Thomas Sopwith was a British aviation pioneer and entrepreneur, best known for founding the Sopwith Aviation Company in 1912. He played a significant role in the development of military aircraft during World War I, including the famous Sopwith Camel, which became one of the most successful fighter planes of the war. Sopwith's contributions to aviation extended beyond the war, as he continued to innovate in aircraft design and manufacturing. His work laid the groundwork for future advancements in aviation, and he is remembered as a key figure in the early history of flight and the development of the aviation industry.