Story of Gladiator fighters used by Luftwaffe is very interesting. Those planes were purchased by independent government of Latvian Republic in '30. After seizing Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia) by Red Army in 1940 planes were put on Soviet Air Forces in area. When war between Germany and Soviet Union break out those planes were captured on airfields. Several of them was repaired, given German Werk Nummer (built number), R/T FuG 7 and introduced into Luftwaffe service as glider and target tugs. Served until end of 1944.

Gloster Gladiator Mk I, W.Nr. 45829. This plane was used in Erganzungsgruppe (S) I, at airfield Langendiebach near Hanan. Plane was piloted by Heinz Wolski and used without any armament. (photo Karl Kössler)

Page prepared by Peter 'Mikolaj' Mikolajski. All photos were scanned from book "Gloster Gladiator" published by AJ-PRESS Publishing House. All rights reserved.