Hi Anna and John,
Thanks, I’m glad you liked my pics.
Hi J,
Yes this is indeed your ‘Winston’ Gloster Meteor F. Mk.8; VZ467, which is now owned by the Temora Aviation Museum and registered as VH-MBX.
The Museum is proud of its identity as ‘Winston’ and appreciate the significance of operating the only flying F.8 so are rather thorough in their maintenance efforts. They also display ‘Winston’ with due care being flown by very capable and experienced jet fighter pilots.
‘Winston’ is now displayed as A77-851/WK683 ‘Halestorm’ from 77 Squadron RAAF as flown by then Sgt George Hale in Korea during 1953. Which in the Australian context is quite appropriate since 77 took the Meteor to war at great cost, also not be forgotten are the British pilots that served with 77 in that war as well.
George was a popular aviator with great service in both the RAAF and Qantas, he was also appreciative that ‘Winston’ found a new home here. Travelling from Queensland to Temora in New South Wales on a number of occasions he took the time to share his experiences and to also enjoy the company of a living Meteor before he passed.
As to your work and experience with ‘Winston’ in 1974, please do tell I would love to know more.
Cheers,
Daniel.
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