As a pilot with the British Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) between 1940 and 1945, Ms Curtis was said to have flown "13 days on, two days off" for 62 consecutive months, in a range of aircraft.

Tired of checking for nits and administering enemas, she leapt at the suggestion of her Bedfordshire friend John Jordan that she join the ATA as a motorcycle rider. He had been thrown out of the ...