The most Damaged WW2 Plane you’ll ever see flying

An Incredible Story of Survival

On December 1, 1951, a Gloster Meteor Mk8 (tail number A77-15) took part in a daring mission over the infamous “MiG Alley.” It was one of eight WWII-era Meteors joining 26 F-86 Sabres on a fighter sweep during the Korean War.

During the mission, Squadron Leader Douglas Wilson—a seasoned WWII veteran—found himself outnumbered by 12 Soviet MiG-15s. By then, the Meteor was already considered outdated and was no match for the faster, more advanced MiGs.

But Wilson didn’t back down. In an extraordinary display of skill and courage, he shot down three enemy jets. His Meteor was shredded by cannon fire, with shrapnel tearing into the cockpit.

Miraculously, Wilson escaped injury. Flying on a single engine and with much of his airframe destroyed, he somehow managed to bring the battered Meteor safely back home.