Births on February 21

Douglas Bader, English captain and pilot (d. 1982)

Group Captain Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, born on February 21, 1910, was a name that would become synonymous with courage, resilience, and an indomitable spirit, especially during the tumultuous years of the Second World War. This Royal Air Force flying ace, whose life story continues to inspire generations, was credited with an impressive 22 aerial victories, along with four shared victories, six probables, one shared probable, and damage to 11 enemy aircraft. His journey was anything but ordinary, marked by both profound personal tragedy and extraordinary triumphs.

Early Ambition and a Life-Altering Challenge

Bader's aviation career began conventionally enough when he joined the RAF in 1928, receiving his commission in 1930. He was a promising young pilot, drawn to the thrill of flight. However, fate dealt him a cruel blow in December 1931. While attempting a series of aerobatic maneuvers, a daring pursuit for many young pilots of his era, he crashed. The accident was catastrophic, leaving him on the brink of death and ultimately resulting in the loss of both his legs. In an era before modern prosthetics and rehabilitation were widely advanced, the prospect of returning to active service, let alone flying, seemed utterly impossible.

Despite this devastating setback, Bader’s spirit remained unbroken. He embarked on a gruelling recovery, showing immense determination as he retook flight training and passed his check flights with remarkable proficiency. His unwavering desire to return to the cockpit led him to request reactivation as a pilot. Yet, the RAF, finding itself in uncharted territory without regulations applicable to his unique situation, reluctantly retired him against his will on medical grounds. This premature end to his flying career, before it had truly begun, was a bitter pill for the ambitious young airman.

The Call to Arms: A Miraculous Return to the Skies

The outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, however, presented an unforeseen opportunity for Douglas Bader. The desperate need for skilled pilots meant that the RAF, once hesitant, now reassessed its stance. Against all previous medical advice and conventional wisdom, Bader was accepted back into service as a pilot, a testament to his persistent advocacy and the urgent demands of war. His return was nothing short of miraculous and instantly made him a symbol of defiance and possibility.

It wasn't long before he proved his worth. Bader scored his first aerial victories over Dunkirk during the Battle of France in 1940, showcasing that his disability was no impediment to his skill in the air. He then played a significant role in the Battle of Britain, a pivotal air campaign that defended the United Kingdom from large-scale attacks by Nazi Germany's air force. During this period, he became a close friend and ardent supporter of Air Vice Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory and his controversial but ultimately influential "Big Wing" experiments. The "Big Wing" strategy advocated for assembling large formations of fighter aircraft before engaging the enemy, aiming for a more concentrated and devastating attack. While debated at the time, Bader’s backing helped popularize this tactical approach, which proved effective in certain contexts.

Captured but Unbroken: Life as a Prisoner of War

Bader's distinguished combat career took an unexpected turn in August 1941. While flying over German-occupied France, he was forced to bale out and was subsequently captured. His disability meant that he required special assistance, and the Germans, surprisingly, treated him with a degree of respect due to his status as a renowned ace. Soon after his capture, he had a memorable encounter with Adolf Galland, a prominent German fighter ace, who reportedly developed a friendly regard for Bader, even ensuring his replacement prosthetic legs were safely delivered by the British to him in captivity.

Despite his physical challenges and the watchful eyes of his captors, Bader's spirit of defiance remained untamed. He made a number of daring escape attempts, repeatedly proving that confinement could not extinguish his will for freedom. His persistent efforts ultimately led to his transfer to the infamous Colditz Castle. Colditz was a high-security prisoner of war camp reserved for those deemed "incorrigible" or "escape-prone" prisoners, notorious for its impregnable reputation and the daring attempts by Allied officers to break out. Bader remained a prisoner there, embodying the Allied determination against all odds, until April 1945, when the camp was finally liberated by the First United States Army.

A Legacy Beyond the Uniform: Advocacy and Inspiration

After the war, Douglas Bader permanently left the RAF in February 1946, trading his pilot's uniform for a career in the oil industry. Yet, his remarkable story was far from over. During the 1950s, his extraordinary life and RAF career, up to the end of the Second World War, were immortalized in a best-selling book and a critically acclaimed film, both titled "Reach for the Sky." These works propelled him into the public consciousness as an inspirational figure, celebrating his courage in overcoming adversity.

Beyond his wartime heroism, Bader dedicated a significant portion of his post-war life to campaigning for the disabled. He became a powerful voice, advocating for better opportunities and understanding for individuals with disabilities, inspiring many with his personal example. His tireless efforts were recognized and celebrated in the Queen's Birthday Honours of 1976, when he was appointed a Knight Bachelor "for services to disabled people." Sir Douglas Bader continued to embrace his love for flying, taking to the skies whenever possible, until ill health finally forced him to stop in 1979. He passed away on September 5, 1982, at the age of 72, after suffering a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy not just as a fearless flying ace, but as an enduring symbol of human resilience and a passionate advocate for others.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sir Douglas Bader

Who was Sir Douglas Bader?

Sir Douglas Bader was a renowned British Royal Air Force (RAF) flying ace during the Second World War, famous for continuing to fly and fight despite having lost both his legs in a pre-war flying accident.

How did Douglas Bader lose his legs?

He lost both his legs in December 1931 during a flying accident while attempting aerobatics. He crashed and was severely injured, leading to the amputation of both limbs.

What was his aerial victory count during WWII?

Douglas Bader was officially credited with 22 aerial victories, four shared victories, six probables, one shared probable, and damaging 11 enemy aircraft.

What was the "Big Wing" strategy he supported?

The "Big Wing" was a controversial RAF fighter tactic, particularly during the Battle of Britain, advocated by Air Vice Marshal Trafford Leigh-Mallory. It involved forming large groups of fighter aircraft before engaging the enemy, aiming for a more decisive and concentrated attack.

Where was Douglas Bader held as a Prisoner of War?

After being captured in German-occupied France in 1941, he was eventually sent to Colditz Castle, a high-security prisoner-of-war camp known for holding "incorrigible" Allied officers who had made multiple escape attempts.

What was "Reach for the Sky"?

"Reach for the Sky" refers to both a popular 1954 biography by Paul Brickhill and a 1956 film adaptation starring Kenneth More, both of which chronicled Douglas Bader's extraordinary life and RAF career up to the end of WWII, making his story widely known.

What was Douglas Bader's post-war legacy?

After the war, he worked in the oil industry but became a prominent advocate for disabled people, campaigning for their rights and opportunities. His tireless work led to him being knighted in 1976 for "services to disabled people."