The De Havilland ­Moth

This plane was built in 1925 by Geoffrey de Havilland of England. It was recognized as an outstanding plane immediately. Several different engines and styles followed its creation. There followed the Gipsy Moth, the Cirrus, and the Tiger and Menasco Moth. Over the Moth’s lifespan several modifications were made, like the enclosed canopy for Canadian climate, the metal fuselage, and other minor ­changes.

Most pilots in Canada in the nineteen thirties were trained in Moths. Moths were the most popular plane in the late twenties and thirties, used for short and ­long-­distance flights. Amy Johnson flew a Moth from England to Australia in 1929. Tiger Moths were at first built in England, but in 1927 De Havilland of Canada was established to assemble and maintain ­Moths.

The Tiger Moth was used as a military training plane during World War II by the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. It was used by the air forces of the uk, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Iraq, New Zealand, Persia, Portugal, South Africa, Rhodesia and Sweden. After the war, Tiger Moths were sold to civilian companies and individuals. Many are still flying today and are collector’s ­items.

You can find samples in most of the air museums across the country. Check them out. Remember that boys like Jack Waters and Trevor Knight (and some girls too) learned to fly in these small sturdy ­biplanes.