Philip Euen Mitchell - Birth and Education

Birth and Education

Philip Euen Mitchell was born on 1 May 1890 in London to a Scottish family. His father Captain Hugh E. Mitchell (1849–1937) had served in the Royal Engineers, and after retiring had studied law at the Inner Temple and had become a barrister. His father had played for the Royal Engineers team in the 1872 FA Cup Final. His mother died when he was two years old, and his father moved to Gilbraltar where he built up his legal practice, living at Campamento in Spain. Philip was educated by a French tutor, becoming equally fluent in English, French and Spanish. He won a scholarship to St Paul's School, London.

From St Paul's, he won a classical scholarship at Trinity College, Oxford. While at university he was a friend of Joyce Cary. His behavior was often wild, risking encounters with the police or the university proctors. He was physically strong and good at most games, particularly golf. He dropped out of University after two years and after losing his scholarship could not afford to return.