Reginald Mitchell's career

When he had completed his apprenticeship, Mitchell twice attempted to enlist in the armed forces to fight in World War One.  Told that his engineering skills were considered to be more useful in civilian life, he applied - successfully - for the post of Personal Assistant to Hubert Scott-Paine, the Managing Director of the newly established Supermarine Aviation Works at Southampton.  The year was 1917.

Mitchell was soon promoted, becoming Assistant Works Manager, Chief Designer and Chief Engineer in rapid succession.

In 1928 Vickers (Aviation) Ltd. bought Supermarine.  They retained Mitchell and his entire design team.  Mitchell, now 34, was appointed a Director, as well as Chief Designer, of what had now become Supermarine Aviation Works (Vickers) Ltd.