Consider the year 1909. Right here at 32 Baron’s Court Road stands a testament to a great pioneer Sir Geoffrey de Havilland. This blue plaque commemorates the time when Geoffrey de Havilland lived here.
Geoffrey de Havilland was born in 1882. He became one of England’s most influential aircraft designers. He lived here from 1909 to 1910.
De Havilland was not just an aircraft designer. He was also a mechanical engineer. The English Heritage erected this plaque in 2001. It marks his residence at this address.
Before airplanes captured his imagination, he worked with cars. De Havilland apprenticed with Willans & Robinson. Later he worked for Wolseley Tool and Motor Car Company.
But the sky beckoned. He designed his first aero engine while at Motor Omnibus Construction Company. In 1909, he married Louise Thomas. He then dedicated his life to aviation.
With financial help from his grandfather, he started building his first aircraft. It took two years. Unfortunately, it crashed on its first short flight in December 1909.
Undeterred, he built another biplane. In September 1910, he made his first successful flight. A memorial plaque marks this achievement near Newbury.
His designs kept improving. In 1912, he set a new British altitude record. He flew to 10500 feet in his own design the B.E.2. His brother Hereward was the test pilot.
In December 1910, de Havilland joined the HM Balloon Factory. It later became the Royal Aircraft Factory. He sold his second plane to them for £400. It became the F.E.1. This was the first aircraft with an official Royal Aircraft Factory designation.
During World War I, large numbers of de Havilland aircraft were used. They were flown by the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Air Force.
In 1920, he formed the de Havilland Aircraft Company. With Alan Butler’s help, they bought Stag Lane Aerodrome. Here, they designed and built many aircraft including the Moth family.
His company also created the Mosquito. Many consider it the most versatile warplane ever built. His Comet was the first jet airliner to go into production.
De Havilland’s impact on aviation is undeniable. From this house to the skies, his vision took flight.
Remember Sir Geoffrey de Havilland. He lived here and he dreamed of flight. He turned those dreams into reality.