Aircraft designer Geoffrey de Havilland began his career in automotive engineering, building motor cars and motorcycles. Around 1907 he became interested in the fledgling aviation industry and devoted the rest of his life to designing, building and flying aircraft.
His first design, a biplane, broke up as soon as it left the ground on its maiden flight in December 1909. Fortunately, de Havilland wasn't badly injured but the only item salvaged from the crash site was the engine. His second design was more successful and de Havilland piloted his new biplane on its first flight from Newbury, Berkshire in September 1910.
That same year, de Havilland was offered the position of designer and test pilot at the new Royal Aircraft Factory in Farnborough. His biplane design was bought by the factory for £400 and became the FE.1, the first of an illustrious line of designs. In May 1914, he joined The Aircraft Manufacturing Company (Airco) as its chief designer. However, after the First World War, the aviation industry suffered a slump and de Havilland found himself out of work.
Undeterred, he formed the de Havilland Aircraft Company in September 1920 at a site near Hendon Aerodrome with financial support from Holt Thomas, the owner of Airco. de Havilland became increasingly frustrated with the Air Ministry's procedures so he decided to concentrate on commercial aircraft. The company designed and built the very successful Moth series of light aircraft which brought it financial stability.
Geoffrey de Havilland then moved his operation to Hatfield in Hertfordshire, where it continued to produce world-class aircraft. During the Second World War, de Havilland built many aircraft for the Air Ministry, the most famous of which was the Mosquito - the 'wooden wonder' which was built almost entirely of wood because aluminium was difficult to obtain. de Havilland was knighted in 1944 for his services to the aviation industry.
After the War, aircraft development continued at a fast pace and on 27 July 1949, the DH.106 Comet made its first flight. The Comet entered service with BOAC in 1952 and became the world's first commercial jet airliner.
However, de Havilland faced problems with the Comet's design and increasing competition in the market. The commerical aircraft industry went through a period of consolidation and a number of famous aviation companies were absorbed into bigger groups. Sir Geoffrey de Havilland remained in control of the company until it was acquired by the Hawker Siddley Group in 1960.
