METEOR STRIKE

Description

 77 SQUADRON RAAF METEORS IN ACTION, KOREA 1951-31.

THE SIGNATURES

Each print has been signed by the artist as well as four Fighter Pilots who flew Meteors with 77 Sqn in Korea:

Wing Commander DICK CRESSWELL DFC, DFC (US), AM
Joining the RAAF in 1938 he formed 77 Sqn in 1942 and scored the RAAF’s first “kill” of an enemy aircraft over Australian soil in 1942. Under Cresswell’s command, 77 Sqn converted from Mustangs to Meteors and he flew 144 missions In Korea  – 110 in P-51’s, 14 in Meteors and 10 in F-86’s with the USAF.

Flying Officer GEORGE HALE MID
Joining the RAAF in 1951 he served with 77 Sqn in Korea from 1952 to ’53 and was involved in what was to be the war’s last clash between MiGs and Meteors. During the encounter he shot down one MiG-15, damaged another and ran off another two. He flew a total of 131 missions, mainly ground attack.

Group Captain LES READING DFC, AM
He joined the RAAF in 1943 and in Korea he flew 98 combat missions in Mustangs and 90 in Meteors. Noted for his repeated dive bombing, rocket and strafing attacks from dangerously low-levels he damaged a MiG-15. Les commanded three RAAF fighter units including 77 Sqn before retiring.

Air Vice Marshall BILL SIMMONDS AO, MID, AM
Bill joined the RAAF in 1948 and served with 77 Sqn in Korea during 1952. Whilst protecting a large formation of fighter bombers his Meteor was attacked by a MiG from behind and he shot down one MiG-15 during the ensuing fight. He completed 188 missions and later commanded 77 Sqn.