Comes with a hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity and a full historical research write-up.

Print Size: 8 x 10 inches
Paper Type: Museum-Grade Archival Matte Fine Art Paper
From: World War II - ETO
Historical Piece of WWII History Included: Original WWII Royal Air Force 616 Squadron “Mission Flown Gloster Meteor Aircraft Metal Recovered from RAF Melsbroek Airfield in Belgium.

Dated: 1945

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Each print in this Limited Edition series is truly unique. As part of our "Piece of History Prints" collection, it includes a metal aircraft skin fragment of an original WWII Gloster Meteor from the RAF 616 Squadron. This series is a limited edition of 50 meaning that each is truly one-of-a-kind as every piece is truly one-of-a-kind. This meticulously preserved fragment is professionally integrated into the print, and is perfect for framing and displaying, making it an exceptional addition to any WWII, or Royal Air Force collection.

****Included in your purchase is a 100% FREE & COMPLIMENTARY 8x11 hard acrylic display sleeve so that your print and piece of history inclusion are safely protected. This can be used as a permanent display option or until you select the perfect frame.
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#1. Historical Significance:

The Royal Air Force’s 616 Squadron holds a unique place in military aviation history as the first operational unit to fly jet-powered aircraft in combat during the Second World War. Formed in 1938 as part of the Auxiliary Air Force, the squadron initially flew Spitfires in the early years of the war, but it was in 1944 that they were selected to pioneer Britain’s first operational jet fighter, the Gloster Meteor. This revolutionary aircraft, powered by twin Rolls-Royce Welland turbojets, was a response to the growing threat posed by German jet technology, particularly the Messerschmitt Me 262. From these ETO airfields, the RAF 616 Squadron undertook a series of historic missions over occupied territory, primarily targeting German V-1 flying bomb launch sites, transport infrastructure, and enemy aircraft in defensive interception roles. The Meteor's speed and climb rate made it a formidable opponent against the dwindling Luftwaffe presence, although it was often held back from deep penetration missions to prevent the aircraft from falling into enemy hands. Missions flown in the early months of 1945 were both defensive and offensive in nature—protecting key logistical hubs as Allied forces advanced through Belgium and into Germany, while also sweeping for last-ditch German air activity. Despite initial limitations in range and armament compared to piston-engine contemporaries, the Gloster Meteor represented a monumental shift in air warfare, with 616 Squadron at the forefront of this transition. Their operations symbolized not only the technological evolution of the RAF but also the coordinated push toward final victory in Europe.

#2. Why This Print is Special:

Our "Piece of History Print" transforms this storied piece of WWII history into a stunning and meaningful piece of the past perfect for any history enthusiast or anyone with an interest in history. Let this limited edition print be a conversation starter, a source of inspiration, and a tribute to the legacy of the U.S. Army during WWII.


🇺🇸 It truly is an honor for us to be able to preserve these pieces of history for famous museums and private collections like yours...for this specific sale, 50% of all sales for this "Piece of History" print will be donated to the non-profit Honor Flight Network. Honor Flight is dedicated to transporting as many United States military veterans as possible to see the memorials of the respective war they participated, in Washington, DC, at no cost to the veterans. Thank you for helping us preserve history and remembering our nation's heroes. 🇺🇸

This piece would make an extraordinary addition to any WWII, of RAF history collection. For further details or inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out.