Douglas Bader was one of Britain's most highly regarded fighter pilots and became one of the RAF’s five most deadly fighter pilots during the Second World War and the Battle of Britain.
Due to the loss of his legs, Bader went on to become one of Britain's most famous limbless veterans – contributing significantly towards the British amputee community through setting up his own charity, the Douglas Bader Foundation and being a Member of Blesma, The Limbless Veterans.
This is the story of Bader’s incredible accomplishments and rise to fame.
Douglas Bader’s Career In The RAF
In 1931, Bader was taking part in a routine aerobatics display while flying a Bristol Bulldog biplane fighter. When coming out of a slow roll over Woodley Aerodrome in Reading, he crashed and struggled against death in hospital.
His legs were amputated and although he soon learned to fly again using artificial legs, the RAF rejected his applications to return to active service, right up until the beginning of the Second World War.
When war was declared on Germany, Douglas Bader was amongst the first to sign up and serve for Great Britain. Initially, the RAF were reluctant, but his persistence paid off and he took to the skies once again.
The loss of Bader’s legs worked to his advantage when flying at high speeds and performing sudden aerial combat manoeuvres. As a result of the amputation of his legs, he experienced less G-force, which sometimes caused fighter pilots to black out1.
As a fighter pilot, Bader flew both a Hurricane and Spitfire – two of Britain’s most iconic warplanes during the Second World War. He became one of the first Wing Leaders, and led a squadron of Spitfires over north-western Europe throughout the summer in 1941. He also fought during the Battle of Britain, where he was often leading a wing of fighter pilots.
During the War, it’s estimated Douglas Bader shot down at least 20 German planes and two shared with other fighter pilots. This was the fifth highest total in the whole of the RAF2.
On August 8th, 1941, Bader was forced to bail out of his Spitfire, after being shot down over German-occupied France. It’s reported2, as he tried to escape the cockpit, one of his prosthetic legs became trapped, but fortunately one of the straps broke and he was able to release himself.
Despite surviving the crash landing, the Germans were waiting for him and he was sent to a prisoner of war camp.
A Prisoner Of War
Surprisingly, initially the German Forces treated Douglas Bader with respect at the prisoner of war camp. They allowed a replacement leg made of aluminium to be dropped off by parachute.
Bader was still determined to try and evacuate the prisoner of war camp. He didn’t wait long before trying to escape, but was caught hiding in a hayloft. After that, the Germans took away one of his legs every night and gave it back to him in the morning to prevent further escape attempts.
Bader ended the Second World War in the infamous Colditz Castle where he was held as a member of the group known as the Prominente – a group of famous prisoners the Nazi leadership hoped they might use as bargaining chips. He remained there until April 1945 when the camp was liberated by the First United States Army.
Bader left the Royal Air Force permanently in February 1946 and resumed his career in the oil industry.
One Of Britain’s Most Recognised War Heroes
In July 1940, Britain's coalition government was worried about public morale. The nation's fate hung in the balance and the Air Ministry believed uplifting stories could inspire optimism and encourage resistance.
When Douglas Bader shot down a Dornier 17 'in a fierce aerial fight', the ministry spotted a tremendous story. At the time, Bader’s story was little-known beyond RAF Fighter Command. In an impressive public relations exercise, Air Ministry press officers made him a household name.
The Daily Mail sent a reporter to interview Bader's mother. She told the journalist:
I wish I could tell you adequately the story of how he had to face life again without two legs … It was amazing to watch his courage and the gradual return of his sunny disposition.
The Daily Mirror also covered Douglas Bader’s story, naming him the:
Greatest hero of them all…Britain's most amazing RAF Fighter Pilot
Douglas Bader was sometimes compared to another pilot called ‘Peggy’ who flew despite having a plain wooden peg-leg. He was well known for inserting it into a cylindrical cigarette tin, screwed to the rudder bar.
Reach For The Sky: A BAFTA Award Winning Film About Douglas Bader’s Life
In 1956, the life story of Group Captain Douglas Bader was produced as a feature length film and presented on 5th July, the proceeds of the night being shared by Blesma and the RAF Benevolent Fund.
"Reach for the Sky" starring Kenneth Moore as Douglas Bader, chronicled his life and RAF career to the end of the Second World War. The film was, and remains still, an inspiration and living example to all those who have lost limbs.
Douglas Bader’s Personal Life And Retirement
Outside of the RAF, Douglas Bader married Thelma Edwards in 1933. Thelma3 was the daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Ivo Arthur Exley Edwards, Royal Air Force. Sadly, Thelma developed throat cancer and passed away in 19713.
As a veteran double amputee, Douglas became a Member of Blesma, The Limbless Veterans charity and became a Trustee for the charity. He joined the Association in an advisory role in 1947.
In 1976, Bader married Lady Joan Bader, who was a nurse and shared his passion for golf.
Sir Douglas Bader campaigned for the disabled, and in the Queen's Birthday Honours 1976, he was appointed a Knight Bachelor "for services to disabled people." He continued to fly until ill health forced him to stop in 1979.
In 1982, the Douglas Bader Foundation was formed. The Foundation ran for over 40 years and contributed immensely to the amputee community. The Foundation supported limbless veterans in a number of ways, such as through the Bader Grant Scheme and providing support and advice. The Douglas Bader Foundation sadly ceased operating in 2024, 42 years after his death.
Bader died aged 72, on 5th September 1982, after a heart attack. His funeral was held at St Clement Danes Church in London4.
Douglas Bader contributed significantly to raising awareness and support for veterans who have suffered the loss of a limb. His legacy is lived on through the countless lives he has improved through his own charity; the Douglas Bader Foundation. In addition, he contributed significantly at Blesma in a Trustee and advisory role, as well as fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund.
His name will also be permanently remembered at Douglas Bader Rehabilitation Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital, which specialises in amputee rehabilitation.
1Source: Why This Legless Fighter Ace Was So Feared: Douglas Bader, The Badass WWII Fighter Ace
2Source: GPCAPT Sir Douglas R. S. Bader
3Source: This Day In Aviation
4Source: Find A Grave
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