A silver cigarette case that belonged to R J Mitchell was stolen from Solent Sky complex after burglars raided the museum with crowbars and sledgehammers

A silver cigarette case, pictured below, that belonged to the legendary R J Mitchell was among the items taken from the Solent Sky complex, which showcases the history of aviation in Southampton and the Solent.

Burglars armed with crowbars and sledgehammers smashed their way into the building and made their way to a huge safe on the top floor.

They forced the safe open and ransacked the contents before making off with made several objects, including the cigarette case.

Following Mitchell’s death it was given to his chief test pilot, Jeffrey Quill, who was portrayed by David Niven in the 1942 film The First of the Few, which told the story behind the development of the famous fighter plane.

Museum trustee Andy Jones said: “The theft has left everyone absolutely gutted.

“We believe the cigarette case is the only personal artefact of Mitchell’s that survives. It would have been on him when he designed the Spitfire and when he watched the first test flight.

“Quill knew Mitchell personally and it was given to him by the Mitchell family.”

R J Mitchell

The break-in occurred last Monday but the 6ft tall safe contained a huge number of items and the museum in Albert Road South, Southampton, has only just confirmed what was taken. Staff say the burglars made “one heck of a mess”.

PC John Woodfield, of Hampshire Police, added: “The offenders specifically targeted the rare pieces within the museum and made off with some irreplaceable items.”

The cigarette case is embossed with Mitchell’s initials – RJM.

Mr Jones confirmed that its historical value was “huge” but said it may have been the victim of a random theft rather than stolen to order.

“I think someone probably cased the joint, thought we were worth having a go at and just happened to find the cigarette case,” he said.

Solent Sky complex

Medals and a few items of memorabilia are also thought to have been taken in the raid.

PC Woodfield warned that the thieves might try to sell the object and said anyone offered property that might have come from the museum should contact police.

Mitchell designed the Spitfire while working at the Supermarine Aviation Works in Southampton.

The aircraft flew for the first time on March 5 1936 at what was then Eastleigh airport and in later tests reached speeds of 349mph.

The RAF ordered 310 production Spitfires, although more than 22,000 were eventually built.

The plane helped win the Battle of Britain in 1940 and went to become the backbone of RAF Fighter Command but Mitchell never lived to see the success of his creation, dying of cancer in 1936 aged 42.

Anyone with information about the theft should ring PC Woodfield at Southampton police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.