Trophy reveals Spitfire designer was also an ace pilot

Trophy reveals Spitfire designer was also an ace pilot

A lesser-known talent of noted aeroplane designer R. J. Mitchell is reported here, but perhaps it should not come as too much of a surprise that the man who came up with what many say is the greatest fighter aircraft (not to mention myriad other successful designs) should have been pretty handy behind the stick himself.

Nevertheless the rarity of such an item connected to Mitchell coming to light after all these years is certainly worthy of comment and I'm pleased to see it find its way into a museum where it can be properly appreciated and help to further people's awareness of this amazing man and his extraordinary achievements. As the article mentions his life was sadly cut short due to cancer and beyond his work at Supermarine very little is known about him as he obviously valued his privacy. However he seems to have been a man who was intent on adding to his knowledge and experience, even in the face of a fatal illness, almost right up to the end of his life and it wouldn't surprise me if this isn't the last piece of R. J. Mitchell memorabilia that comes to light.