1942 WWII Gotha Go 242 Axis Glider – British Official Photo, Daba Capture

Original 1942 British Air Ministry press photograph depicting a captured German Gotha Go 242 military transport glider abandoned by retreating Axis forces in the Daba area during the North African campaign. The image shows the distinctive twin-boom design of the Go 242, partially dug in, with a soldier standing atop the fuselage. This heavy-lift glider, with a 79-foot wingspan and a 5,300 lb payload capacity, was typically towed by Junkers Ju 52 transports and could carry up to 21 fully equipped troops or supplies into combat zones.

Issued November 1942, this historically important image includes the original typed caption on reverse, detailed aircraft specifications in pencil, and “T.S. Dulake” ownership marks. A rare piece of WWII aviation and glider warfare history, offering direct visual documentation from the North African front.

Details:

• Date: November 1942

• Subject: Gotha Go 242 glider, Daba airfield capture

• Origin: British Official Air Ministry Photograph

• Dimensions: Approx. 8" x 10"

• Condition: Very good, light handling wear, original captions intact

• Provenance: From the T.S. Dulake collection