23/07/2026
We’re often privileged to receive some quite remarkable visitors to the Museum, all with a unique and special link to the de Havilland story. None more so than 100-year-old Stanley Hills who - along with family members - recently visited from his home at Walton-on-the Naze.
Born in 1926, Stanley grew up in the Kings Cross area and joined the de Havilland Aircraft Company in June 1940, aged just fourteen. Living in London Colney, he was sent to Salisbury Hall where he worked as an assistant/tea boy to the Mosquito Design Team, remaining there for over a year until transferred onto Mosquito production at Hatfield. As such (and as far as we’re aware), Stanley is now the last surviving member of the Salisbury Hall Mosquito design/production team, it was therefore fascinating to hear his memories of life during this period!
Perhaps Stanley’s most remarkable recollection concerns the maiden flight of Mosquito Fighter prototype, W4052, from a field at Salisbury Hall during the evening of 15 May 1941.
Stanley later assembled bomb doors on the Mosquito production line at Hatfield, before enlisting in the army at the age of eighteen. He served during the Second World War and went on to enjoy a remarkable and varied career.
It was an absolute privilege to host Stanley and his family; we very much hope to see them again soon.
There is more of Stanley’s story on our Museum Blog which you can view on our website
de Havilland Veteran Visits the Mosquito Prototype by John Veall | Jul 22, 2026 | Blog, NewsWe’re often privileged to receive some quite remarkable visitors to the Museum, all with a unique and special link to the de Havilland story. Non more so than 100-year-old Stanley Hills who – along with f...
