What type of plane were the men flying in Dahl's squadron?

In Roald Dahl's "Going Solo," the men in his squadron were flying Gloster Gladiators. This aircraft was a biplane fighter that played a significant role in World War II, particularly in the early years of the conflict. The Gladiator was known for its maneuverability and played a key part in various air battles, especially during the Battle of Britain and in other campaigns where the Luftwaffe was active.

Choosing the Gloster Gladiator reflects the context of Dahl's experiences during the war, as this model was one of the primary aircraft utilized by the Royal Air Force at that time. The mention of other aircraft, such as the Hawker Tempest or Supermarine Spitfire, while historically significant in their own right, does not accurately represent the specific aircraft that Dahl and his comrades would have been flying as detailed in his narrative. The De Havilland Tiger Moth, primarily a trainer aircraft, also does not fit the operational context of Dahl's experiences in combat situations. Thus, the Gloster Gladiator is the correct answer within the specific historical and narrative framework of Dahl's account.