Gloster Gauntlet in South African Service

At the outbreak of the Second World War, South Africa ordered 32 Gloster Gauntlets. However 25 of these were diverted to Finland for their Winter War with the Soviet Union. The remainder were not delivered to the South African Air force. SAAF Nos 1 and 2 squadrons were sent to Egypt equipped with Gloster Gladiators. To conserve these fighters, training was carried out on Gauntlets, at least four aircraft being used by the squadrons.

Although primarily used as trainers, the Gauntlets were occasionally pressed into service as fighters and ground attack aircraft.