I think you will find Doug made his fortune initially by dredging for building materials just after the War. His business interests were varied but he was extremely well informed on anything that took his interest. I believe he was one of a group on which the Air Force used to check training techniques.He was an experienced and competant pilot on many aircraft including the Spitfire. He was undoubtedly a gruff character but he had a host of amusing stories he would share once he got to know you. Neil Williams did not suffer fools lightly either and he had a good working relationship with Doug. I spent a week at Quatro Vientos with Doug, Neil and engineers before Neil`s tragic accident in the Heinkel. I can honestly say it was one of my best memories in a very long aviation career. Love him or loathe him, nobody can deny his immense contribution to the preservation of historical aircraft.