18

A blown engine.
30 March 1945
Downsview, Ontario, Canada

19

In the last three months of 1942, Geoffrey de Havilland Jr. flew many memorable demonstration flights around the U.S. and Canada in KB 300, always decked out in a dazzling white flying suit. Joseph "Bud" Banigan recalled that Geoffrey once flew to Chicago and back on his lunch hour. This was unheard of performance at the time.

Since Geoffrey was not familiar with North American airways, he flew formation on a Lockheed Hudson between engagements. The Hudson was flown by Captain Jim Follett, who had transferred from Trans-Canada Air Lines.

Meanwhile, Ralph Spradbrow was sent to Hatfield to gain experience on the latest experimental versions of the Mosquito. He must have been under a great deal of pressure, because he was soon hospitalized with a serious ulcer problem. However, he recovered and within a few months was back at Downsview in a less stressful position.

Geoffrey de Havilland Jr. survived the war, but was killed in the crash of the experimental D.H. 108 jet fighter on September 27, 1946, over the Thames estuary.