Gloster Gladiator Mk.2 N5628 RAF
Gladiator built in 1939 by Gloster Aircraft Ltd. Since April served by No. 8 MU at Little Rissington and in October transffered to newly-formed No. 263 Squadron. On 21st April 1940 flown onto carrier HMS Glorious and on 24th flown-off total 18 Gladiators to new Norwegian base on frozen Lake Lesjaskog. One day later damaged during German air raid and abandoned on the lake. In May sank through the melting ice. In 1968 was wreck found by diving team from RAF Cranwell, in 1970 recovered and since August 1972 remains placed on display at RAF Museum Hendon. | Rob Vogelaar