The de Havilland Mosquito, known as “The Wooden Wonder,” was a twin-engine multirole fighter utilized by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and various Allied air forces in World War II. Constructed mainly from wood, it entered service in 1941 and remained operational until 1963, marking its longevity in combat roles.
The evolution of the de Havilland mosquito
During the 1930s, de Havilland gained renown for its high-speed aircraft, notably the DH.88 Comet, and conducted groundbreaking research on the DH.91 Albatross composite timber structure. Wooden airplanes emerged as superior due to their lighter weight and ease of construction.
On September 8, 1936, the British Air Ministry issued requirements for a new bomber, stipulating the necessity of a twin-engine aircraft capable of carrying 3,000 pounds of bombs and achieving a top speed of 275 miles per hour. Among the contenders were the Avro Manchester and Handley Page Halifax.
Geoffrey de Havilland was confident in his company’s ability to surpass the Air Ministry’s specifications with a new bomber.
A key aspect of the envisioned aircraft was its wooden construction. On July 7, 1938, de Havilland corresponded with Air Marshal Wilfrid Freeman, proposing that wood could be a viable alternative to aluminum and steel, particularly in wartime when metal might be scarce. De Havilland asserted that wood offered a strength-to-weight ratio comparable to, if not better than, metal and was a practical choice.
While Freeman expressed reservations, de Havilland persisted in developing the concept. When World War II erupted, the proposed design was deemed too unconventional by the Air Ministry. However, after submitting a complete model to the RAF, the de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito gained official backing.
De Havilland confidently asserted that the company and its workforce “could manufacture a twin-engine bomber so effective that it required minimal defensive armament.” The Mosquito bomber’s exceptional performance during the war solidified its reputation as one of the most versatile combat aircraft ever produced.
De Havilland Mosquito Specifications.
The de Havilland Mosquito boasted a sleek overall design, featuring wings positioned forward of the fuselage, a nose-mounted cockpit, and a fuselage tapering towards the tail. F/O Frank Ruskell of Fleet 2, No. 109 Squadron RAF, described the aircraft’s aesthetics as striking, highlighting the harmonious lines of the fuselage, tailplane, and engine cowls. He also praised the elegant design of the cockpit canopy and the simplicity of the landing gear, which contributed to the aircraft’s appealing appearance on the ground.
Powered by two Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, the Mosquito utilized V-12 piston aircraft engines with three-blade constant speed propellers, a configuration also found in other notable British warplanes such as the Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane, and Supermarine Spitfire. This powerplant enabled the Mosquito to achieve a top speed of 415 MPH at an altitude of 28,000 feet.
In terms of armament, the Mosquito was formidable. Its nose featured eight gun ports, four accommodating 7.7mm Browning machine guns and four for 20mm Spanish cannons. Additionally, the aircraft’s single bomb bay could carry bombs weighing up to 4,000 pounds.
Served during World War II
The de Havilland Mosquito was introduced into service on November 15, 1941, and swiftly earned a reputation for its versatility. It served various roles including medium bomber, fighter bomber, night fighter, maritime attack aircraft, and photo reconnaissance aircraft, excelling in each capacity during the war.
The inaugural production Mosquito joined the 1st Photographic Reconnaissance Unit and conducted its maiden mission on September 19, 1941.
Soon afterward, the Mosquito bomber assumed a more assertive role, instilling fear and dread in the Germans. Hermann Göring, a lecturer from a German aircraft manufacturing firm, expressed his frustration with the aircraft, stating: “In 1940, most of my planes could reach Glasgow, but not anymore! When I see the mosquitoes, I become infuriated. I turn green and yellow with envy. The British can afford aluminum better than we can. They were assembling a beautiful wooden airplane produced in every piano factory, endowing it with the speed that is now once again increasing.”
He proceeded to rebuke the manufacturer, declaring, “What do you think? The British had nothing. They had geniuses; we had fools. I’ll purchase a British radio once the war is over – at least I’ll have something that will always be useful!”
Mosquitoes participated in numerous notable engagements. For instance, on the tenth anniversary of the German government’s rise to power, they disrupted the Berlin radio station, silencing Göring during his speech. Another attack targeted a speech by Joseph Goebbels later that afternoon. The Mosquito not only dismantled German targets but also shattered their pride.
Mosquito attack in Oslo
On September 25, 1942, four de Havilland Mosquitoes attacked the Victoria Terrace Building, the Gestapo headquarters in Oslo, Norway. The aircraft, equipped with a 500-pound bomb with a delayed fuse, flew at a low altitude of less than 100 feet and left Scotland over the North Sea.
Although they were flying at low altitude, they were intercepted by two Focke-Wulf Fw 190s. One Mosquito was forced to land by an attacking enemy fighter, while another German aircraft was forced to land after clipping a tree with its wings. The three remaining Mosquitoes dropped bombs on the headquarters. However, the building was not destroyed. One of the bombs failed to explode, while the others went through another wall and exploded outside the building.
Although the strike failed to hit its target, it was the first time the RAF had announced the existence of the Mosquito and foreshadowed the future of the new aircraft.
Operation Jericho
On February 18, 1944, Typhoons, Mosquitoes, and Hawkers conducted a bombing raid on the Amiens prison located in German-occupied France. The attack involved low-flying aircraft that breached the prison walls, demolished the German guards’ barracks, and neutralized them.
Additionally, the aircraft assisted in facilitating the escape of prisoners to awaiting French resistance fighters outside the prison. Out of the 832 individuals held captive, the explosion resulted in the death of 102, while 74 sustained injuries, and 255 successfully fled. However, 182 escapees were subsequently recaptured.
During the operation, two Mosquitoes and one Typhoon were shot down, and another Typhoon was lost at sea. Nevertheless, this operation underscored the Mosquito’s capability to execute precise and efficient attacks.
By the conclusion of World War II, a total of 7,781 Mosquito aircraft had been manufactured. Commonly referred to as “Moss,” they demonstrated their effectiveness not only within the Royal Air Force but also in other air forces across the British Empire, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Moreover, they saw service in the U.S. Army Air Force and were utilized by 15 other nations, including France, Israel, and the Soviet Union.
