Douglas Bader

Book excerpt: Douglas Bader was a legend in his lifetime and remains one today 100 years after his birth. A charismatic leader and fearless pilot he refused to let his severe disability (loss of both legs in a flying accident) ground him. He fought the authorities as ruthless as he did the enemy and not only managed to return to the front line but became a top scoring ace. His innovative tactics (The Big Wing) ensured his promotion and he led a key group of squadrons during the dark days of the Battle of Britain.His luck ran out when he was shot down and captured; he only escaped his burning fighter by cutting away one of his artificial legs. As a POW he was a thorn in the Germans side and he was sent to Colditz Castle. As this perceptive book reveals Bader, the hero, was at times a difficult overbearing man, no doubt in part due to the pain he suffered. But his strengths far outweighed his weaknesses and his place in the annuals of British history is secure.This is a timely republication of an important biography.