18 May 2026
The de Havilland Aircraft Museum near London Colney was recently awarded a Red Wheel plaque by the National Transport Trust.
This recognises the significance of the site where the de Havilland Mosquito prototype was designed and built in secret in 1939-40.
Unveiled on behalf of the Trust by Lady Mc Alpine, the plaque confirms that 7,781 Mosquitos were manufactured, including 3,326 at the nearby Hatfield factory.
Located on the wall of the Foremans’ Office, built in 1939, the plaque is adjacent to the location of the Mosquito’s wartime assembly rig. The prototype itself is displayed in a nearby hanger.
Made largely from wood, the Mosquito was a fast and versatile aircraft, popularly known as the ‘Wooden Wonder’. Guests from the National Transport Trust toured the Museum to view the prototype Mosquito.
The National Transport Trust is dedicated to preserving all modes of transport and its infrastructure. There are almost 200 Red Wheel plaques in Britain. They are the transport equivalent of the blue plaques that mark sites of historical and cultural interest.
