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METEOR
STRIKE
A
unique limited edition print published in aid of the RAAF Museum, Point Cook,
Australia. Each print is signed by
four jet fighter pilots who fought in the Meteor during the Korean War. 500
signed and numbered prints, image size 68cm x 48cm
The
Gloster Meteor not only brought the jet-age to Australia, but also provided the
RAAF with a number of “firsts”, so ensuring the aircraft a special place in
the annuals of Australian aviation history. The
Meteor was the first (and so far only) RAAF jet fighter to see air-to-air
combat; it produced the first jet “kill”, and first operational ejection. 77
Squadron was actively engaged in the Korean War as part of the United Nations
forces from the beginning, initially flying P-51 Mustangs.
The arrival of MiG-15s in Korean skies in November 1950 marked the
beginning of a new era in air combat. UN
air forces did not possess a plane to match it until F-86A Sabres were
introduced in December. Regrettably,
the Australians had to be content with the Meteor. After
a quick conversion, the Squadron was based at Kimpo under the command of
Squadron Leader Dick Cresswell who was the first RAAF pilot to convert to the
Meteor. Early missions over MiG
Alley were without incident. It was
not until August 29 that the MiGs drew first blood when one Meteor was lost;
Warrant Officer Ron Guthrie ejected at 35,000ft becoming a POW.
It soon became apparent that the Meteor was no match for the Soviet jet
at altitude. In this, and in
subsequent encounters, the MiG pilots, utilising the sanctuary of Chinese
airspace across the Yalu River to form up before crossing over into Korea,
always retained the initiative, attacked from above and could maintain a
numerical advantage. Unable
to match the MiG’s performance, 77 Squadron’s main role was changed to
ground attack and in this the Meteor proved highly successful as demonstrated in
Frank Wootton’s powerful painting. By
the war’s end the squadron has been credited with the destruction of 3700
buildings, 1408 vehicles, 16 bridges and 98 railway carriages. MiGs
were met on odd occasions but now at a low altitude where the Meteors stood a
better chance. In
total, for the loss of five Meteors in air-to-air combat, without considering
claims of ‘damaged’, the pilots of 77 Squadron scored three MiG-15’s
destroyed, two probably destroyed and five damaged. During
WW11 Frank Wootton was an official war artist to the RAF.
In this capacity he saw service in Normandy, Burma and India.
Subjects painted during this period are now with the Royal Air Force
Museum, The Imperial War Museum, Australian War Memorial, National Air and Space
Museum USA and The Royal Naval Museum. His
memorial portrayal of METEOR STRIKE will appeal to students of aviation history,
jet fighter enthusiasts, and collectors alike. THE
SIGNATURES Wing
Commander DICK CRESSWELL DFC,
DFC (US), AM (US) Flying
Officer GEORGE HALE MID Group
Captain LES READING DFC, AM (US) Air
Vice Marshall BILL SIMMONDS AO, MID, AM (US)
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