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RJ Mitchell Statue Unveiled
Written by Val Leggett
Page last updated on October 8, 2009
Wing Commander Peter Ayerst, Alan Cohen, and myself, Val Leggett, were invited to the Science Museum in London on 24 September, 2009, where a statue of R J Mitchell was to be unveiled by Emma, his great granddaughter.
The event was warm, friendly, relaxed and the Science Museum personnel were delightful.
The flight gallery was closed to the public and we were greeted with drinks and later a buffet lunch.
Besides our own veteran Peter Ayerst, three other veterans attended - Flight Lieutenant William Walker, Spitfire Pilot 616 Squadron; Flight Lieutenant Owen Burns who was a Gunner on Blenheim's and Flying Officer Ken Wilkinson, Spitfire Pilot 19 and 616 squadrons; all wonderful gentleman with tales to tell of their own battles in World War II; all looking exceedingly youthful and sprightly with the usual RAF sparkle in their eyes.
Our present day RAF were also there looking so very smart, and a credit to the Air Force.
They were Flight Lieutenant Steve Morris and Flight Officer Greg Ogston from Wittering Airbase, both on Harriers and Flight Lieutenant Andy King based at Coningsby on Typhoons.
Also attending was Margaret Morrison, who had worked on Spitfires during the war - (perhaps the society could invite this lady to one of their events?)
I am sure Margaret would be so interesting to talk to, unfortunately I did not have the time to interview her, as the day had a very tight schedule and I was rather disappointed at not being able to talk to everyone.
The unveiling was done beautifully by Emma, who gave a speech beforehand, mentioning also Gordon Mitchell, RJ's son who died suddenly recently. Gordon's daughter also attended.
A short talk was given by Andrew Nahum (Air Curator) about the importance of RJ Mitchell and his contribution to aviation.
The opening address was given by Chris Rapley, the Science Museum Director.
We then had a tour, where each exhibit was explained to us, which was fascinating.
Alan did our PR work for the Spitfire Society, handing out new business cards where applicable, we also took photographs which will be sent through when developed.
Almost everyone knows the name of RJ Mitchell but for those who are a little hazy, RJ Mitchell was one of Britain's greatest aircraft designers.
Whilst chief designer at the Supermarine Aircraft Company, he designed at least 24 aircraft including the one he is most famous for - the Spitfire.
RJ Mitchell died at the early age of 42 of cancer, by which time he had seen the successful trials of the Spitfire prototype and he knew that the RAF had ordered 310 as the 1st part of its massive re-equipment programme.
What he could not have predicted was that the Spitfire would become one of the most famous aircraft of all time.
The statue of RJ Mitchell is excellent, sculpted by Stephen Kettle and commissioned by Sidney E Frank.
We send our thanks to the Science Museum who have been most helpful and friendly.
And so this very historic day ended with RJ Mitchell, this brilliant designer of our beloved Spitfire, gazing out over the many other designs of aircraft, from the earliest monoplanes to the present day - including the Supermarine S 6B and the Spitfire, and as he stands there, I wonder what his thoughts are?!
Images of the statue can be seen here (External website)
