Pilot F/Lt John Thomas Hannan, RAAF O22100 (POW / Survived)
Crashed February 6, 1952
Aircraft History
Originally assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) Serial WA956. Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on January 3, 1951. Served with 77 Squadron, RAAF, during the Korean War.
When lost this aircraft had Derwent 8 engines installed carrying numbers 6451 and 6327.
On August 29, 1951, the aircraft was one of 8 Meteors conducting a fighter sweep in the Chongju area in conjunction with 26 USAF F-86 Sabres. It was damaged by fire from a MiG-15. The pilot at the time was S/Ldr D L Wilson, RAAF, who was uninjured.
According to the Squadron Operations Book:
"...Section encountered enemy aircraft (MIG 15). During an attack A77-616 received hit in port aileron and main fuel tank punctured. Shots were fired at the enemy aircraft with unobserved results. A77-721 was missing when aircraft levelling off from an attack. A parachute was observed opening. Section re-turned to base reporting to area control en route. On the return an unidentified aircraft was seen to crash approximately thirty miles south/west of KIMPO. Aircraft did not have enough fuel to investigate, but reported the sighting to KIMPO tower".
Mission History
One of four Meteors taking part in a rocketing and strafing attack. Aircraft was hit while attacking enemy anti-aircraft weapon pits.
According to the Squadron Operations Book:
"...Flight proceeded to SIBYON-NI (CT0042) where strafing attacks were made against two .50 calibre weapon pits. 20mm flak was also seen. Immediately after this attack smoke and flame was seen to emit from A77-616, pilot called for a steer to base and commenced to gain height, however pilot was forced to eject. The parachute was seen to open but due to rugged terrain pilot was not seen to reach ground. Other aircraft searched area and called Patrol Three to assist. Aircraft A77-616 crashed at BT9328. Patrol Three remained in area when this flight (remainder) returned to base where it was found that A77-464 had been hit in starboard aileron".
Fate of the Pilot
It was later confirmed that F/Lt Hannan was taken prisoner. He survived the war. References
Thanks to Daniel Leahy for his assistance with this profile.
77 Squadron Operations Record Book (NAA: A9186, 103)
RAAF Casualty Card
ADF Serials - Meteor A77-616
Korean War Nominal Roll - J T Hannan
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Last Updated
February 18, 2020
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