Rare Gloster Gladiator Bomb & Cradle Mechanism

This is a WWII era Gloster Gladiator bomb complete with release mechanism and cable. The Gloster Gladiator was the RAF's last biplane that was first put into service in 1937, seeing extensive service with the RAF during the Battle of Britain, in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Greece and as far as China. In February 1937, No. 72 Squadron, based at Tangmere became the first squadron to be equipped with the Gladiator. They were also in service with 615, 263 and 247 Squadrons to name but a few. 607 Squadron scored the first aerial victory by a Gladiator in RAF service on the 17th October 1939 when a Dornier Do 18 of 2./KuFlGr 606 was shot down, and 615 Squadron, who would provide air support as part of the British Expeditionary Force when they were sent to France in November 1939.