THE GLOSTER GLADIATOR, 1964
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GLADIATOR BY MASON!
ONE of the RAF's most well-known biplane fighters with its enclosed cockpit, four machine guns and an exceptional performance, the Gladiator proved to be a formidable combat aeroplane during WWII despite its perceived antiquated appearance. 300 Axis aircraft fell to the guns of RAF Gladiators during the war and its exploits border on the legendary. This highly-informative and superbly-illustrated hard cover tome was written by acknowledged British aero historian Frank K Mason ARAeS forming part of the popular Macdonald Aircraft Monograph series published during the early 1960s.Our ex-library copy is a little careworn with some mild staining on several pages but it is complete and every bit as valid a history now as it was all those years ago. The copy has its original dust jacket which has been protected-mostly!-by a clear polythene wrap that nevertheless preserved it well. Gladiator modelling enthusiasts will find this excellent book to be a superb reference that has not dated...
THIS 1964-published hardback relates the full history of the RAF's last biplane fighter to see combat. Designed by the talented H P Folland, the Gloster Gladiator was the natural successor to his previous design, the Gauntlet which had entered service in 1925 with No.19 Squadron RAF at Duxford. With the introduction of the improved Gladiator in February 1937, the aircraft entered RAF history as a natural precursor of the next generation of modern monoplane fighters. From fabulous pre-war flying displays at Hendon, Gladiators went on to achieve success in combat during the first years of WWII. The story of the intrepid defence of Malta by three Gladiators: Faith, Hope and Charity has passed into legend and Frank Mason's detailed account of their steadfast defence of the beleaguered island is but a part of the 136 heavily- illustrated pages that make up this top-notch monograph.
Our copy is is an ex-Westminster Public Library edition as several pages bearing serial numbers and date stamps attest. The book has obviously passed through many hands and it shows, with tea stains on a few folios and well-thumbed-evidence of many hours of pleasurable reading! Photo content is generous and there are also three-view tone drawings of the SS37 prototype; Gladiator Mk. 1 K6142 [in full colour] a Mk.II of No.16 Sqaudron at Lympne in 1940, along with a Sea Gladiator-the Naval variant. With exhaustive appendices, including detailed data on individual aircraft, production orders and service use, this highly informative study of the Gloster Gladiator is a model of aeronautical research as one would expect from its prestigious author and equally well-respected publishers. Our copy falls into the 'well-used' category but remains one of the best records of the Gladiator story ever committed to print. For all those modellers building any of the many currently available Gladiator kits this classic book is an absolute goldmine of information...
