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August 31, 2025 25 mins

Two years after his plane had permanently won the Schneider Cup Trophy for England, Reginald J. Mitchell seemed unable to interest himself in anything but his garden. The competition for the Schneider Cup officially ended in 1931, so there were no more races to win and no more record-breaking planes to build. Being an aircraft designer, R.J. Mitchell "Mitch" became tired and worn out by the constant battle he had fought to get his ideas and designs across to potential benefactors. Mitch's wife, Diana, and his best friend, Flight Commander Jeffrey Crisp, conspired to take Mitch on a holiday in Germany. While there, they visited the Richtofen Club in Berlin, and met Dr. Powell Messerschmitt. He asks "Have you enjoyed your stay in Germany?" Mitch says "Very much indeed, thank you. We've only been here a week, but we're looking forward to another five".  Messerschmitt says "If I can help you to see anything special, Herr Mitchell..." Mitch says "Oh thanks. I have already visited one of your gliding clubs". Messerschmitt says "Gliders? Oh yeah, they have their uses. You think we make only gliders, but why?" Mitchell says "I don't want to be tactless, but..." Messerschmitt says "The Versailles treaty?" Mitch says "Well I suppose so, yes" Messerschmitt says "The Versailles treaty is dead. It is history, and like history, it is all over. What is important is what you do in the future. We are now preparing to make history. The Germans have had enough of being underdogs. Under Hitler, we shall be overlords". From that point, Mitch and Jeffrey knew they must forget about their holiday, and get back to England as soon as possible.

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