Mosquito at 85

Dave Homewood · **Posted:** Mon Nov 24, 2025 2:47 pm

The Wings Over New Zealand Show Episode 339 is now online. To mark the 85th Anniversary of the first flight of the de Havilland Mosquito, which took place on the 25th of November 1940, I have pulled an old but never before heard interview from my archive that I recorded in 2013 with four Kiwi Mossie veterans.

They are pilots Reg Mitchell and Keith Boles DFC, and navigator-wireless operators Harold “Bunny” Burrows and Martial “Sonny” Gaspard. The recording was made at the Museum of Transport and Technology in Auckland, and the guys share memories and tell stories from their days flying one of the greatest aeroplanes of all time. As well as war stories, Keith and Bunny also talk about ferrying Mosquitoes to New Zealand after the war. You will also hear the late Peter Wheeler ask a question too, as he sat in on the interview.

https://cambridgeairforce.org.nz/WONZSh ... ito-at-85/

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7884

RAF De Havilland Mosquito W4050 (1947)

Rick65 · **Posted:** Sun Nov 30, 2025 7:13 pm

But what is the strange shape behind the Mosquito?

quemerford · **Joined:** Tue Jun 17, 2014 4:19 pm **Posts:** 1669

Rick65 wrote:

But what is the strange shape behind the Mosquito?

At left is the General Aircraft GAL 56.

Rick65 · **Posted:** Mon Dec 01, 2025 8:15 pm

Thanks.
Another highly unsuccessful (and test pilot fatal) British tailless prototype that I had not previously been aware of.

Dave Homewood · **Posted:** Thu Dec 04, 2025 7:23 pm

Thanks of the photo Mark.

Did anyone here listen to the episode?

Mark Allen M · **Joined:** Fri Feb 03, 2012 1:48 pm **Posts:** 7884

Dave Homewood wrote:

Thanks of the photo Mark.

Did anyone here listen to the episode?

I sure did Dave, thank you kindly for remembering and for educating.

old iron · **Posted:** Fri Dec 05, 2025 9:28 am

see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7iDb7LmYwU

Dave Homewood · **Posted:** Fri Dec 05, 2025 4:42 pm

Mark Allen M wrote:

Dave Homewood wrote:

Thanks of the photo Mark.

Did anyone here listen to the episode?

I sure did Dave, thank you kindly for remembering and for educating.

My pleasure Mark.

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Mosquito at 85

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