Maxine Frances Mary "Blossom" Miles (née Forbes-Robertson; 22 September 1901 – 6 April 1984) was a British aviation engineer, socialite, businesswoman, engraver, costume designer, and gardener.

A privileged but grounded upbringing ensured that "Blossom", as she was known in her family, was able to develop her intellectual, sporting, and artistic abilities to the full, despite losing an eye at an early age.

I wouldn't read any racy novels -- because Blossom Forbes-Robertson, who 'came out' with me in 1919, was born with an empty eye socket after her mother acted the role of a one-eyed woman during pregnancy.

In emotional turmoil, Fred sold out his portion of the business, bought a trainer plane and shipped it to Cape Town, South Africa, to start a new life.

"[11]Freeman-Thomas named Frederick George Miles, flying instructor, as co-defendant with Maxine in an undefended suit and was granted a decree nisi.

Miles flew his Simmonds Spartan aircraft to South Africa to escape the situation and consider his position; almost immediately he returned.

[16] With neither the time or the facilities to create something from scratch, she took a Miles Hawk, shortened the fuselage, improved the streamlining, reduced the wingspan by 5 ft, reduced the height of the undercarriage, moved the legs outwards and away from the propeller slipstream and, finally, installed extra tanks to enable the 140 hp Gypsy Major engine to complete the 953-mile course with only a single re-fuelling stop.

Formed around civilian flying clubs, subsidised tuition was offered in exchange for an 'honourable undertaking' that in times of emergency, members would serve in the Royal Air Force Reserve.

Seven hundred women applied for the first 16 training places at the Phillip and Powis Aircraft Ltd, offered as part of supporting the war effort.

Gertrude Entwistle, President of the Women’s Engineering Society stated that they were "proud to count Mrs Miles a member.