Born during the dark days of World War 2, the Mosquito was the result of revolutionary thinking that started way back in 1936. Although originally designed and built as a bomber, it was eventually adapted to any role imaginable where speed was of an essence. In fact its only defence was its capability of outpacing enemy interceptors. A four-cannon and four- gun fighter version was so successful that it was developed into a fighter-bomber that could even carry rockets. It also featured as an unarmed photo-reconnaissance version, as a transport, trainer and target tug. No less than 7,781 Mosquitos were built in Britain, Canada and Australia covering over 40 versions with the last example leaving De Havilland's facility at Chester in November 1950.