The island of Malta was under heavy fire by the Italian military. Although it was midnight, the sky was lit with anti-aircraft fire and dogfights between British and Italian fighters.
Despite the numerical advantage of the Axis air forces, they had failed to establish air superiority.
The reason behind this was the Hal Far Fighter Flight, a well-coordinated but small force of RAF Gloster Gladiators.
The unit had less than 18 operational aircraft of this outdated biplane design. However, it was still inflicting heavy casualties on the Italians.
The British pilots were so comfortable with the Gladiator that they would go on to defend the island for over 10 days without additional air support.
When picturing a biplane fighter, it is usually in the context of World War 1 aces. However, even though after the 1930s, the use of biplanes was in decline, the Gloster Gladiator still had enough fight in it to become a fearsome sight against more modern aircraft.
No matter the overwhelming odds and incredible danger of the situation, the biplane would charge into battle in several theaters of World War 2 with great success. And through it all, the Gladiator would prove itself a true hero of the skies.
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