The facts about Gladiator Faith

I do not wish to enter into a lengthy debate or polemic regarding the condition Gladiator Faith should be left in or restored to. However, in view of Nick Poole's letter (December 16) and advice, I feel that a brief reply is in order.

Mr Poole has not informed us on his knowledge of the present condition of Faith but refers only to "correspondence". It is most advisable that he first examines the relic at close quarters and sees for himself the partial pseudo-restoration carried out by the staff at RAF Station Luqa in 1974.

All work carried out then on Faith's surviving fuselage is totally incorrect by today's standards, although done in good faith so as to "improve" its looks to the public.

Now, 30 plus years later, the small band of local aviation enthusiasts familiar with these facts have spoken out in an effort to have Faith's sad condition rectified and returned to pristine.

In the UK they have returned prestigious relics to their former glory, namely HMS Victory. Likewise, after the fire mishap to Cutty Sark, she too, we are informed, shall be returned to pristine condition.