Gloster SS18 and Gladiator

Gloster SS18 and Gladiator

Photo 1 is a starboard side flying view of an SS18 biplane.
Photo 2 is a port side ground view of a civilian Gladiator.

Two b/w photographs on an album page

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PThomasAF20080029

[Photograph]

Gloster S.S.18

[Photograph]

Gloster Gladiator.
Approaching the mid thirties, it was clear that the monoplane was the fighter of the future, but the R.A.F. needed an interim fighter until such time as the Hurricane was available. H.P. Folland of Gloster accordingly revised the Gauntlet & renamed it the Gladiator, the type entering service in February 1937. Toal [sic] production reached 746. The Gladiator will be forever remenbered [sic] for the role three of them played in the defence of Malta. Badly outnumbered & outgunned they gave the Italian & German Air Forces severe problems, becoming known as ‘Faith, Hope & Charity’, nevertheless they held their own until Spitfires could be flown in.