R. J. Mitchell to the Spitfire

The definitive account of the life and designs of Britain's best-known aeronautical engineer.
R. J. Mitchell: To the Spitfire is the definitive account of the life and designs of Britain's best-known aeronautical engineer.
John Shelton calls upon unpublished letters and extensive press accounts, concentrating particularly on the harsh conditions of Mitchell's apprentice years, the precarious state of the aircraft firm he joined, and moments of good fortune of which he took advantage. He was a 'chancer' as well as a methodical developer of, mainly, slow-flying seaplanes.
Mitchell's progress from draughtsman, with no formal training in aeronautical design, to internationally known chief designer is charted through a chronological study of his designs - revealing a formidable work ethic with a complex personality, which combined 'dreams and common sense'. It will also be shown how the success of his high-speed Schneider Trophy designs propelled him reluctantly into public attention and how his anxiety for his pilots' safety matched an equal concern that his designs should not let down an expectant nation.
Later expectations on him to produce a 'killer fighter' were equally daunting, and the outcome was often uncertain, but details of colleagues' accounts highlight the essential and unique contribution of Mitchell's experience and drive to the eventual appearance of the iconic Spitfire.

John Shelton took a first degree at Hull University, an MA at Miami University and a PhD at Birmingham. He eventually became Head of Humanities at a polytechnic, incorporated into Staffordshire University, where he developed its first Arts and Social Science degree courses. Meanwhile, his interest in industrial archaeology led to various publications on the locally born R. J. Mitchell. Having taken early retirement to concentrate more fully upon renovating an Elizabethan manor house, he learned to fly motor gliders and light aircraft. Shelton currently lives near Eccleshall where he has continued his aviation research and aviation painting.