John Derry, First British Pilot to Break the Sound Barrier

Buckingham Aviation collectables marking the 75th Anniversary of John Derry, a British test pilot and aviation pioneer known for his contributions to early jet aircraft development.  Our cover features a single stamp plus original 1948 stamps.  Farnborough postmark, 6th September 2023.

Derry gained prominence for being the first British pilot to exceed the speed of sound. On September 6, 1948, he flew the de Havilland DH 108 experimental aircraft, breaking the sound barrier in a shallow dive. This achievement marked a significant milestone in aviation history. Derry served as an RAF pilot during World War II and later became a test pilot for the de Havilland Aircraft Company.

Tragically, on November 6, 1952, while piloting the de Havilland DH 110 during the Farnborough Airshow, Derry's aircraft disintegrated in mid-air, leading to his and the flight test observer's deaths. This incident led to changes in aircraft testing procedures and increased safety measures.

John Derry's contributions to aviation and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of flight technology left a lasting impact on the field of aeronautics. His legacy continues to be remembered in aviation history.