As the founder and supporter of the Ratcliffe Aerodrome, Sir Lindsay was a pioneer aviator, knighted for his crucial efforts in World War II with the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA).
Sir Lindsay purchased a de Havilland Puss Moth that he named "The Leicestershire", and sold in July 1932.
Among his personal pilots were Winifred Spooner, a celebrated woman aviator, and Albert Codling, Sir Lindsay's Chief Inspector responsible for the maintenance of all his aircraft.
The County Flying Club was formed at Ratcliffe and in 1938 moved to a field at Rearsby on land owned by Sir Lindsay.
Another member of the County Flying Club, Alexander Lance Wykes, was the managing director of Crowthers Limited, a Thurmaston company, that manufactured textile machinery.
In 1938, Wykes negotiated a licence agreement with American manufacturer Taylorcraft to build a light aeroplane in England.
It was designated the Taylorcraft "Plus C" model and the first one built was brought by road to Sir Lindsay's Aerodrome where it made its maiden flight on 3 May 1939.
Ratcliffe Aerodrome had a central location that made it an important field for the ATA, a network of civilian pilots that ferried new aircraft from the factories and those that needed repair.
When the ATA was disbanded, the event was commemorated by an air show on 6 October 1945 that included Geoffrey de Havilland.
In 1927, Sir Lindsay acquired Ulverscroft Priory, a mid-13th century Augustinian house, preserving the decaying ruins from total destruction.
[7] Sir William Lindsay Everard was born on 13 March 1891 in Knighton, Leicester and attended Harrow School and Trinity College, Cambridge.
Their children included Patrick Anthony William Beresford Everard and Bettyne Ione and granddaughters Lady Denyne Butler.