One of the first production Meteor Is gets a checkover. The starboard Welland engine and sideways-hinging canopy are well shown.

Meteor Is of 616 Squadron at Mansion, Kent, in 1945. Operations against V.1 flying bombs had begun on July 27, 1944.

A quartet of Meteor F.4s from 43 Squadron in 1950. The three nearest aircraft are VT256, VT104 and VT245.

Gloster G.41D Meteor III EE401, powered by a pair of 2,000lb thrust Derwents, was photographed in October 1945.

With the entry of the Meteor F.4 into service, powered by up rated Derwent V engines, the RAF had a really reliable and fast front-line jet fighter.

The second production Meteor I, EE211, was powered by 1,700lb thrust Rolls-Royce Welland Is.

Photographed in February 1943, F.9/40 Meteor fifth prototype DG206 was equipped with a pair of 1,500lb thrust Halford H.1 turbojets which enabled it to become the first Meteor to fly, on March 5 that year. Note bullet fairing behind tailplane rather than in front.

A line-up of Derwent-powered Meteor IIIs of 74 Squadron at Bentwaters, September 1945. The sliding, clear-view canopy introduced on the Mk III is well shown here.