I agree with the sentiments concerning Alan Turing
Alan, Turing was a remarkable mathematical genius, and should be hailed as the father of the computer as we know it. He was a man of the mind though, and had massive support to put his ideas into practical reality, Of course, the resources were there to solve mathematical problems with the Enigma and fish codes, which to an ordinary mortal would make your eyes bleed.

He was part of a huge team, that together solved the Axis codes. Perhaps the greatest idea was the organisation of Bletchley park itself. Bringing together Scientists, philosophers and engineers to solve a problem, and then using the inteligence in a controllled way. No other country was near Britain in the early phase of the war with this organisation of thinkers and doers.

My own hero is Dr R.V Jones, who worked in air intelegence, and is certainly one of those men, like Turing, who can be said to have saved many many lives.

Oh, and he liked a practical joke too.

Oh, and clicks, if this is appropriate.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Tue 21 Apr 2009, 9:43, Reply)