T he de Havilland Aircraft Museum, the first aviation museum in Britain, opened its doors to the public on May 15, 1959. This milestone occurred just 18 years after the Mosquito Night Fighter W4052 had been flown out of adjacent fields by Geoffrey de Havilland Jr.

Aviation’s connection to Salisbury Hall began in October 1939, when the de Havilland Mosquito design team relocated there to continue their work under heightened security. This move was prompted by fears that the British Government might halt the project. The Mosquito was originally conceived as an unarmed high-speed bomber but quickly evolved into a versatile multi-role combat aircraft. It excelled in a variety of roles including unarmed photo reconnaissance, night fighting, precision strikes, and anti-shipping operations. The aircraft’s first prototype was hand-built in a barn-like hangar across the moat at Salisbury Hall using non-strategic materials and labor. Three Mosquitos were subsequently flown from the surrounding fields to Hatfield, saving valuable time that would have been spent on disassembly and reassembly.

After de Havilland left Salisbury Hall in 1947, the building fell into disrepair. By 1955, it was taken over by Walter Goldsmith, an ex-Royal Marine Major. Goldsmith played a pivotal role in preserving the Mosquito Prototype W4050, which became the museum’s first aviation exhibit. Alongside Bill Baird, he launched the Mosquito Appeal Fund to protect this historic aircraft from being scrapped. With support from original WWII Mosquito sub-contractors, a hangar was erected at Salisbury Hall to house the prototype.

The museum’s collection began to grow in 1968 with the addition of a Venom Night Fighter and a Vampire Trainer. The next significant acquisition was the Mosquito B.35 TA634, donated by the Liverpool Corporation in 1971. Due to exposure to the British weather, this aircraft required special conservation efforts.

In 1974, the museum’s name was changed to the Mosquito Aircraft Museum, and the Supporters Society was formed to bolster its operations. The de Havilland Aircraft Museum Trust Ltd was established in 1977 to oversee the museum’s activities and secured charitable status. The Trust’s early efforts focused on expanding the site and building hangars to safeguard the growing collection.

Over the years, the museum has continued to expand its collection with notable additions including a Hornet Moth G-ADOT, Chipmunk WP790, Sea Vixen, Sea Venom, Comet 1 fuselage, Dragon Rapide, a pair of Doves, a Heron, a DH.125 business jet, and the front fuselage of a Trident Two. The latest addition is the fuselage of a BAe 146-100 airliner, which completes the museum’s showcase of Hatfield’s jet airliner heritage.

The Mosquito may be considered one of the most iconic arcraft of the Seond World War. Being able to see several Mosquito’s is just an incredable experience. The De Havilland company has built a great number of well known aircraft and it’s a great experience being able to see them all. The museum just breathes the enthusiasm and hard work done by the staff. Though this museum (like many relatively smaller ones) may not look as slick as it’s bigger counterparts like the Imperial War Museum, you’ll definitely enjoy your visit.

When making photographs I tend to user a(n) (old school) DSLR trying to make the best photographs for the website. The staff of the museum noticed the efforts taken and gave me opportunity to take some photo’s from off limites areas. In general the staff was very kind and knowledgable, making the visit very enjoyable.

The Queen Bee was devised as a low-cost radio-controlled target aircraft, for realistic anti-aircraft (AA) gunnery training. Over 380 Queen Bees were built, operated by the Fleet Air Arm (many on twin floats) and the Royal Air Force. It’s thought the term ‘drone’ started to be used at this time being inspired by the DH.82B Queen Bee.