Maxine (Blossom) Miles

Maxine "Blossom" Miles
Blossom aged 9 by Frederic Yates
Born	Maxine Frances Mary Forbes-Robertson 19 October 1901 Blackheath, Kent, England
Died	April 1984 (1984-05) (aged 82) Worthing
Nationality	British
Other names	Blossom / Maxine Freeman-Thomas / Maxine Miles
Occupation	Aircraft designer
Known for	Aviator, socialite, businesswoman
Spouse(s)	Inigo Freeman-Thomas; Frederick George Miles
Children	Jeremy John Miles, Mary Miles

Maxine "Blossom" Miles, born 19 October 1901 as Maxine Forbes-Robertson, was a British aviation engineer, socialite, and businesswoman. She was born into a well-known family of actors. She became interested in aviation in the 1920s, and married her flight instructor, Frederick George Miles. Together they eventually founded Miles Aircraft Ltd, where she was also a draughtswoman.

Maxine Forbes-Robertson was born 19 October 1901 to Johnston Forbes-Robertson and his wife, May Gertrude Dermot better known by her stage name of Gertrude Elliott, both actors. Her father was acclaimed, and his family was at the heart of London society. 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. She was no stranger to the theatre and appeared on the London stage with members of her family on occasion.

Maxine spent her early years with her sisters Jean, Chloe and Diana at Hartsbourne Manor, the home of her aunt Maxine Elliott, a wing of which was used exclusively by Miles's parents. The house, formerly the family seat of Sir Thomas Thompson is now a private members' golf club. The Forbes-Robertsons' main family home was located at 22 Bedford Square in the heart of London's Bloomsbury district.

Forbes-Robertson was a contemporary of Barbara Cartland, with whom she was presented in 1919 as a debutante. Cartland said of Forbes-Robertson ""I do believe that once you know something nasty you can't erase it. That's why when I had my children ... 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. So I just tried to think beautiful thoughts."

As a 'bright young thing' along with Lady Diana Cooper and Elsa Maxwell, Forbes-Robertson organised 'treasure hunt' parties across London.