Thomas Gunn Gladiator RAF `Faith` Hal Far Flight Display Model

Description

Thomas Gunn 1:30 WOW113
Gladiator RAF `Faith` Hal Far Flight Display Model
Scale:
1:30
Length:
10.75"
Width:
12.75"
Composition:
Mahogany
SKU:
TG-WOW113
Period:
World War II
Historical Note:
LIMITED-EDITION! LIMITED TO 12 WORLDWIDE!
**
Includes complimentary figurine TG-RAF001B Flight Lt David Lord VC (Desert)
**
The Gloster Gladiator was a single seat British
built fighter, the last Bi-plane to see service in the RAF and RNAS. It was
obsolete before it even entered service, as the newer faster monoplanes
being produced for the worlds other air-forces worldwide had already
superseded it in terms of performance.  Though often pitted against more
formidable opponents during the early days of WW2, the Gladiator performed
well in combat. The Gladiator saw action in just about every theatre during
WW2 being utilized by the RAF in France, Norway, Greece and most notably in
the defence of Malta. It was here that Gladiators from the RAF base at Hal
Far were at one stage (for 10  days) the only fighter cover available to the
island of Malta, where they fought bravely against the Italian and German
air-forces. The myth that 3 particular aircraft Faith, Hope and Charity were
the only Allied aircraft in operation has now become the stuff of legend and
it is fitting that our first Gladiator is ‘Faith’ from the Hal Far flight.
The Gladiator was also used by China against Japan and on the Eastern front
by Finnish and Swedish pilots fighting the Russians, both producing several
notable aces. Armed with 4 x Browning .303 machine guns and with a top speed
of 253 MPH, the Gladiator was well liked by its pilots with the Allied Ace
Pat Pattle, scoring 15 of his 50 aerial victories whilst flying a Gladiator.
Finally withdrawn from service on all fronts by 1944, the Gladiator passed
into history leaving behind a enduring legacy that still lasts to this day.
Info: Slight Box wear