Amazing how someone could be an aviation pioneer when they actually started life as a successful vet.
Many eons ago I used to work for Alan Cobham Engineering and Flight Refuelling Limited, but sadly only when his son Michael had taken over the helm. There were still plenty of people about who knew Alan first-hand and he was obviously a character and a half.
One day three sisters, who were participating in a sponsored walk, decided to go up to Alan's office and ask for sponsorship. Apparently he insisted on viewing the girl's legs to ensure that were up to the job and, what's more, he insisted on viewing them right to the top! All innocent fun in those days of course and many a laugh was had about it years on.