Reginald Mitchell – The Spitfire Story
Reginald Mitchell’s story is one of innovation, dedication, and personal struggle. His vision was instrumental to the birth to the Spitfire - yet he never saw one fly, passing away in 1937 at just 42.
Reginald Mitchell’s journey is a testament to innovation, perseverance, and personal struggle.
Beginning his career as an apprentice in a steam locomotive works, Mitchell rose to become one of Britain’s most influential engineers. His vision and determination shaped what became the legendary Spitfire – a design that changed the course of history. Tragically, Mitchell never witnessed his creation in flight; he died in 1937 at the age of 42 after a four-year battle with cancer.
We are thrilled to offer you the chance to come and listen to an illustrated talk by historian and Spitfire pilot Paul Beaver.
Reginald Mitchell - The Spitfire Story
Event type:
Talk
Date:
27/02/2026
Time:
19:00
Entry fee:
£25
Fundraising for:
Alabaré
Event target:
£8,000
Good to know:
- The evening includes a glass of wine
- Licensed bar
- Fully accessible to wheelchair users or those needing disabled access
- Tickets: Adult £25, Students & Young People £10
- Enquiries: Richard.lord@alabare.co.uk
- Raising vital funds for Wiltshire Veterans
The talk is presented by Paul Beaver, a renowned historian, author and commentator.
Paul Beaver is a leading aviation historian and former TV war reporter. He served in the Army Air Corps Reserves for 27 years, reaching the rank of Colonel. He still flies old aeroplanes and spends time supporting the National Spitfire Project to raise a memorial and encourage related STEM studies at Southampton.
