Coming from a successful line of biplane designs, the De Havilland D.H.82a Tiger Moth made its first flight in October 1931 and was the result of the Company's founder wanting to produce an aircraft superior to its predecessors, whilst possessing enough appeal to attract interest from several different aviation sectors. Its success resulted in an immediate order from the RAF, who viewed the aircraft as an ideal primary trainer for pilots beginning on their flying careers and destined to fly their latest front line aircraft. 
 
Their modest original order was followed up by several subsequent orders and as the world descended into conflict in 1939, the Royal Air Force would have around 500 Tiger Moths on strength. Many more examples were owned by flying clubs all over the country and many of these would also be pressed into military service, due to the need to train as many new pilots as possible.
 
Paint Scheme 1 - K-2585 /G-ANKT (formerly T6818) finished in the colours of the Royal Air Force Central Flying School Aerobatic Team, The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, England, 2018.
 
Paint Scheme 2 - K-4259 /G-ANMO, Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent, England, 2018.