Gloucestershire’s Jet Age Museum has announced that Meteor NF.14 WS807 has been moved into its conservation and restoration workshop
It’s believed that this is the first time WS807 has been indoors in nearly 50 years, according to Terry Willis, Project Manager. While looking cosmetically very poor, her structure is in remarkably good condition. She will receive a full restoration at the hands of a team of volunteers over the coming years.
WS807 will be returned to the colours worn when serving as an NF.14(T) at No.2 Air Navigation School, Thorney Island. Built in 1953 by Armstrong Whitworth at Coventry, WS807 entered service in 1954 as a NF.14 with 46 Squadron at Odiham. By 1961, night-fighter Meteors had been replaced by the final Gloster type, the Javelin.
WS807 was converted to a NF.14(T). After serving at Thorney Island she moved to No.1 Air Navigation School at Stradishall. During 1967, she became 7973M and served as the gate guardian of Eastern Radar, Watton. The mid-1970s saw her returned to her 46 Squadron markings. In external storage ever since, WS807 has been displayed at the Jet Age Museum where she has latterly been home to the airport's feral cat, Biggles. With thanks to Alan Drewett
