Wing Leader: The Extraordinary Life of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader

Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader was one of the most celebrated fighter pilots of the Second World War. Despite losing both his legs in a flying accident in 1931, Bader went on to become a highly successful fighter pilot, claiming 22 victories in the air. He was also a best-selling author, his autobiography, Reach for the Sky, becoming a classic of aviation literature.

Richard Hillary: The Definitive Biography of a Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot and Author of The Last Enemy

by David Ross

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3258 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	692 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

In this definitive biography, acclaimed author John Terraine tells the full story of Bader's extraordinary life. From his early days as a daredevil pilot to his wartime heroics and his postwar career as a motivational speaker, Terraine paints a vivid portrait of a man who overcame adversity to achieve greatness.

Early Life and Flying Career

Douglas Bader was born in London in 1910. He was the son of a wealthy businessman and grew up in a comfortable home. Bader was always fascinated by flying, and he began taking flying lessons at the age of 17. He quickly showed a natural talent for flying, and within a year he had earned his pilot's license.

In 1931, Bader was involved in a flying accident that resulted in the loss of both his legs. The accident left him shattered, both physically and emotionally. However, Bader refused to give up on his dream of flying. He fitted himself with artificial legs and began to practice flying again.

In 1939, the Second World War broke out. Bader immediately volunteered to join the Royal Air Force. He was initially rejected because of his disability, but he eventually persuaded the RAF to give him a chance to prove himself.

Wartime Heroics

Bader was assigned to No. 242 Squadron, a fighter squadron based at RAF Duxford. He quickly established himself as a skilled and courageous pilot. In the Battle of Britain, Bader claimed 22 victories in the air, making him one of the top-scoring fighter pilots of the war.

In August 1941, Bader was shot down over France. He was captured by the Germans and spent the rest of the war as a prisoner of war. While in captivity, Bader continued to defy his captors. He organized escape attempts and refused to cooperate with the Germans.

Postwar Career

After the war, Bader returned to England a hero. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Free Download and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also wrote his autobiography, Reach for the Sky, which became a best-seller.

Bader continued to fly after the war, and he became a successful motivational speaker. He lectured to audiences around the world, inspiring them with his story of overcoming adversity.

Death and Legacy

Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader died in 1982 at the age of 72. He is remembered as one of the greatest fighter pilots of all time, and his story continues to inspire people around the world.

Wing Leader is the definitive biography of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader. John Terraine has written a masterful account of Bader's extraordinary life, from his early days as a daredevil pilot to his wartime heroics and his postwar career as a motivational speaker. Wing Leader is a must-read for anyone interested in aviation history or the story of a man who overcame adversity to achieve greatness.

Richard Hillary: The Definitive Biography of a Battle of Britain Fighter Pilot and Author of The Last Enemy

by David Ross

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3258 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	692 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE