Douglas Bader

Douglas Bader was a renowned Royal Air Force fighter pilot and Group Captain who played a crucial role in the Battle of Britain and the Battle of France. He is best known for his exceptional flying skills and his determination to continue serving in the Royal Air Force despite losing both legs in a flying accident. Bader's story has inspired many, including Winston Churchill, who was a great admirer of his bravery, and King George VI, who awarded him the Distinguished Service Order and the Distinguished Flying Cross. His life and career have been widely recognized, with numerous awards and honors, including the Legion of Honour and the Croix de Guerre.

● Early Life and Education

Bader was born in St John's Wood, London, to Frederick Roberts Bader and Jessie Scott MacKenzie. He was educated at Temple Grove School and later at St Edward's School, Oxford, where he developed a passion for sports, particularly Rugby football and Cricket. Bader's interest in aviation was sparked by his uncle, Sir William Fraser, who was a close friend of Charles Rolls, the co-founder of Rolls-Royce. He went on to study at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he was an active member of the Oxford University Air Squadron and developed his flying skills under the guidance of Squadron Leader Philip Sassoon.

● Military Career

Bader joined the Royal Air Force in 1928 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1929. He was assigned to No. 23 Squadron RAF and later to No. 19 Squadron RAF, where he flew the Supermarine S.6 and the Bristol Bulldog. During the Battle of France, Bader flew with No. 222 Squadron RAF and later with No. 242 Squadron RAF, where he scored several victories against the Luftwaffe. He was a strong advocate for the Big Wing tactic, which was later adopted by the Royal Air Force during the Battle of Britain. Bader's military career was marked by his exceptional leadership and flying skills, which earned him the respect of his peers, including Hugh Dowding and Keith Park.

● Personal Life

Bader married Thelma Edwards in 1933, and they had two children, Derek Bader and Joan Bader. He was a close friend of Adolf Galland, a Luftwaffe ace, and Werner Mölders, a German Air Force pilot. Bader was also an avid sportsman and enjoyed playing Golf and Tennis in his free time. He was a member of the Royal Aero Club and the Air League, and he supported various charitable organizations, including the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the British Legion.

● Legacy

Bader's legacy extends far beyond his military career. He was a pioneer for the disabled, and his determination to continue flying despite his physical limitations inspired many. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the disabled and worked closely with organizations such as the Disabled Persons' International and the Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation. Bader's story has been immortalized in the book and film Reach for the Sky, which was written by Paul Brickhill and directed by Lewis Gilbert. He was also awarded the Freedom of the City of London and the Honorary Freedom of the City of Perth.

● Accident and Amputations

In 1931, Bader was involved in a flying accident while attempting to perform an aerobatic maneuver in a Bristol Bulldog. He suffered severe injuries, including the loss of both legs, and was forced to undergo a series of operations at the Royal Berkshire Hospital. Despite his injuries, Bader was determined to continue flying and worked closely with Dr. Leonard Joyce and Dr. Frank Stimson to develop a new type of prosthetic leg. He eventually returned to flying and went on to have a distinguished military career, earning the respect of his peers and the admiration of the public, including Frank Whittle, the inventor of the jet engine, and Barnes Wallis, the designer of the bouncing bomb.