de Havilland Aeronautical technical School (DHAeTS)

The DHAeTS was formed at Stag Lane, Edgware in 1928 by then Captain (later Sir) Geoffrey de Havilland and Mr Frank Hearle. After several temporary homes it was finally located at Astwick Manor on the NE border of Hatfield Airfield and became the Headquarters of the DH Apprenticeship Organisation as Schools were established on other DHA sites at Portsmouth, Christchurch, Chester, Leavesden, Stag Lane and Lostock. Hundreds of apprentices passed through this innovative and pioneering scheme.

In 1963 de Havillands (DH) was absorbed by Hawker Siddeley Aviation (HSA) and in 1965 the DHAeTS became Hawker Siddeley Aviation (Hatfield) Apprentice Training School.

The DHAeTS Old Boys Association was inaugurated in1951 but really took off in 1991 when it was renamed the DHAeTS Association.
link With several hundred members, throughout the world, a website at www.dhaetsa.org.uk, the issue of regular Newsletters and occasional Periodicals., Reunions, plus close liaisons with the DHA Museum at London Colney, and The BAe Archive at Farnborough a great deal of information has been accumulated on de Havillands and their apprenticeships.

If you have any further information to add or questions to ask please post a note here or consult the website where you can get in touch with the Association Secretary Mr Roger de Mercado.