939 they were changed to "TN" and finally, with the outbreak of war, to "NW".on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8019

37

.

R.F.A. Storage and Maintenance Unit, Aboukir 1940-41, delivered to Greek Air Force ?/4/41 fate unknown

18/07/40  Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser  RAF 112 Sqdn, Search for F/O Worcester - forced Landed Air Lock - Tony dead. Returned to Helwan

03/08/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Gerawla to Sidi Barrani.  Patrol Bardia, Lybia, protecting bombers, no E.A..  Sidi Barrani to Gerawla (3 sorties)

10/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Mersa Matruh  2 S.79s John Lapsley, Hurricane

14/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - to 'Z' Landing Ground.  To 'Y' Landing Ground.  Patrol Sollum. Italian occup.  (3 sorties)

15/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Sidi Barrani - Interception and burst into S.79 losing height - unconfirmed

16/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - To Sidi Heneish

17/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

02/11/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol

03/11/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol

05/11/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol

?/04/41, To R.H.A.F 

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8021

38

Prior service in 56 Sqdn North Weald, July 1937 to May 1938 then to 80 Sqdn, Greece, November 1940 to April 1941. and was probably turned over to 112 Sqdn Late Feb or early March when 80 Sqdn converted to Hurricanes

11/06/40 08:10-09:20 Search and patrol; P/O Sykes. 80 Sqdn
11/06/40 12:30-13:06 Patrol; Sgt J. H. Clarke.80 Sqdn
12/06/40 04:25-05:40 Dawn patrol; Sgt J. H. Clarke, 80 Sqdn
15/06/40 09:55-11:10 Patrol; Sgt J. H. Clarke, 80 Sqdn
16/06/40 09:30-10:45 Patrol; Sgt J. H. Clarke.,80 Sqdn
16/06/40 11:33-12:24 Patrol; Sgt J. H. Clarke, 80 Sqdn

19/06/40 04:25-05:40 Dawn patrol; Sgt J. H. Clarke.,80 Sqdn
22/06/40 16:25-17:15 Patrol; Sgt J. H. Clarke.,80 Sqdn

Probably handed over to RAF 112 Sqdn when 80n Sqdn got their Hurricanes

17/04/41   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Phaleron & Kephesia

17/04/41   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn,, To Kosani

22/04/41   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Flown to Heraklion, Crete (log book entry to Eraklion.  Crete)

Fate Unknown

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8024

39

Had prior service with 73 Sqdn, Debden, June 1937 to November 1937. Digby, November 1937 to July 1938. 

Then RAF 3 Sqdn Biggin Hill, May 1939 to May 1939

On Strength June 1939 Helwan RAF 112 Sqdn,  

14/06/39, pilot unknown at this time, Was the first 112 Sqdn Gladiator flown from Helwan 

30/06/39,  Flt Lt Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn,

15/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

16/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

17/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

18/08/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

12/09/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

30/10/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

22/12/39, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn

11/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Abu Sueir and Helwan

17/01/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Faiyum and return

02/02/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Aboukir - Heliopolis - Helio - Helwan

12/04/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn,- to Amiriya

Fate unknown,  possibility it was Flown by Acworth and written off after battle 17/08/40

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8025

40

.

On Strength June 1939 Helwan 112 Sqn, on 33 Sqdn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40 33 Squadron, Ismailia, February 1938 to September 1938. Heliopolis, September 1938 to October 1938. Ramleh, Mersah Matruh and Helwan, September 1938 to October 1940. Over the period February to June 1940, some Gauntlets reinforced the Gladiators.
Code letters: These were initially "SO". In 1939 they were changed to "TN" and finally, with the outbreak of war, to "NW

Gladiator Mk1

06/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Gun test x 2 sorties

07/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Bir Kenayis.  Bomber protection. Sollum. 2 sorties

11/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - to Helwan

12/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To Burg el Arab

21/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Dead Prop,  Forced Landing S. H. (meaning Sidi Hamish or South of Helwan ?)

Then Port Sudan and Khartoum, July 1940, 

Fate unknown

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8031

41

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

29/6/40 Flown by Peter Wickham RAF 112 Sqdn, 1Ro37 and 1 CR 32 claimed by  while attached to 33 Sqn, 

17/09/40 Flown by Plt Off H. W. "Jerry" Harrison, RAF 112 Sqdn, 37th sortie, 13:05 hours patrol over Sidi Barrani 1 CR 32 shot down

08/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - R/T and Gun Tests

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8047

42

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8048

43

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40, 33 Squadron, Ismailia, February 1938 to September 1938. Heliopolis, September 1938 to October 1938. Ramleh, Mersah Matruh and Helwan, September 1938 to October 1940. Over the period February to June 1940, some Gauntlets reinforced the Gladiators.
Code letters: These were initially "SO". In 1939 they were changed to "TN" and finally, with the outbreak of war, to "NW".

From 33 to 112 Sqdn dates unknown

in RAAF 3 Sqdn LG 74 by 17/12/40  From 112 Sq

23/01/41 07:00-09:05 Prot. patrol F/O J. M. Davidson RAAF 3 Sqdn

From RAAF 3 Sqdn to RAF 127 Sqdn date unknown

From 127 Sqdn to Iraq Coversion Flight date unknown

Fate Unknown

Served in "X" Flight throughout May and June 1941 ?? not confirmed yet

Gladiator 

Mk I

K8054

44

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7608

45

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Date of transfer to RAF 112 Sqdn unknown

05/06/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Delivery flight from 102 MU

08/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, , -  Patrol Mersa Matruh

09/09/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Mersa Matruh.  To Sidi Barrani.  Patrol Ras-El-Milh. 1 S.79 unconfirmed.   To Sidi Heneish - (4 sorties)  

31/10/40 Shot down near Mersa Matruh.  one of five RAF 112 Sqdn planes lost that day

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7609

46

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7611

47

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

29/08/40   Flt Lt .J. F. Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Mersa Matruh

28/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Acceptance test Almaza

29/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - To Abu Sueir

02/11/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Gun Test x 2 sorties

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7612

48

possibly coded RT F not confirmed

33 Squadron, Ismailia, February 1938 to September 1938. Heliopolis, September 1938 to October 1938. Ramleh, Mersah Matruh and Helwan, September 1938 to October 1940. Over the period February to June 1940, some Gauntlets reinforced the Gladiators.

On Strength June 1939 Helwan,112 Sqdn, "B" Flight  

02/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn

06/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn

07/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn. has this listed as K7612  unable to find a K7612 I have listed it here as L7612  Landing Ground 10 to Atbara.... Landed - Dead Prop.  Oil , 0.lbs.  RAF bombed 1 hour previously

09/07/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn 

Port Sudan and Khartoum, July 1940

 02/06/40 From ‘K’ Flight. bent wing landing at Aswan Plt Off Wolsey was flying it. on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40 Was used at Port Sudan. 

 06/11/40, Damaged by Fiat CR42`s and crash landed at Hawaton, Sudan,  Flying Officer Jack Hamlyn DFC, RAF no. 40109 "K Flight", during the Sudan offensive to capture the Italian fort at Gallabat, later back to 112 Sqn

06/11/40, (adding to the confusion) Damaged by CR.42s and crash-landed at Heaton, Sudan (other sources,  the third was forced down at El Hasiara, some 70 miles from its base.; P/O Hamlyn safe.

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7614

49

.

"B" Flight which by then was called "K" Flight, on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh

From Flt Fraser's log book listed as K7604 see above in red

22/09/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Test own new a/c

26/09/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, - Patrol Monkey Monkey

27/09/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Test

01/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol Buq Buq 10,000 ft   Bomber protection.  Water tanks hit;  heavy A/C fire

03/10/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol M.Matruh

06/11/40, Flt Lt Kenneth Howard Savage, 112 Sqdn, K Flight, Shot down, KIA, during the Sudan offensive to capture the Italian fort at Gallabat. Shot down by Fiat CR42`s from 412 Squadriglia led by unit the unit Commander Capitano Raffi near Gallabat (called, Metemma, by Abyssinians)

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7615

50

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

To RAF 112 Sqdn date unknown

From Flt Fraser's log book listed as K7615 see above in red

23/12/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Buq Buq.   Patrol Sollum.   Patrol Sollum.  3 sorties

04/08/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol Mersa Matruh

23/12/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF 112 Sqdn, - to Buq Buq.   Patrol Sollum.   Patrol Sollum.  3 sorties, - To Sidi Barrani.  Sidi Barrani to base.  2 sorties

31/12/40 From 112 Sq. to RAAF 3 Sqdn LG 74

RAAF serial (K7615) or typo for L7615.
Gladiator Mk.I.
21/01/41 07:00-09:00 Prot. patrol F/O J. H. Saunders.
21/01/41 11:30-13:30 Prot. patrol F/O J. H. Saunders. Force-landed after engine trouble; pilot safe.

21/04/41 SOC 

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7616

51

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Transferred to RAF 112 Sqdn date unknown

31/12/40 From 112 Sq. to RAAF 3 Sqdn

while on RAAF 3 Sqdn:

04/01/41 From Gerawla to the detached Flight at the LG at Bir Mella by F/L D. Campbell.
16/01/41 13:00-13:45 Prot. patrol F/O J. Jackson.
16/01/41 15:45-17:45 Prot. patrol F/O J. Jackson.
17/01/41 07:30-08:15 Returned to Gambut after patrol previous day F/O J. Jackson.
21/01/41 07:00-09:00 Prot. patrol F/O J. Jackson.
21/01/41 16:00-17:50 Prot. patrol F/O J. Jackson.
22/01/41 15:30-17:35 Prot. patrol F/L D. Campbell.
23/01/41 07:00-09:05 Prot. patrol F/O Arthur.
24/01/41 15:30-17:55 Prot. patrol F/O V. East.
28/01/41 09:58-10:20 Off. patrol F/O J. M. Davidson.
29/01/41 15:20-17:00 Tac. recc. F/O V. East.
31/01/41 11:20-12:10 Recc. F/O Arthur.

3 Sqdn Patrols continued until the end of the January, 1941, Enemy aircraft were spotted on several occasions but no further combats took place. The beginning of February brought with it replacements for the Gladiators, as the first Hurricanes began to arrive. During their short service at the front 3 RAAF Squadron fought five conclusive actions with the enemy and claimed twelve aircraft shot down for the loss of five Gladiators and two pilots

Transfered to Wadi Halfa Flight. date unknown

To Iraq Conversion Flight and then to 94 Sq.

16/05/41 Shot down by He111s of 4/KG 4; F/O Herrtage KIA

22/06/41 SOC

In May when 94 Squadron was in the process of being re-equipped with Hurricanes, Wing Commander ’Freddie’ Wightman was ordered to collect five Gladiators from a Maintenance Unit and together with four other pilots proceed to Habbaniya to take part in the Iraqi revolt.
On 7 May Wightman was ready with his detachment to fly down to Habbaniya. The aircraft, two Mk Is and three Mk IIs, arrived at Habbaniya next day, The pilots involved were Wing Commander W. T. F. Wightman, Flight Lieutenant Sir R. A. MacRobert, Flying Officer Herrtage, Sergeant E. L. Smith and Sergeant W. H. Dunwoodie

lost 16/05/41 flown by Flying Officer Gerald Douglas Francis Herrtage, 94 Sqn,  the day he shot down an HE111, the plane was on 94 Sqdn strength, coded as GO-D, the day it was lost, 22/06/41 SOC

17/12/40, in RAAF 3 Sqdn LG 74 by 17/12/40, 3 RAAF Sq. then Transferred to Wadi Halfa Flt. Later to Iraq Conversion Flt. Flying Officer Gerald Douglas Francis Herrtage, RAF no. 42309
Gerald Herrtage was born in 1917 and was from Sussex.
On 12 May a small Luftwaffe unit started to arrive in Iraq in support of the Iraqi revolt. The contingent consisted of 14 Bf110C from 4/ZG76 and ZG26 (two aircraft) and seven He111H-s of 4/KG4 together with transports (Ju53/3ms and Ju90s) and support personnel.
In the morning on 16 May 1941 Hauptmann Schwanhäuser led three He111s of 4/KG4 off to raid Habbaniya. At 09.35 after a 90-minute flight they approached the base at 6,000 feet, Schwanhäuser leading in two of the bombers to attack at once, while Oberleutnant Graubner swung away to the left in order to bomb some parked aircraft. As his bombs were falling away, he saw below a plume of dust – a fighter taking off. This was a Gladiator, which was being scrambled by Flying Officer Herrtage. The three He111s made a second pass over the hangars, the two leading aircraft not having dropped their bombs, even though the attack had already caused more damage than had all previous Iraqi raids together!
With the fighter in the air, however, the bombers turned for home, but Herrtage was able to cut across the turn, and thereby come within range, even though still climbing. Graubner reported:
“The fighter slowly climbed towards us. Soon it hung behind us, and we heard the clattering of machine gun fire – one could not tell whether it was our own, or the enemy fire hitting us. Fw Prinz and I suddenly saw many hits appearing in both wings, accompanied by a murderous roaring noise. I heard from behind, “Shot down!”, and could not believe it when the voice of Ofw Thomas, the flight engineer, reported: “Now it is breaking up – now it has crashed!” The well-aimed return fire from Ofw Thomas and the radio operator, Uffz Guretzki, had succeeded! The first incontestable victory of our Gruppe!”
Observers on the ground reported that Herrtage’s Gladiator (L7616) had in fact been caught in the crossfire from all three bombers, and had crashed to the ground outside the airfield perimeter. It seems that Herrtage tried to bale out but his parachute got tangled up and did not open fully. He was killed instantly but he had however hit one of the bombers, and it was believed that this had crash-landed half a mile or so further from the camp. This was not so in fact, as Graubner’s continued narrative explains:
“Our right engine began to shake and lose oil, and the temperature rose. The Kette still had to make a reconnaissance, so I broke off and set course for Mosul. We were at 2,000 metres and after ten minutes the damaged engine stopped. We could not now maintain height and began to sink at two metres a second, so we threw everything possible overboard, except for the guns and a little ammunition in case of a force-landing. We continued eastwards, at least to reach the Tigris valley. Slowly we dropped further, only desert beneath us. We tried to restart the “sick” engine, but it was no use and we had to turn the fuel off again. Still no sight of the Tigris; there must have been a strong headwind. “Everyone strap in!” – still ten metres above the ground. I lifted it over a ditch, there was a huge bump, and then we saw nothing but dust.”
This was the only attack flown by the He111Hs of KG4.
At the time of his death Herrtage was credited with 1 biplane victory.
Claims:
Kill no. Date Number Type Result Plane type Serial no. Locality Unit
1941
16/05/41 1 He111 (a) Destroyed Gladiator L7616 Habbaniya area 94 Squadron
Biplane victories: 1 destroyed. TOTAL: 1 destroyed.
(a) He111H of 4/KG4 flown by Oberleutnant Graubner shot down. The aircraft made a forced landing and the crew survived.
Sources:
Dust Clouds in the Middle East - Christopher Shores, 1996 Grub Street, London, ISBN 1-898697-37-X
Gloster Gladiator - Alex Crawford, 2002 Mushroom Model Publications, Redbourn, ISBN 83-916327-0-9
Gloster Gladiator Aces - Andrew Thomas, 2002 Osprey Publishing, London, ISBN 1-84176-289-X
Gloster Gladiator Home Page <http://www.geocities.com/acrawford0/index.html> - Alexander Crawford.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission <http://www.cwgc.org/>

16/05/41, F/O Heritage also shot down and killed

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7617

52

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Transferred to RAF 112 Sqdn date unknown

in RAAF 3 Sqdn LG 74 by 17/12/40 From 112 Sq to RAAF 3 Sqdn

While with RAAF 3 Sqdn

05/01/41 From Gerawla to the detached Flight at the LG at Bir Mella by F/O Gatward.
21/01/41 13:00-15:00 Prot. patrol P/O Campbell.
22/01/41 15:30-17:35 Prot. patrol F/O V. East.
24/01/41 13:00-14:50 Prot. patrol F/L D. Campbell

3 Sqdn Patrols continued until the end of the January, 1941, Enemy aircraft were spotted on several occasions but no further combats took place. The beginning of February brought with it replacements for the Gladiators, as the first Hurricanes began to arrive. During their short service at the front 3 RAAF Squadron fought five conclusive actions with the enemy and claimed twelve aircraft shot down for the loss of five Gladiators and two pilots

94 Squadron, Khormaksar, March 1939 to May 1941.
Code letters: "GO".

Fate Unknown

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7619

53

.

From 33 Sqdn dates unknown

also listed in some sources as K7619

On Strength June 1939 Helwan 112 Sqdn, "B" Flight

Port Sudan and Khartoum, July 1940

29/6/40 Hamlyn claims an SM 71 over Port Sudan, This was 112 Squadron's first victory in the Second World War

To “K Flight” , was used at Summit,

03/06/40 Detached with ‘B’ Flight to Summit, Sudan.
18/06/40 To Sub Flight Port Sudan.
18/06/40 06:55-07:05 Patrol; F/O Hayward.
18/06/40 12:35-13:15 Patrol; F/O Hayward.
18/06/40 13:25-14:00 Patrol; F/O Hayward.
20/06/40 09:05-09:25 Patrol; P/O Hamlyn.
20/06/40 10:45-11:15 Patrol; P/O Hamlyn.
21/06/40 12:10-12:30 Patrol; P/O Hamlyn.
22/06/40 19:00-09:10 Patrol; P/O Hamlyn.
22/06/40 13:45-14:05 Patrol; F/O Hayward.
23/06/40 09:30-09:55 Patrol; F/O Hayward.
24/06/40 06:10-06:45 Patrol; F/O Hayward

31/08/40 ‘B’ Flight redesignated to ‘K’ Flight  

27/09/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Met Flight, 1.00 hours

27/10/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.25 hours

04/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.30 hours

05/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.35 hours

11/12/40 Flown by FLT LT Fraser RAF112 Sqdn, Patrol Buq Buq - Sofafi, (strong possibility one of the "K" Flight ones used while on detachment to 112 Sqdn)

17/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Air Test, 0.15

17/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Air Test, 0.20

29/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.50.hours

29/11/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.25 hours

15/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.40 hours 

16/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Met Flight, 1.00 hours

17/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, he bumped into 3 79s initially and then later 4 more 1.15.hours

17/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 1.15.hours

22/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.55 hours

23/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Intercept Patrol, 0.40 hours

31/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Formation, 0.30 hours

31/12/40, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Formation, 0.45 hours

03/01/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Co-op Blenheim Gunners, 0.35 hours

16/01/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Co-op Blenheim Patrol, Acrobatics, 3 landings chance, 1 landing moon, 1.20 hours

20/01/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, Patrol, 0.35

30/03/41, Flown by P/O Smither, "K" Flight, A/C Test, 0.30 hours

 01/07/42 , Struck Off Charge 

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7620

54

.

Coded SO O while with 33 Sqn, Possibly RT C  while with RAF 112 Sqdn, photo taken 20 November 1940

25/09/39 Hit L8007 while it was parked at Mersa Matruh and destroyed L8007 beyond repair

02/12/40 To Royal Hellenic Air Force.

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from ‘K’ Flight, which reported it as transferred on 13/04/41)
14/02/41
K7961 (from 5 RAF MU and returned to 107 RAF MU on 19/06/41).
30/03/41
K7932 (from 52 MU, used by the Training Squadron at Aqir. Swung on landing at Aqir on 20/06/42. Returned to RAF and 1413 (Met) Flight), K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

Sqdn planes flown by 112 Sqdn pilots at one time or another in their career

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7621

55

.

10/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Practice attack gun posts

11/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Interception M.M.

12/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Interception 1 S.79  -  fired 1 burst, quarter attack, strikes, no claim

14/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Patrol M.M. Bandits.    From Heneish to Kenayis.  2 sorties

16/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol M.M

17/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Interception 1.S79  -  fired 2 bursts, long range, too slow, no claim

18/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, - Patrol. Support H.Q. Arm: Div

20/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn Patrol support H.Q. Arm: Div.

22/11/40, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Sidi Heneish.  To Heliopolis.  2 sorties 

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from ‘K’ Flight, which reported it as transferred on 13/04/41)
14/02/41
K7961 (from 5 RAF MU and returned to 107 RAF MU on 19/06/41).
30/03/41
K7932 (from 52 MU, used by the Training Squadron at Aqir. Swung on landing at Aqir on 20/06/42. Returned to RAF and 1413 (Met) Flight), K7984 (from 80 Sq.)
All in all, the Greek Air Force used 19 Mk.I and 6 Mk.II Gladiators during the Second World War.

33 Sqdn plane, Sqdn planes flown by 112 Sqdn pilots at one time or another in their career Probably flown and lost in Greece

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7622

56

.

on 33 Sqdn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

From 33 Sqdn To 112 Sq. date unknown

There was also a  K7622

31/10/40 shot down by CR 42 near Mersa Matruh

Gladiator 

Mk I

L7623

.

on 33 Sqn strength Mersa Matruh 6/40

Known ex-RAF Gladiators transferred to 21 Mira.

02/12/40
L7620, L7621 (from 33 Sq.)
K8013, K8018, K8031, K8047, K8054, L7609, L7611, L7623 (from 112 Sq., Egypt)
K7892, K7923, K7973, K8017, L8011 (from 80 Sq.)
K6135 (from 112 Sq.)
30/03/41
K7932, K7984 (from 80 Sq.)

Fate Unknown

Gladiator 

Mk II

L8006

57

.

33 Squadron, Ismailia, February 1938 to September 1938. Heliopolis, September 1938 to October 1938. Ramleh, Mersah Matruh and Helwan, September 1938 to October 1940. Over the period February to June 1940, some Gauntlets reinforced the Gladiators.
Code letters: These were initially "SO". In 1939 they were changed to "TN" and finally, with the outbreak of war, to "NW".

Used as spares. in 33 Sqdn

33 Sqdn planes flown by 112 Sqdn pilots at one time or another in their careers 

L8006  which had been upgraded to Mk II standard at No 27 MU, January, 1939

Cosigned for shipment to RAF Storage Depot, Aboukir, Egypt in March, 1939, L8006-L8008 remained in Storage, eventually used as spares (Francis K Mason, my interpretation is used as spare planes not for spare parts, as all 3 planes where actively used)

Gladiator 

Mk II

L8007

58

.

33 Sqdn planes flown by 112 Sqdn pilots at one time or another in their careers

L8007  which had been upgraded to Mk II standard at No 27 MU, January, 1939

Cosigned for shipment to RAF Storage Depot, Aboukir, Egypt in March, 1939, L8006-L8008 remained in Storage, eventually used as spares (Francis K Mason, my interpretation is used as spare planes not for spare parts, as all 3 planes where actively used)

25/09/39 Hit by L7620 while parked at Mersa Matruh and destroyed beyond repair

Gladiator 

Mk I

L8031

59

2 AACU To 1624 (Anti-Aircraft Co-Operation) Flight,

Sqdn planes flown by 112 Sqn pilots at one time or another in their careers

Some sources have it as retained in storage at No. 27 M.U. until SOC in 1945

Gladiator 

Mk II

L9047

RHEA

60

.

.

61

.

Gladiator II, built to specification F.36/37, built in 1938, Bristol Mercury VIII A engines

Sea Gladiator II

N2295

62

.

on strength with 94 Sqn Sheikh Othman, Aden, Khormaksar, 1939-40, while with 94 Sqn. 

23/06/40 Bounced on landing, swung and lost wheel at Sheikh Othman

25/03/41 Flown By P/O Neville Bowker,. interception .35

Sea Gladiator II

N5513

Flown in Battle of Crete, no record of RAF 112 Sqdn use at this time

63

coded 6 F while with 805 Sqdn

Moved to Maleme, Crete as crated spare 1940, from Malta

08/05/39; to Alexandria by 

06/40; to HMS Eagle’s Fighter Flight 

When HMS Eagle arrived at Alexandria four Sea Gladiators, N5512, N5513, N5517 and N5567 were supplied to give her some form of fighter protection. These aircraft were taken from stocks held in Egypt. Eventually three of the Malta aircraft were delivered to Egypt to replace these

06/40; to 806 Sq. FAA (6F) 

12/40; to Dekheila 

02/41; to 805 Sq., FAA 

03/41 33 Sq. RAF, Crete

05/41; lost on Crete

33 Sdqn strength Maleme. Crete 5/41 it was taken over along with N5535 from Navel stocks  and flown in operations by F/O Woods and P/O Winsland, 33 Sqdn 

At the outbreak of war in the Mediterranean, HMS Eagle - the sole fleet carrier in the Med at the time - did not carry a fighter squadron.  Four Sea Gladiators - N5512, N5513, N5517 and N5567 - were hurriedly withdrawn from storage on Malta, assembled, and taken aboard the carrier on June 16, 1940.  The Eagle Fighter Flight was commanded by CDR Charles Keighly-Peach, who managed to train several Fairey Swordfish pilots in fighter tactics Almost one month later, on July 11, 1940, the British Mediterranean Fleet was spotted by an Italian flying boat.  Though the Sea Gladiators intercepted and made contact, their initial attacks were unsuccessful.  That afternoon, Keighly-Peach - known as K-P to his men - was on patrol over the fleet in N5517/6-A ( 8/5/39; 102 MU Abu Sueir 6/40; to HMS Eagel Fighter Flight 6/40; to 805 Sq. FAA 24/3/41; lost 15/5/41 on ferry flight from Maleme to Alexandria) in company with Lt. Kenneth Keith in N5513 when he spotted five S.79s below him, heading toward the ships.  The two Sea Gladiators dove vertically on the Italian bombers, with K-P heading for the lead plane as he closed to less than 50 yards before opening fire. After three attacks, the Italian leader caught fire and dropped back, before entering a spin and impacting the sea with no survivors.  K-P was wounded in the thigh during the attack.  The two Sea Gladiators had to break off their attacks on the other S.79s as the fleet opened fire.

On July 14, K-P was launched at dawn south of Crete.  At 0750, he spotted a lone S.79 and made three attacks from out of the sun, with the result that this Sparviero also caught fire and spun into the ocean.  Three hours later, in company again with Lt. Keith, the two Sea Gladiators spotted three more S.79s approaching the fleet.  Keith opened fire on the left-hand Sparviero, joined by K-P, and the unfortunate Italian crashed into the sea from their combined fire. A few hours later, Keith was launched alone to intercept a formation of S.81s from 200 Squadriglia; after a beam attack and a stern chase, he sent one of these into the sea, to mark the end of a very successful day for the flight. On July 29th, K-P intercepted another formation of S.79s and sent his third Sparviero into the sea.

??/07/40 The next month, Eagle's Sea Gladiators were sent ashore to Sidi Barani to provide fleet defense with RAF Gladiators when the fleet bombarded the Libyan port of Bardia. 

17/08/40, separated from his flight over the British fleet, Keighly-Peach attacked two separate S.79s, forcing them to break off their attacks though not shooting them down.  Lt. Keith bagged another S.79 in company with a Gladiator from 112 Squadron RAF.  Overall, the Italians lost 4 bombers destroyed and several damaged in this action. Again off Crete on August 31, K-P was launched with Lt. Oliphant to intercept a shadower, which turned out to be a Cant Z.506B at 6,000 feet.  K-P shot the floatplane down, with the crew escaping by parachute.  It was his last victory, making him the leading FAA fighter pilot on the Sea Gladiator; he was awarded the DSO the following month for his leadership of the Eagle Fighter Flight and his achievements over the fleet. Also in early September, HMS "Illustrious" arrived in the Mediterranean with a full compliment of Fulmars in 806 Squadron, and "Eagle's" foursome were no longer the only Fleet Air Arm fighters in the region; they were then designated 813 Squadron.  On 06/11/40, 806 Squadron took aboard three Sea Gladiators from 813 Squadron, as the carrier was tasked with covering two convoys to Malta.  

08/11/40, Lt. Roger Nichols in N5549 (21/3/39 for Malta; retained at Gibraltar into 1940; arrived in Alexandria 7/40; 806 Sq. 11/40; to 775 Sq. at Dekheila 7/41)  and Sub. Lt. Jack Sewell in N5513 destroyed a Cant Z.501, Cant Z.501 of the 186^a Squadriglia RM flown by Tenente Paolo Primatesta (observer Sottotenente di Vascello Paolo Bacchione), which had left its base at Augusta at 09:00, to record the last victory of the Sea Gladiator at sea.  

10/01/41, following arrival of "Illustrious" at Malta with another convoy, the three Sea Gladiators were off-loaded and turned over to 261 Squadron on the island, which was down to four effective fighters after heavy attacks.  

24/01/ 1941, Sub. Lt. Sewell spotted a German Ju-88 diving toward Hal Far, and shot it down. (It is possible that this was an Ju88 (L1+HM) of 4./LG1 flown by Unteroffizier Gustav Ulrich who failed to return from a sortie to Malta during this day.)  It was Sewell's fifth of an eventual 6 victories scored with Sea Gladiators and Fulmars, and also the last victory by a Sea Gladiator over Malta.

From 806 to 805 Sqdn then On record as a 33 Sqdn plane the Gladiators of 33 Sqdn by this time having been handed over to 112 Sqdn To 801 Sqn, 21/3/39. To Alexandria, 6/40. Eagle Fighter Flight 6/40. Code 6F, to 806 Sqn FAA 12/40. To Dekheila 2/41. To 805 Sqn FAA. To 33 Sqn, RAF 5/41 and lost in Greece. No. 33 moved to the Western Desert, active action beginning with the entry of Italy into the War in June of 1940. Conversion to ground attack Hurricanes was completed some six months later Battle for Crete:
20/05/1941, Maleme airfield  Although the Fleet Air Arm airfield, with its aircraft and some of its FAA personnel, at Maleme, Crete had been turned over to the Royal Air Force on May 1,1941, the base commander, Commander G. H. Beale RN remained on as an advisor. German bombers mounted their first large scale raid on Maleme on May 12 and continued to pound the airfield for a week http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A2773992

Lieutenant Keith, assigned to HMS Eagle and 813 Fighter Flight 

http://user.bahnhof.se/~surfcity/commonwealth_keith.htm

27/03/41 Lieutenant Keith and Sub Lieutenant R. W. M. Walsh delivered Sea Gladiators N5509 ( to 52 Maintenance Unit for shipment 28/7/40; at Dekheila 3/41; 805 Sq. 27/3/41) and N5538 ( to 52 Maintenance Unit for shipment 28/7/40; at Dekheila 3/41; 805 Sq. 27/3/41) to Maleme, Crete. Both pilots were retained by 805 Squadron on a brief attachment before being sent back to Dekheila on 6 April in a Bombay from 216 Squadron.

17/04/41, Lieutenant Keith and Sub Lieutenant Walsh brought a further two Sea  Gladiators, N5535 (an original 802 Sq. machine, exact date unknown, at Dekheila 3/41; 805 Sq. 17/4/41) and N5568, ( 21/3/39 for Alexandria; allocated 8/5/39; unknown until 805 Sq. 17/4/41) to Maleme from Egypt Lieutenant Keith was retained by 805 Sqdn but took sick and he was evacuated from Crete aboard Jaguar or Defender on 24 May, returning to duty at Dekheila.

17/05/41, Early in the afternoon on 17 May the three remaining serviceable Hurricanes were scrambled from Maleme. Flying Officer Vale (V7795), Lieutenant Commander Black (V7761) and N2610 flown by a pilot from 33 Squadron intercepted approaching Ju88s. Vale claimed damage to one of the bombers.
Later in the day Vale, 80 Sqdn and Black, 805 FAA Sqdn,  were unable to make an interception when ordered off again. The next day both Hurricanes V7795 and V7761 were destroyed in attacks on Maleme airfield. At 18:00 in the evening on 18 May Vale was evacuated from Crete to Egypt in Sunderland N9020 flown by Flight Lieutenant Lywood.

N5513, Flown during invasion of Crete, by either Flying Officer Eric Joseph Woods, RAF no. 41091, 33 Sqdn or P/O D. S. F. Winsland 33 Sqdn (Winsland was later during the war shot down by Bernardino Serafini), on the 11th or 12th of May 1941 the other aircraft being N5535, On 26 November 1941, Serafini, flying a CR.42s of 366^a Squadriglia, shot down a Hurricane of 33 Squadron flown by Flying Officer D. S. F. Winsland DFC, a veteran of the fighting in Greece and the Desert. This was probably the last Hurricane to fall victim to one of the Italian biplane fighters. Victor and vanquished were reunited in 1984, due to the efforts of British air historian and writer Brian Cull and Italian air historian Nicola Malizia, and the two former enemies have remained firm friends ever since

Summery 

Ex-FAA & FAA Sea Gladiators used in Crete and lost on Crete.  

23/03/41, N5567; “6C”. To 805 Sq. transferred to 33 Sqdn use 01/05/41, Flown by 03/05/41, Captain L. A. Harris of 805 Squadron a photo exists of this aircraft while it was on board HMS Eagle as part of its 813 Fighter Flight

27/03/41, N5509; to 805 Sq. Known it went to Crete on this date under RAF Command by 01/05/41

29/04/41,  N5509, 1615 hours, Flown by  Lieutenant Commander Black, 805 Squadron

27/03/41, N5538; to 805 Sq. Known it went to Crete on this date , under RAF Command by 01/05/41

17/04/41, N5535; to 805 Sq. Moved to Maleme, Crete as crated spare 1940 taken over by  33 Sqdn date 05/41, thought to be destroyed in Luftwaffe ground strafe 15/05/41, just as good a possibility that Ash or Richardson was lost in the plane

17/04/41, N5568; to 805 Sq. Known it went to Crete on this date , under RAF Command by 01/05/41

??/05/41. N5513; coded 6F, lost on Crete, Moved to Maleme, Crete as crated spare 1940 taken over by 33 Sqdn 05/41, thought to be destroyed in Luftwaffe ground strafe 15/05/41, just as good a possibility that Ash or Richardson was lost in the plane

15/05/41,  N5517; coded  6A, unknown when it went to Crete, L/T Peter Favell Scott,  RNAS 805 Sqdn. FAA H.M.S. Nile, Gloster Gladiator, Son of Rear-Admiral George Arthur Scott, D.S.C., and Constance Mary Scott, of Grange-over-Sands, Lancashire,  lost on ferry flight from Maleme to Egypt,

15/05/41, Plane and pilot as yet unknown,  During an exceptionally heavy raid on the 15th an RAF Gladiator, shot down near the airfield, crashed and turned over on the beach in front of a machine-gun pit. While enemy fighters tried to set fire to the plane with incendiary bullets, Lance-Corporal Smith and Private Curtis¹⁰ (Later Staff Sgt M W Curtis, S-Sgt M. W. Curtis, MM; Greymouth; born Greymouth, 18 Oct 1917; motor mechanic.) left the gun pit, ran forward to free the trapped pilot, and took him to safety. Smith was killed a few days later, but Curtis was subsequently awarded the MM.

16/05/41 L/T. Anthony Harry Mitchell Ash,  RNAS 805 Sqdn. FAA H.M.S. Grebe. Gloster Gladiator serial unknown 

16/05/41 L/T. Herbert John Carbray Richardson,  RNAS 805 Sqdn. FAA Gloster Gladiator, H.M.S. Grebe, serial unknown (HMS Grebe, and HMS Nile (Sphinx),in Dekheila, Egypt (both RNAS land stations)
Fighter command only 5 aircraft remained, 3 Hurricanes and 2 Gloster Gladiators withdrew at dawn 19th May, the remainder fought as infantry at Malame airfield and Hill 107.

Sea Gladiator II

N5535

Flown in Battle of Crete, no record of RAF 112 Sqdn use at this time

64

.

Part of the allotment to Kalafrana, Malta as crated spares 5/39

Despite the lack of fighters, measures were taken in hand to provide some sort of fighter defence. HMS Glorious had served briefly in the Mediterranean earlier in the year. On her arrival in Malta eighteen Sea Gladiators (N5518-N5535) were offloaded and stored in crates at Kalafrana. These were to be used as spare aircraft for 802 Squadron, FAA. In April she was recalled to home waters to take part in the Norwegian Campaign. Stopping at Malta, she embarked three of the crated Sea Gladiators, N5532, N5533 and N5534, on April 12th

19/04/39; stored at Kalafrana, 

25/05/39; re-embarked in 802 Sq. FAA on HMS Glorious 

Moved to Maleme, Crete as crated spare 1940

11/04/40; to 804 Sq. FAA; to Egypt; to 805 Sq. FAA; 

17/04/41 33 Sq. RAF, Crete

11/05/41 to Egypt ;

 to UK.

33 Sqdn strength Maleme. Crete 5/41 it was taken over along with N5513 from Navel stocks and flown in operations by F/O Woods and P/O Winsland, 33 Sqdn 

With the invasion of Norway on 9 April 1940, HMS Glorious was recalled to England with great haste. On 11 April 1940 when she left Malta, she had re-embarked 802 Squadron with 9 Sea Gladiators. Apparently (all of her records were lost when she sank) she embarked the nine indicated (N5518, N5521, N5525, N5526, N5527, N5530, N5532, N5533 and N5535). She landed three of these just before her final voyage (N5532, N5533 and N5535), all of which were re-assigned to 804 Squadron, FAA. The remaining six (N5518, N5521, N5525, N5526, N5527 and N5530) were apparently the six aboard her when she sank. This means that the six Sea Gladiators (among them N5521, N5525, N5527, N5530 and N5533) “borrowed” to the RAF and the Hal Far Fighter Flight were re-possessed by the FAA, probably because they were already assembled and could be used quickly 

N5535: To 36 MU 19/4/39; 

stored at Kalafrana 25/5/39; 

re-embarked in 802 Sq. FAA on HMS Glorious 11/4/40; 

At Dekheila 3/41.to 804 Sq. FAA; to Egypt; to 805 Sq. FAA, 17/04/41 ; 

33 Sq. RAF  to Egypt 11/5/41; 

to UK.  

No. 33 moved to the Western Desert, active action beginning with the entry of Italy into the War in June of 1940. Conversion to ground attack Hurricanes was completed some six months later

On 27 March 1941 Lieutenant Keith, assigned to HMS Eagle and 813 Fighter Flight and Sub Lieutenant R. W. M. Walsh delivered Sea Gladiators N5509 (N5509: to 52 Maintenance Unit for shipment 28/7/40; at Dekheila 3/41; 805 Sq. 27/3/41)  and N5538 (to 52 Maintenance Unit for shipment 13/7/40, at Dekheila 3/41; 805 Sq. 27/3/41) to Maleme, Crete. Both pilots were retained by 805 Squadron on a brief attachment before being sent back to Dekheila on 6 April in a Bombay from 216 Squadron

On 17 April Lieutenant Keith and Sub Lieutenant Walsh both assigned to HMS Eagle and 813 Fighter Flight brought a further two Sea Gladiators, N5535 (an original 802 Sq. machine, 11/04/40, at Dekheila 3/41; 805 Sq. 17/4/41.)and N5568, (21/3/39 for Alexandria; allocated 8/5/39; unknown until 805 Sq. 17/4/41) to Maleme from Egypt. During the ferry flight the two pilots spotted a lone He111, they gave chase but lack of fuel forced them to break off and head for the airfield. As they came into land the defenses opened fire but, fortunately their fire was not very accurate and the aircraft landed safely. Keith was kept on detachment but Walsh was sent back via a departing Bombay to collect another Sea Gladiator – only to find that no more were available. Keith was later sick and taken to hospital suffering from dysentery and he was still at the hospital when German airborne troops attacked

Gladiators N5513 and N5535 were

Flown by either Flying Officer Eric Joseph Woods, RAF no. 41091, 33 Sqdn or P/O D. F. S. Winsland during invasion of Crete, 33 Sqdn, on the 11th or 12th of May 1941 the other aircraft being N5513

Ex-FAA Sea Gladiator used in Crete.
11/05/41 Transferred to 

Egypt wonder who flew it there?

Gladiator 

Mk II

N5627

65

RT-D

11/40, 94 Sqdn strength Sheikh Othman, Aden 

20/11/40 1 S.81 destroyed by Wg. Cdr. Wightman. 94 Sqdn

94 Sqdn was to convert to Hurricanes early 1941, however General Platt launched his offensive from the Sudan into Italian East Africa, as a result in February,  6 of 94 Squadrons Gladiators where returned to the African Mainland, this may account for N5627's arrival in 112 Squadron Flight Log Books.

08/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, became his personal aircraft, he flew N5627 from Amiriya to Mersa Matruh then to El Adem, Lybia

12/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Eraklion Crete and on to Eleusis, Greece ,

13/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Jannina, (sic) Greece (Yanina, Greece)

14/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Patrol Teppeleni, Albania

15/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, ,Patrol Teppeleni

17/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Patrol Teppeleni

17/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, Patrol T. Wash out

21/02/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Patrol T. Return Base

01/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Patrol Base Air Raid

01/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Defensive Patrol Busi

01/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To Jannina (sic)

02/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Defensive Patrol Busi

04/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, , Offensive Patrol. Italian Cruisers - 1G.50 confirmed, 1 G.50 unconfirmed (26 Enemy A/C confirmed destroyed by 80 & 112 Sqdn in this encounter for the loss of one Hurricane 6H & 15G v 60 +)( Hurricane, V7801, Warrant Officer Harry J. Goodchild DFM (RAF No. 517435) was killed. also Cullen (Hurricane V7288) and he was not seen again; his aircraft crashed near Himare, and the Australian ‘ace’ was killed. Only Sottotenente Nicolo Cobolli Gigli of 355^a Squadriglia, who was flying a CR.42 on this occasion, and Sergente Marcello De Salvia of 354^a Squadriglia were both shot down and killed, while Tenente Francesco Rocca of the latter unit was wounded. No losses by other CR.42 equipped units have been discovered. Cobolli Gigli and De Salvia were both awarded posthumous Medaglia d’Oro al Valor Militare.)

05/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Test

05/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, , Offensive Patrol. Returned Base

06/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Paramythea

06/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Paramythea to Base

07/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Escort & Patrol Teppelene

07/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, Patrol

11/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Escort 211 S Busi Area  1 G.50 unconfirmed - later confirmed

11/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Escort 211 S Busi Area

11/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, To Yannina

12/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Offensive Patrol Valona

13/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Offensive Patrol  3 CR.42s confirmed  (12 v 74)

14/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Offensive Patrol   1 G.50 confirmed

14/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, to Yannina

15/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn (1) Escort Koritza - Berat, (2) Escorting Bombers over Valona

17/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Patrol Red Cross Ship, Preveza      (2 newspaper reports are stuck into the log book on this page see  'March of the Gladiators' in the Greece chapter for the text)

18/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, , Escorting 211 S Buzi

18/03/41, Flown by Flt LT Fraser, RAF 112 Sqdn, Interception Cant 1007 Corfu   Long bursts from lengthening range... E.A. too fast