The De Havilland Mosquito was one of the great aeroplanes of the Second World War. It existed in 43 variant with a total production of 8000 in the UK, Canada and Australia and served in a multitude of roles in all theatres.

It was originally designed as a fast unarmed all wooden bomber but was soon in action as the PR Mk I photographic-reconnaissance plane and as the NF Mk II in the night fighter role. The Mk IV bomber was the first major production variant along with a fighter/bomber the MkVI that was converted from the night fighter with it nose mounted four .303 browning machine guns and four 20mm cannon. The MkVI was produced until the end of the war with the occasional up rating of its twin Merlin engines. The Bomber and Photo recon versions were re-designed with larger engine nacelle to take the Merlin 72 and was progressively upgraded till the wars end.