Dr Worsnop was appointed as Head of the Department of Mathematics and Physics in 1932 and he was Headmaster of the Polytechnic Secondary School from 1937-1958.
Dr Worsnop was educated at King's College, London, where he obtained his B.Sc. Degree with First Class Honours in Physics in 1913 and was awarded the Jelf Medal in Science for the best student of the year. He then attended the Department of Education of the College for a year's training in teaching. In 1914 he obtained the Teachers' Diploma, the Langton Research Scholarship, and was elected an Associate of King's College.
During the War, Dr Worsnop was in charge of a Sound Ranging Section R.E . in France, and after the War he founded the survey section of the University of London O .T .C., which he commanded until 1935.
In 1919, he was appointed as a lecturer in Physics a t King's College and later as senior lecturer, Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Science, and special lecturer in radiology. For his research work on X-rays he was awarded the PhD Degree in 1927. He has been for many years a member of the Council of the Institute of Physics.
Dr Worsnop wrote and edited a number of important books on Physics, including the well-known ' ' Advanced Practical Physics for Students, " by Worsnop and Flint, and a series of Physical Monographs published by Methuen.
[Taken from the Polytechnic Magazine, September 1937]
Lt.- Col. D.S.O., 4th Hussars. Died at Haramount, France, (just north of Villers-Cotteret) of wounds received while safeguarding his men on Sept 1st 1914. Hidden in one of the village cottages until the Germans advanced, and then moved by German ambulance to the church. Later moved again to the village schoolhouse. Interred in the village churchyard.
Five cups won by Major Hogg were donated to the Polytechnic Cycling Club by his nephew Lord Hailsham and re-engraved for competition from 1952: The Ian Hogg Sprint Championship Cup (for the winner of the Club Sprint Championship); the Ian Hogg Road Championship Cup (for the winner of the Club Road Championship); The Lord Hailsham "25" Cup (for the fastest time in the Club Road events at 25 miles); The Lord Hailsham "50" Cup (for the fastest time in the Club Road events at 50 miles on the North Road course); The Track Novice Cup (for the winner of the Club Novices' Sprint each year). All but the last named can be won outright in three wins, not necessarily in succession.
His name is the first to appear on the Polytechnic Roll of Honour.
Honorable Secretary 1871, Secretary 1878, founded the PTA 1888, Director of Education 1891.
Son of a policeman, Alfred Mitchell, who was security to Prince Albert
Worked as an apprentice to a metal worker in Bloomsbury making large metal-framed lamps
Attended bible classes at the Boys' Institute set up by Quintin Hogg after hearing about it from a patron of the metal shop he was working in.
Began to take active part in the organisation, becoming Hon Sec in 1871, then a paid Secretary in 1878.
He was the driving force behind the development of the technical classes at the Poly
He organised the Christmas Dinner Fund and the annual Children's Christmas Party from 1888.
Founded the PTA in 1880s, purchasing the Chalets at Lucerne in 1893.
Became Director of Education in 1891.
Active in 1908 Olympic organisations - providing ceremonies and facilities for athletes.
Oversaw the rebuilding of 309 Regent Street in 1910-1911.
During WW1 - involved with Red Cross and training for munitions workers. Developed training for wounded men, becoming Director of Training to the Ministry of Pensions Oct 1917-May 1919.
Awarded a CBE in 1918.
Set up Annual Scholarship and Medal in his name.
Retired as Director of Education in 1922, remained Vice President and a Governor.
Oversaw PTA until 1924 when Cmdr R Studd became Managing Director.
Awarded the Order of St John of Jerusalem in 1905 by King Edward (and kept it quiet from the Polytechnic); the Swedish order of Knight of the Polar Star by King Oscar in 1907; Officier de l'instruction Publique (France).
Mr Brownsword carried out a bronze casting of Mitchell for the plaque in the Regent Street Foyer.
Isabella Mitchell was very involved with the running of the Polytechnic Chalets in Lucerne, Switzerland. She spent c.30 summers there. Mitchell also hosted the PTA UK holiday homes on occassion.
During World War One she remained in Switzerland became the Superintendent of the chalets-turned-hospitals. In March 1916 she received the Distinction of Lady of Grace of St. John of Jerusalem