Aircraft History
Originally assigned Royal Air Force (RAF) Serial WA954. Delivered to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) on February 17, 1951. Served with 77 Squadron, RAAF, during the Korean War.

When lost this aircraft had Derwent 8 engines installed carrying numbers 6423 and 6454.

Mission History
Aircraft was one of 8 Meteors conducting a fighter sweep in the Chongju area in conjunction with 26 USAF F-86 Sabres.

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".

Fate of the Pilot
It was later confirmed that W/O Guthrie was taken prisoner. He survived the war.

Aircraft Displayed
The aircraft on display as A77-721 at the Queensland Air Museum is actually Ex-RAF Meteor WA880.

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 A77-721
Korean War Nominal Roll - R D Guthrie

Last Updated
February 18, 2020