News: Unveiling of de Havilland Commemorative Plaques at the University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

Two commemorative plaques, created by the Hatfield Branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society, were unveiled by Sir Geoffrey de Havilland’s granddaughter, Anne Essex, at the Hatfield College Lane Campus of the University of Hertfordshire on Wednesday 22nd September 2010. One plaque is a metal plate noting just some of the notable de Havilland “firsts”, initiated by Mike Ramsden some time ago. The other is a superb bas-relief carving in lime wood by Stan Kimm. It features the Tiger Moth, Mosquito and Comet airliner, and is seen here at the moment of unveiling. Anne was accompanied by her husband John Essex.

Anne Essex and Mike Ramsden

The ceremony was held in the flight simulator laboratory, conducted by Professor John Senior, Dean of the Faculty of Design and Engineering Sciences. It was preceded by a short tour of the wind tunnels and the rocket laboratory where recent work by the university was described. Some of this work was featured not long ago on a T.V. programme wherein a rocket-propelled bicycle (yes, really!) and rocket sled were demonstrated. A buffet lunch was provided after the ceremony.

The plaques will be mounted on the wall in the reception area, which for those who remember the layout of Hatfield Technical College is in what was the open foyer at the top of the steps to the main building. Below are the carving and the "firsts" plaque, seen here temporarily mounted on an easel.

All photographs by and with permission of Terry Richards Photography. Note: clicking once on an image enlarges it; clicking again returns to the normal view.