"Gloster Gamecock in WW2" Topic
7 Posts
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| podette | 20 Mar 2011 12:50 p.m. PST |
Does anyone know if the Finns actually used the Gloster Gamecock or it's variant in WW2? I see in wikipedia that it was retired in 1944 but I can't find anything that says it actually saw combat in the Winter War or WW2. Plenty of pics of it in war paint but that's it. I even looked at the old Datafile book on it but there were no details. Would appreciate any help on it. Thanks. |
 Dom Skelton  | 20 Mar 2011 1:25 p.m. PST |
Pretty sure that's a no for combat use – T-Lentor 2 (under its various designations) still had several Gamecocks in '39-'40, but it was their advanced fighter training unit. From a sadly now-gone Geocities site on Finnish fighter training:
Gloster Gamecock IIGA-43
Damaged in forced landing before the Winter War on 20.10.1939. Sgt N. Satomaa was not injured.
Plane was removed from FAF inventory in 1941. GA-44
Damaged in forced landing before the Winter War on 20.10.1939. Cpl M. Aalto was injured.
Plane was removed from FAF inventory in 1939. GA-45
On 24.2.1940 stalled and damaged. Cpl R. Liikola was not injured.
Plane was removed from FAF inventory in 1940. GA-46
On 13.12.1939 damaged slightly in a collision with another plane at Parola airfield (pilot Cpl J. Dahl).
On 18.12.1939 "ran away" prior to take-off and damaged. Cpl H. Ketola was not injured.
On 31.1.1940 plane was relieved to State Aircraft Factory (VL) for repairs. GA-49
On 11.12.1939 crashed and destroyed completely at Parola airfield during firing exercise.
Cpl (Res.) V. Snellman was killed. GA-50
On 12.1.1940 landed at too slow speed. Plane was slightly damaged, pilot Sgt L. Lehtonen was not injured.
On 12.1.1940 plane was relieved to State Aircraft Factory (VL) for repairs. GA-55
No damages during the Winter War. GA-58
On 10.3.1940 crashed in a spin probably after flying in formation at too slow speed with another GA at 50 m high.
2Lt. P. Linnala was seriously injured and died on 13.3.1940.
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| podette | 20 Mar 2011 6:58 p.m. PST |
Looks pretty conclusive, thanks!. |
| Lonkka1Actual | 21 Mar 2011 2:38 a.m. PST |
Gamecock was certainly not used in combat during Winter War!
During Winter War fighters in use were:
Fokker DXXI, Gloster Gladiator
In the western parts (Turku/Åbo & Pori/Björneborg area) even Bristol Bulldog was used until February 1940 at which time it was transferred to training use. None the less Bulldogs scored six kills while only one was lost.
The following planes took part in the latter part of the Winter War:
Fiat G. 50
Morane Saulnier MS 406
The following unfortunately came in too late to take part in any combat during Winter War:
Brewster B-239
Hawker Hurricane Mk.I |
| podette | 22 Mar 2011 11:51 a.m. PST |
Lonkka1Actual Wow, that is SO helpful. Do you know if the B-239 and Hurricanes saw action against the Soviets in the Continuation war? Great help, thank you. |
| Dom Skelton | 22 Mar 2011 12:02 p.m. PST |
Hurricanes yes, B-239s lots and lots and lots – plenty of Finns made ace on the Brewster. |
| Tommiatkins | 01 Apr 2011 9:28 a.m. PST |
Wouldnt that be a brilliant fight though! Gamecock vs I16 or a La7. Adding the Gamecock to Tommi's Fighting Kites right away. Any other 1920's fighters fighting in the 40's? |
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