1

A steady flow of the famous and the lesser knowns passed through the de Havilland Canada plant at Downsview during the Second World War. Many of them were promoting the sale of Victory Bonds, but all wanted to do something for the war effort, even if it was just to tell the workers how much they were appreciated.

The Duke of Kent was an early visitor, and so was Vincent Massey, at the time the Canadian High Commissioner in London. The Governor General the Earl of Athlone; C.D. Howe, Canada's powerful Minister of Munitions and Supply; and Fred Conboy, Mayor of Toronto were all there at various times. Canada's great air ace of WW I, Air Marshall W.A. "Billy" Bishop, showed up, and so did George "Buzz" Beurling, Canada's highest scoring ace of WW II.

The event that most stirred the hearts especially of women workers was the visit by the glamorous movie star Joan Fontaine on May 14, 1944. Miss Fontaine was actually a cousin of the company founder, Geoffrey de Havilland. At a packed ceremony she unveiled a Mosquito bomber, KB 273, that was named "Joan" after her.

2

Hollywood film star Joan Fontaine.
1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


3

The unveiling ceremony.
1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


4

Gracie Fields donated her time to boost morale.
1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


5

The 7th Victory Loan Campaign.
19 April 1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


6

This is the 500th Mosquito.
1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT
TEXT ATTACHMENT


7

A Mosquito-topped memorial cairn.
8 October 1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


8

Introducing Miss Canada.
1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


9

Miss War Worker.
1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


10

Major Hereward de Havilland.
26 February 1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


11

The memorial dedication.
8 October 1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


12

The company pilots.
1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


13

The "Wooden Wonder".
6 October 1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT
TEXT ATTACHMENT


14

Air Cadet Day.
15 October 1944
Downsview, Ontario, Canada
AUDIO ATTACHMENT
TEXT ATTACHMENT