Some of the last surviving aircrew of the Second World War Mosquito fighter bomber paid a visit to an aircraft museum to mark the 75th anniversary of its maiden flight.
Seventeen veterans, now all in their 80s and 90s, recently visited the de Havilland Museum at Salisbury Hall in London Colney to sign prints of a new painting of the “wooden wonder” DH 98 Mosquito fighter bomber.
The day, which was attended by more than 200 people, was part of a £1.5 million fundraising campaign launched to build a hangar to cover the museum’s aircraft.
The painting was the work of celebrated aviation artist Philip West and the veterans signed prints seated beneath a the wings of the aircraft, which is currently being reassembled.
The prototype was designed and built at Salisbury Hall and flew from de Havilland’s airfield at Hatfield in November 1940.
Museum marketing director, Mike Nevin, said: “It was an immensely successful event. We were honoured to welcome the veterans, especially as we will be marking the 75th anniversary of the maiden flight of the prototype.”
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