gloster gauntlet K5289

The book ‘ Wings of Silver’ in the ‘On Target’ series shows a very good colour image of a 17 Sqdn Gauntlet with a good description of the dimensions of the roundels and serial numbers. This is ideal if the model is of the aircraft in the pre war silver scheme. The squadron retained their Gauntlets until June 1939 when indeed they would have been repainted in the standaard green/brown camouflage with the undersurfaces either retaining the silver or light grey.
National markings would have been red/blue roundels on the upper surfaces and fuselage sides.
There is a similar reference in John Lake ‘Wings of Fame’ Volume 16, Aerospace publishing Ltd

One of the propellers from GPG is at North Coates with the flying club,its in store and may be available to help fund another project. It has slight damage to the blades but would be OK for static exhibition use

I have just seen this all about the Beau and Haille Sands. I was one of those in the original picture taken in 1960 something and involved in the original dig which was abruptly halted by the Police because someone told them it was fully armed,well it wasn’t. Anyway the Navy did blow it up and what was washed ashore and recovered from the surface was taken to RAF North Coates where it was assumed to have been scrapped. There has never been any doubt that most of it still exists out there but I would strongly advise that if you done know the area, DONT GO. Haille sands can only be reached via paddling across a tidal stream. The problem is that when the tide turns that stream rapidly fills up to an 8 feet deep river. The sands themselves are treacherous with quick sands in various places and more than one person has lost their lives out there, never to be recovered by the way. If you are determined,follow the tide out, the wreck is situated on the sand bar before you get to Haille sands fort and about 50 yards to the right about a mile out from the shore,no doubt once again under two to three foot of sand. You will need a metal detector. You would be well advised to go to the Humber Mouth Yacht Club for advice about safety precautions and the precise location.