F.G. Mitchell

Frederick G. ('Tiny') Mitchell (c.1885-1962) was a leading British businessman who founded a major international construction business and promoted the development of a new range of helicopters.

Career

Born in London, Mitchell became an apprentice on the railways at the age of 14.[1] After working for a firm of consulting engineers as a draughtsman, he joined the engineering firm of Fraser and Chalmers.[1] During World War I he worked as a civilian troubleshooter for Lord Kitchener.[1] After the War Mitchell established an engineering business in London supplying coal handling plant and boilers for power stations.[1] In 1933 he diversified into construction activities founding Mitchell Construction which focused on the construction of power stations[1] and which, after his death, was to become one of the largest construction companies in the UK.[2]

His passion was sailing and in 1931 he became Commodore of the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club where he was responsible for completing the new clubhouse at Burnham-on-Crouch as well as establishing a Southern Branch at Cowes.[3] During the 1950s Mitchell's business expanded rapidly enabling him to acquire a former minesweeper and restore it.[4] He instituted the Finn Gold Cup for the Finn Class of Sailing in 1956.[5]

In 1960 Mitchell together with J.S. Shapiro established Rotorcraft, a business which developed the Grasshopper series of helicopters.[6]

Mitchell lived at Clopton Manor in Northamptonshire:[7] he died in 1962.[6]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 F. G. Mitchell New Scientist, 5 March 1959
  2. ↑ Peterborough Council: What's in store for the Bridge House mural? Archived 20 April 2010 at the Wayback Machine.
  3. ↑ Corinthian Otters: History
  4. ↑ Edinburgh today: Ocean Mist
  5. ↑ International Finn Association: Finn Class
  6. 1 2 Flight Global
  7. ↑ Peerage.com


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