The Airmen's Stories - S/Ldr. H M Mitchell

Henry Maynard Mitchell was born on 16th April 1914 and educated at Harrow School and Birmingham University.

In 1935 he joined 605 Squadron Auxiliary Air Force and in 1936 entered the family firm of Mitchell and Butler, Brewers.

He was called to full-time service on 25th August 1939 and served in Norway in 1940. He was OC 'B' Flight in 254 Squadron at Sumburgh.

He was posted from 254 Squadron to 25 Squadron at North Weald on 24th September 1940 as a supernumerary and took command of the squadron next day.

He was awarded the DFC (gazetted 22nd October 1940) and posted away in January 1941.

Mitchell reformed 125 Squadron at Colerne on 16th June 1941 and commanded it until December.

He was instructing at 51 OTU from October 1942 and then with HQ 216 Group from November 1943.

From early 1944 Mitchell was serving with 3 ADU, engaged in air deliveries from the UK to the Middle East. He commanded 40 Staging Post from October 1944 to June 1945.

His final appointment was as a Controller at HQ RAF Middle East, from June 1945 to November 1946.

He was released from the RAF late in 1946 as a Wing Commander.

He later settled in Monaco and died there on 12th April 2004.