112 Sqd Gloster Gladiator - info required please

[Black Knight]

I plan to build the old Lindberg Gladiator which was re-issued a few years ago.

One of the decal options Lindberg supplies is for 112 Squadron in Cairo

 

Lindberg has the kit as a Mk.II and the parts are for a Mk.II but the serial they provide, K7985, is for a Mk.I

This is no biggie. We can ignore this

 

But the squadron markings they provide are  GA-Y

As far as I know it 112 used RT-- when they had Gladiators and gave up their Gladiators to 6 squadron when they received P-40s on which they used GA--

 

RT was used to June 1941 (when in June?)

GA was used from June 1941  (when in June?)

112 sqd re-equipped with P40s in July 1941

 

Does anyone know if 112 sqd Gladiators wore GA-- ?

There does appear to be an over-lap of about one month, or more, or less, or none at all, depending when in June '41 RT was changed to GA or was there a period when both codes were in use?

I've not found any images in all my reference nor on tinternet of a 112 sqd Gladiator wearing GA--

 

thanks,

Fred

 

 

[Hornet133]

No they did not use 'GA' on Gladiators.

 

In fact they did not apply the 'GA' code to their original P-40s (Tomahawks) for several months, originally using only an individual letter plus the serial number.

Edited August 24, 2021 by Hornet133

[Black Knight]

Thanks.

I think I have RT in in my decals/transfers files

As per usual, I'll use a photo for reference

[Geoffrey Sinclair]

According to the 112 Squadron history its last 2 Gladiators were flown away on 29 July 1941.  The first Tomahawk arrived and crashed on 14 June, the second arrived intact on 25 June, the third on 8 July and crashed on the 9th, with the other Tomahawk on strength requiring an overhaul.

 

K7985 Taken on Charge 8 July 1937, 73 Sqn, 3 Sqn, 605 Sqn, Filton 264 Sqn 8 October 1937, 5 MU, 27 MU A 8? September 1941.  No mention of being shipped to the Middle East.

K7986 went to the Middle East but Struck Off Charge 1 October 1940.

K7984 Issued to Greek Government 14 March 1941, Iraq 5 May? 1941.