Son of Spitfire designer dies
A community stalwart and son of Spitfire designer RJ Mitchell has died aged 88.
Gordon Mitchell, who lived in Lower Slaughter in the Cotswolds, passed away on Friday after falling at his home a fortnight ago.
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Gordon Mitchell
Dr Mitchell was best known for trying to raise the profile of his father – the designer of the iconic Second World War fighter plane - whom he said was an unsung hero.
His son David described Dr Mitchell as a loving, family man who could never do enough for his community.
He said: "I suppose most people will remember him most for all the work he did in memory of the Spitfire, but there were so many other sides to him.
"He was a warm and loving father for whom his family were very important.
"His wife, my mother, died four years ago and I know he was devastated by that.
"We have always been a very close-knit family and his grand- children were at his bedside when he passed away."
Dr Mitchell, who lost his father to cancer in 1942, joined the RAF himself during the war. He worked in the Air Sea Rescue division – alongside the search and rescue flying boats which had launched his father's career in 1918, and which played their own role in saving airmen who had bailed out of their aircraft.
He later became a weather forecaster at the Met Office during the second half of the war.
As a staunch member of the Lower Slaughter community, Dr Mitchell was involved with the parish council and also regularly attended a retired people's discussion group.
He gave regular talks about the work of his father and wrote a book, RJ Mitchell – Schooldays to Spitfire, chronicling the creation of the legendary aircraft.
Dr Mitchell leaves behind three children – David, Adrian and Penny – and grandchildren Nick and Emma.
The single-seated Spitfire achieved legendary status during the Battle of Britain against the Luftwaffe. David said his father's contributions to preserving the heritage of the Spitfire would be the abiding memory of his life.
"It was his lifelong ambition to see his father recognised properly for the work he did," he said.
6 Comments
by Jenny, The Home of the Spitfire
Wednesday, July 29 2009, 7:33PM
“I think the Spitfire display in late August would be an ideal opportunity to set up a petition that local folk could sign in order to request the local council to put in place a fitting memorial to R Mitchell. His son dedicated so many years revering his father's memory. The struggle to gain this recognition should not end with Gordon's departure. Let us all help the Mitchell family in this endeavour.”
by Richard, Loughborough
Monday, July 27 2009, 7:28PM
“Gordon Mitchell was my father- in- law.On behalf of the family I would like to thank everybody for all the kind messages.His contribution to the memory of his father is well known.His family were very important to him he was a lovely grandfather to his two grandchildren.He had a wicked sense of humour and an infectious laugh-I could not ask for a more kind and understanding father-in-law.Please come and see the Spitfire display (flown by Caroline Grace) at Lower Slaughter on 31st August.”
by Digger, Gloucester
Monday, July 27 2009, 3:32PM
“It is such a shame that Gloucester does not make more of the fact that the Spitfire was designed here. Every time I see this wonderful plane at an airshow, I am grateful to R J Mitchell. His design helped to bring WW11 to an end and many people are alive today as a direct result of this wonderful machine. His son should have been able to see his father rightfully honoured during his lifetime. Come on Gloucester - it is high time Mitchell was recognised for this huge achievement.”
by Nick, Loughborough
Monday, July 27 2009, 10:20AM
“Thank you for your kind thoughts, I am Gordon's grandson.
It has been a very hard time. My grandfather Gordon has had two falls in the past year. Sadily the second fall resulted in serious head injuries which eventually killed him. He will be missed very much.
If anyone who knew him who would like to attend the Funeral, it will be at St Mary's Church in Lower Slaughter on Tuesday 4th August at 12 noon.”
by Claire, North Cotswolds
Monday, July 27 2009, 10:01AM
“I am really saddened to hear that the lovely Dr Mitchell has passed away. Myself and my family will always remember him from our yearly visits to Lower Slaughter Village fete where we always had a chat with him whilst watching the Spitfire fly over. He always remembered us and made time to talk to us. I will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to his family at this very sad time.”
by Alison, local
Monday, July 27 2009, 7:26AM
“This is such sad news. Dr Mitchell was a lovely man and a real gentleman. He will be greatly missed and I hope the spitfire flight at the fete is now in his memory as well as his father's. My sympathies to the whole family.”