De Havilland in Canada

De Havilland in Canada is an aviation book in a class of its own. Here is the last word about the people and products that made the name "De Havilland Canada" famous around the world, and synonymous with quality. Veteran historian Fred W. Hotson takes the story from earliest days with de Havilland England, to the dawn of the new millennium in Canada.

He describes how the British parent company gambled in 1928 by launching its line of Moths in Canada. Its branch operation started small, opening in a renovated canning shed in a Toronto suburb. A ready market sprang up for the D.H.60 Moth, which proved ideal for training and forestry work. Even in the Depression, new types such as the Fox Moth and Dragon Rapide arrived from England. Each found a niche in Canada. An important theme is how DHC adapted British designs to Canadian needs.

The story moves to the Second World War, with the Tiger Moth, Anson and Mosquito -- the magnificent "Wooden Wonder" and the fastest bomber of its time. Next come the postwar blues, with workers laid off; but the parent company backed DHC's concept for a Tiger Moth replacement, the Chipmunk. From this venture a skilled DHC design team emerged. Manager Phil Garratt followed with his dream of a small bush place, the amazing Beaver. Details follow of subsequent projects -- the Otter, Caribou, Buffalow, Twin Otter, Dash 7 and Dash 8.

All along Hotson explains the political decisions and corporate changes of each era. Ownership passes to Hawker Siddeley, the Canadian government, Boeing and, finally, Bombardier. The closing chapter brings the story into the present with new products -- the "Q400" version of the Dash 8 series, and the Global Express business jet.
From page one of De Havilland in Canada, you'll be fascinated by the text, and also by the book's 900 photos, charts and diagrams -- the biggest and best such collection in any DH book. The book finishes with detailed appendices -- type lists, 3-views, specifications, first flight dates with crews, key personnel, awards, graphs, etc. A bibliography, glossary and index complete this spectacular commemorative history.