Desmond 'Dizzy' DeVilliers 1924-1976

Desmond 'Dizzy' DeVilliers (right) with Johnny Squier flew more than 6,000hrs in 130 types as a test pilot. During the war he served in Fighter and Coastal Commands (Beaufighters). He was seconded to DH in 1943 and post war was Chief Test Pilot of de Havilland Propellers Ltd. He demonstrated the Mamba Marathon at the 1951 Farnborough Airshow. He was Chief Experimental test pilot on the English Electric P.1 and Lightning programmes,making more than 1000 flights in the later type and becoming the 2nd British Pilot to exceed mach 2. He retired from test flying in 1967.