Aircraft designer and manufacturer. Born at Magdala House, Terriers Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. He built his first plane in 1908 and became director of the firm bearing his name, which produced many famous aircraft including the Tiger Moth, the Mosquito and the Comet jet airliner. He established a height record for light aircraft in 1928. Knighted in 1944. Died at Watford Peace Memorial Hospital, Stanmore.
Paternal cousin of the Hollywood actors, sisters, Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
