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]