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Aviation History
1946
1946 - 1978.PDF
FLIGHT The 11.11. 108 The Last Photographs of the Machine on Which Qeoffrey de Havilland Lost His Life These Flight pictures, taken a few daysbefore the accident, show how the machine had been cleaned-up for therecord attempt. The Wing-tip para- chutes had been removed, and a veryhigh surface polish had been attained. THESE two pages had been passed for press lastFriday, ind the intention had been, when Geoffreyde Havilland flew specially for our photographer, that publication should coincide, as far as could be fore- seen, with his attempt to beat the existing world's speed record of 6i6 m.p.h. over the measured course off Little- hampton. We now present them to our readers as a tribute to the memory of a very fine pilot. As we closed for press last Monday, the body of Geoffrey de Havilland nad aot been found, but the pieces of the 108 retrieved from the mud in Egypt Bay, in the Thames Estuary, did not bear out the reports of an "explosion." The actual reason for the machine breaking up in the air may be determined after further examination of the wreckage and the film records of the instruments. Geoffrey de Havilland was one of the outstanding test pilots in the country, and his work has played a vital part In the perfecting of such noteworthy types as* the Mosquito, Hornet, Vampire and 108. His death is a serious blow not only to the company but to the country, for in the exploration of the unknown threshold of sonic flight, a combination of skill and cool courage are qualities demanding the utmost of test pilots. Geoffrey de Havil- land had these qualities in a very high degree. Continuation of the task for which he gave his life, the development of the 108, will ensure that he has not died in vain. To his wife and parents, and to his only surviving brother, Peter de Havilland, Flight extends its sincerest sympathy. Geoffrey Raoul de Havilland.
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