The German Messerschmitt Me 262 was the first operational jet aircraft to enter front line service on either side during the Second World War (1939 – 1945). Werknummer 110 305 is a Messerschmitt Me 262B-1a/U1 night fighter equipped with FuG218 radar. This aircraft served as ‘Red 8’ with 10/NJG11. ‘Red 8’ was surrendered at Schleswig and ferried to Gilze-Rijen on 18 May, 1945 before flying to RAF Farnborough in the United Kingdom on the following day. The aircraft was slightly damaged on a subsequent ferry flight but returned to serve with the Fighter Interception Development Squadron until September 1945. ‘Red 8’ was shipped to South Africa on 23 February 1947, arriving at Cape Town on 17 March. This important aircraft was restored for display in 1971 and has been an exhibit at the South African National Museum of Military History in Johannesburg since 1972.