Need help with British slang...

[NickM]

In my readings I came across an expression used by an RAF pilot in Malta during the Blitz that I was not familiar with---HOPEFULLY it's not a obscene expression; anyhow...here goes:

The pilot was referring to the German aircraft bombarding Malta as 'JU88s, JU87s & other gash kites;

So...what does the term Gash means in these circumstances?

thanks, ahead of time


NickM