Iraqi Gladiators

[alex crawford]

Hi,

Not sure if this should be on the Axis or Allied Forum.

I am working on the colour side views for Vol 2 of my Gladiator book, to be published by Mushroom Model Publications later this year.

All known photos of Iraqi Gladiators show them as being overall aluminium with the national markings in six positions and rudder stripes, although I have a photo that shows one with small fin stripes.

I know that Iraqi Nisr's (Audax) were camouflaged after the Iraqi Revolt of 1941. After the Iraqi Revolt the RAF supplied a number of Gladiators to help rebuild the air force.

Would anyone know if the Iraqi Gladiators supplied after the Revolt retained their RAF colour scheme or were they repainted overall aluminium? Also there is a photo of an Iraqi Gladiator on page 78 of Andrew Thomas's book, Gladiator Aces. This shows what appears top be 2 black circles just in front of the horizontal stabilisers. One appears to be larger than the other. Gladiators were used by 4 Squadron, RIAF. Would this be there squadron marking?

Any help with these Iraqi markings would be appreciated.

Regards,

Alex