Aircraft History
Originally assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) Serial WK683. Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on August 20, 1952. Served with 77 Squadron, RAAF, during the Korean War.

On March 27, 1953, the aircraft was damaged in combat with MiG-15s while being flown by Sgt Ian David Irlam. This was the same engagement in which George Hale (flying A77-851) claimed one MiG-15 probably destroyed and one MiG-15 damaged.

According to the Squadron Operations Record Book:
"...The flight had proceeded to the Haeju area when (1) MIG-15 was sighted chasing (2) F-80s (2) more MIG-15 came into view and the Meteors engaged them. A77-446 received Major damage and returned to base. The remaining Meteors continued and claim (1) MIG-15 probably destroyed and (1) MIG-15 damaged then returned to base".

According to the Temora Aviation Museum website:
"On 27th March 1953 at approx 1420 hrs while on armed road reconnaissance, Hale, with Sgt David Irlam saw two MiG.15 fighters which they immediately engaged but at the same time were attacked by two more MiGs. Irlam was hit and took no further part in the engagement".

The aircraft returned to Australia and was sold to the R H Grant Trading Co in 1959 and was scrapped.

References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for his assistance with this profile.
77 Squadron Operations Record Book (NAA: A9186, 104)
ADF Serials - Meteor A77-446
Korean War Nominal Roll - I D Irlam
Temora Aviation Museum - Vale George Hale

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Last Updated
November 9, 2019