PLANE OF THE MONTH
Sea Gladiator N5519 of the Hal Far Fighter Flight, flown by Flt Lt George Burges, Hal Far, Malta, June 1940
The most famous exploits of the RAF’s Gladiators were undoubtedly those of the fabled defenders of Malta. One of the Sea Gladiators transferred from Navy charge was N5519, which like the others wears naval camouflage. Flying this aircraft on 22 June 1940, Flt Lt George Burges, who was originally a flying boat pilot, shot down S.79 MM22068 of 34° Stormo to claim the first confirmed victory by the Flight. He then brought down a C.200 the very next day, also in this aircraft. Burges went on to claim seven kills, of which three came flying Gladiators. N5519 did not survive long, however, being shot down by a CR.42 on 31 July.