HAVILLAND, GEOFFREY DE ), British aeronautical engineer, was born at Haslemere, and educated at St. Edward's school, Oxford, and at the Crystal Palace school of engineers. He learnt to fly on his own ground at Haslemere, and made his first ascent in June 191o, in an aeroplane designed by himself. He took up aeroplane designing commercially, and pro duced the "Airco" and "D. H." machines, becoming director of the De Havilland Aircraft Company.