The Gloster Meteor (c1944)

The Gloster Meteor became the first Allied Jet Fighter when it was deployed by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in late 1944. The RAF was formed in 1918 in the wake of the pivotal role the British ace pilots played in World War I. Although commissioned in 1930, few had been built by 1944 when Germany launched the world’s first jet fighter, the German Messerschmitt 264. Never used extensively, the Meteor was kept out of enemy territory for fear that Germany might salvage the wreckage. Consequently, the Meteor F.1 defended the skies of England against V-1 missiles. Because the guns jammed so often, pilots began using the “tip and run” strategy to deflect the missiles. Pilots flew under the V-1 until their wings almost touched.

The photograph is part of a small collection of unidentified photos taken by John Hannon, an American World War II serviceman. While the plane lacks identifying information, the plane itself reveals key information. The Royal Air Force used the roundel shown under the wing and on the side. The YQ on the side of the plane confirms that it belonged to the 616 squadron. The 616 squadron had received 14 of the first 20 Meteor F.3 models put into service. Finally, the jet’s serial number placed on the tail: EE254 identified as a Gloster Meteor, the first jet fighter flown by Allied forces.

This item is part of the John Hannon, 103d. Division collection. If you would like to view this item or other materials from the collection, visit Special Collections at Southern Miss. For more information, contact Lorraine Stuart at or Jessica Clark at . 

Source: Mike's Research

Text by John Blackwell, Processing Assistant II.