Despite his life being tragically cut short, the name of Reginald Joseph Mitchell and his association with Southampton will live on as long as a Spitfire is able to take to the skies.

Better known as RJ Mitchell, he was the creator of some of the most graceful, fast and feared aircraft of their time and it was the Spitfire that would become the symbol of Britain's determination against Hitler's attacks during the Second World War.

RJ was born on May 20, 1895 near Stoke-on-Trent and even when he was at school his classmates said: "He's mad about aeroplanes.'' At the age of 16 Mitchell began an apprenticeship with a locomotive engineering firm at Stoke. His training started in the engine workshop and progressed to the drawing office as well as evening classes in engineering drawing, mechanics and higher mathematics.

His interest in aviation persisted and in 1917, after completing his apprenticeship, he applied for a job as assistant to Hubert Scott-Pain, the owner and designer of The Supermarine Aviation Works, Woolston, Southampton.

He was offered the position and sent for his belongings rather than travelling back to the Midlands and within a year he was promoted to the post of assistant to the works manager.

In 1919, aged 24, Mitchell was appointed chief designer and in the following year he was then made chief engineer. His short but illustrious career was to see him design and develop 24 aeroplanes over a 20 year period.

Supermarine specialised in flying-boat manufacture, and Mitchell built on the company's tradition. Working through designs such as the Sea Eagle, the Scarab and the Swan, he progressed to an armed military boat called the Southampton.

Despite the success of his flying-boats, Mitchell is also closely associated with the design of high-speed aircraft for the Schneider Trophy races between 1922 and 1931.

His fourth and most famous of these aircraft was the S6B, which won the Schneider Trophy outright in 1931, averaging 340mph. around the course above the Solent. This aircraft went on to set a new world speed record of 407.5mph and Mitchell was awarded the CBE in 1932 for his contribution to high-speed flight.

Undoubtedly Mitchell's greatest legacy was the Spitfire single-seat fighter, designed between 1934 and 1936. Using high-speed flight experience gained through the Schneider Trophy successes the Spitfire was a masterpiece of practical engineering design.

The diagnosis of terminal cancer meant Mitchell would never see his Spitfire fly in combat and on June 11, 1937 he died at his home at Russell Place, Portswood, Southampton, aged only 42.

RJ Mitchell was known for his kindness and humanity, and he commanded unerring respect, loyalty, and affection from his staff, to whom he was utterly devoted.

Name: RJ Mitchell Occupation: Aircraft designer Date of Birth: May 20, 1895 DIED: June 11, 1937 LOCAL LINK: Lived in Southampton