De Havilland Mosquito

Overview

The De Havilland Mosquito was called either the “Wooden Wonder” or the “Termite’s Dream” because of its unusual plywood construction. Although its construction did provide drawbacks in tropical climates, the aircraft proved to be outstandingly successful in the European theatre and in Canada. Its wooden construction made it one of the first stealthy aircraft in an era of radar. It was probably one of the most versatile aircraft of the Second World War, being used in fighter, bomber, reconnaissance, anti-shipping and even transport roles. Bomber and reconnaissance variants carried no defensive armament, relying instead on their high speed for protection. Six Canadian squadrons flew Mosquitos in a variety of tasks and roles. 400 Squadron flew the aircraft on photographic reconnaissance missions. Four RCAF night fighter squadrons (406, 409, 410 and 418) flew Mosquitos on night fighter and intruder operations. During the V-1 pilotless missile blitz attacks of 1944, 409 Squadron Mosquitos destroyed 10 missiles and 418 Squadron shot down 82 V-1s. 404 Squadron was also equipped with Mosquitos, employing them on coastal anti-shipping and submarine strikes. A total of 7,781 Mosquitos were built, including 1,032 at the De Havilland plant in Toronto.

Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium by T.F.J. Leversedge © 2007. Translated and reproduced with permission of the author.

Technical specifications (Mark II)

Source: Canadian Combat and Support Aircraft: A Military Compendium by T.F.J. Leversedge © 2007. Translated and reproduced with permission of the author.