80 Squadron Gladiators 1941

[Brian]

Hi guys

My latest query again concerns Sqn Ldr Bill 'Cherry' Vale - and 'his' 80 Squadron Gladiator, N5784. I have been given to understand that when this aircraft was assigned to Bill, he had its spinner painted cherry red, hence his subsequent nickname of 'Cherry'.

Can our camouflage/markings experts verify the feasability of this, or did all of 80 Squadron's Gladiators have red spinners?

Cheers
Brian

[Flavio]

Originally Posted by Brian

Hi guys

My latest query again concerns Sqn Ldr Bill 'Cherry' Vale - and 'his' 80 Squadron Gladiator, N5784. I have been given to understand that when this aircraft was assigned to Bill, he had its spinner painted cherry red, hence his subsequent nickname of 'Cherry'.

Can our camouflage/markings experts verify the feasability of this, or did all of 80 Squadron's Gladiators have red spinners?

Cheers
Brian

Hi Brian,
I don't know photos of N5784 when flown by Vale during November '40, however in July '40 this very plane was assigned to 33 Squadron and coded "NW-L"; several photos are available even if the spinner is not visible to confirm the red color.
According to "Gladiator aces" by A. Thomas (Osprey Pu.) pag. 63, one Vale's personal plane (N5784?) bore the family coat-of-arms behind the cockpit access hatch.
Hoping this may help,
regards
Flavio

[Brian]

Thanks Flavio

I am in touch with Andy Thomas.

Cheers
Brian