Mosquito B.Mk.35 TA634 was one of the last built at Hatfield in 1945. powered by a pair of Merlin 114s and stored at 22 MV Silloth, later being modified for target lowing as a B(TT)Mk.35. It entered service with 4 CAACU in November 1953. moving to the HQ 2nd TAF in March 1946. it’s final service duty was with 3 CAACU at Exeter in September 1959. and on its retirement it was flown to Speke Airport on 6 November 1963 for the Liverpool Corporation to preserve in a new Terminal Complex. This, however, did not take place, but the aircraft flew for the filming of “Mosquito Squadron”. which was carried out at Bovingdon during June and July 1968. It was last flown on 16 July when the late Neil Williams returned it to Liverpool, taking its total flying time to 742 hrs 50 mins. It was kindly donated to the Museum. and the move was made to Salisbury Hall by 6O MU recovery unit in time for the official handover on 15 May 1971. As a result of the British climate this aircraft had to be housed under cover, and a major rebuild was commenced, taking the Museum volunteers at least ten years and finishing the aircraft in the markings of 571 Squadron, Light Night Striking Force, based at Graveley near Huntingdon. Work continues on the refurbishment of the equipment of this aircraft.

 

Photo and text: de Havilland Heritage Centre