I have edited together some fairly rare footage of the journey of the DHC1 Chipmunk.
A total of 1,291 Chipmunks were built 1014 in the UK and 217 in Canada, and 60 under license in Portugal.
In the UK the first Chipmunk was delivered to the Oxford University Air Squadron in 1950.
During World War Two de Havilland set up a facility in Canada to build its high performance “Wooden Wonder” bomber, the Mosquito. Later the factory was tasked to design a new elementary trainer to replace the Tiger Moth biplane that was used throughout the war, and trained most of the Spitfire pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain. This led to the DHC1 Chipmunk, de Havilland Canada’s first indigenous aircraft design. Design was started in Autumn 1945 led by Polish engineer, Wsiewolod Jakimiuk. The first prototype flew in May 1946 at Downsview, Toronto.
Thanks to Shipping and Airlines Biggin Hill, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Air Experience Flying Air Cadets.
   • DE HAVILLAND DHC 1 CHIPMUNK CLASSIC