Joseph Smith took over upon the death of what English aeronautical engineer born in 1895
R. J. Mitchell Reginald Joseph Mitchell CBE, FRAeS, (20 May 1895 – 11 June 1937) was an English aeronautical engineer, who worked for Supermarine Aviation. Between 1920 and 1936 he designed many aircraft. He is best remembered for his racing seaplanes, which culminated in the Supermarine S.6B, and the iconic Second World War fighter, the Supermarine Spitfire.
Harry Ferguson Henry George "Harry" Ferguson (4 November 188425 October 1960) was an Irish-born British engineer and inventor who is noted for his role in the development of the modern agricultural tractor, for being the first person in Ireland to build and fly his own aeroplane, and for developing the first four-wheel drive Formula One car, the Ferguson P99.