GLADIATORS against Mussolini

In 1940 and into 1941, Gloster Gladiators of RAF and South African Air Force units were part of the Allies’ first line of attack — and defence — against Italian forces in East Africa. Despite their obvious inadequacies, the biplanes performed gallantly EAST AFRICAN GLADIATORS A No 94 Squadron group photograph taken at Sheik Othman airfield, Aden. A Gladiator forms the backdrop, revealing black-and-white undersides. Sqn Ldr Freddie Wightman is in the centre of the front row. ALL PHOTOS VIA