NZDF-Serials Meteor

Serial	Aircraft.Type	R.A.F.	Aircraft history
NZ6001	F Mk.III	EE395	Previously EE395 this was the first jet aircraft of any sort to arrive in New Zealand and was loaned to the service by the RAF. 23 January 1946 uncrated at Hobsonville 12 February 1946 airborne for the first time at 1035 hours flown by Squadron Leader Bob McKay. The aircraft was demonstrated throughout the country over the next few months, its first appearance being at Ardmore on 15 February at the farewell parade to No.14 Squadron who were leaving for duty in Japan. By March 1946 it had acquired its RNZAF serial number of NZ6001. 09 May 1946 attached to the Central Flying School, Wigram for 2 months to convert the first group of RNZAF instructors to jets. July 1946 To Central Fighter Establishment, Ohakea where it was used to train over 50 RNZAF pilots While at Ohakea the Meteor came under the care of No. 75 Squadron RNZAF's maintenance team (who looked after the Mosquitos). This is a fact that has been forgotten by time and Dave Homewood only discovered it by talking with some of the Mossie groundcrew guys at a reunion in 2015 and one mentioned it and another confirmed it. So the Central Fighter Establishment was a pilot-based unit only, and all maintenance and line work was done by 75 Sqn. 21 February 1948 Last public appearance was at the Otago Centennial Air Show at Taieri after which the aircraft was placed in long term storage at Ohakea. 15 March 1950 purchased from the RAF for 5,000 pounds and became the RNZAF's first jet aircraft. 16 September 1950 final flight was from Ohakea to Whenuapai in the hands of Squadron Leader J. Wenden. 19 September 1950 converted to instructional airframe INST147 with the TTS, Hobsonville March 1957 declared surplus May 1957 sold by tender to A. Elliot, Onehunga The engine was sold and the rest of the aircraft melted down. One complete Rolls Royce Derwent engine from NZ6001 is on display at MOTAT. Another sectioned engine (training aid?) is held by New Zealand Air Force Museum Wigram
n/a	T.7	WH206	25 January 1952 Delivered to RAF . With No.219 Squadron RAF. October 1952 To No.14 Squadron, Nicosia, Cyprus. 1952-1955 Aircraft leased from RAF and stationed in Cyprus as part of the Middle East Air Force and used for instrument flying practice. Coded "Z". Squadron strength of 2 aircraft initially until WH206 was replaced by Vampire T.11 WZ516. November 1953 Returned to RAF with No.6 Maintenance Command Communications Squadron and then to Station Flight Khormaksar. 20 January 1959 Ran out of fuel and abandoned near Mogadishu, Somaliland.
n/a	T.7	WL400	02 July 1952 .Delivered to RAF October 1952 To No.14 Squadron, Nicosia, Cyprus. 1952-1955 Aircraft leased from RAF and stationed in Cyprus as part of the Middle East Air Force and used for instrument flying practice. Coded "Y". Squadron strength of 2 aircraft initially until WH206 was replaced by Vampire T.11. March 1955 Returned to RAF with Instrument Training Flight, Nicosia and then to Communications Flight Levant. 28 May 1957 SOC with RAF .