Douglas Robert Stewart Bader was born in London on 21 February 1910, the second son of Fredrick Bader. Fredrick died as a result of wounds during the First World War and eight-year-old Douglas was sent to live with his aunt and her husband who was the Adjutant at the Cranwell military flying school.
Douglas won a scholarship in 1923 and went to St Edward’s School, Oxford, and on graduation, went to the RAF College, Cranwell in 1928. Showing exceptional flying aptitude, he soloed after six-and-one half hours of instruction. He graduated in 1930 and was posted to 23 Sqn Fighter Squadron based at Kenley. The unit was equipped with Gloster Gamecock biplanes and Bader was selected for the three-man exhibition team in an annual air display at Hendon Aerodrome,
In 1931 No.23 Squadron re-equipped with more powerful, but less manoeuvrable Bristol Bulldog. On Monday, 14 December 1931, Bader flew to Woodley Aerodrome and while there went to perform a low, slow, roll. The second half of the roll was precariously close to the ground. As the wings neared the perpendicular, their downwards tips struck the ground. The aircraft cartwheeled and lost the engine. Bader remained semi-conscious in his seat.
In hospital Bader had both legs amputated. By November 1932, with artificial legs, he piloted an Avro 504 from No.601 Auxiliary Squadron. The RAF grounded him and he was invalided out of the service in 1933.
He was re-admitted for flying duties in 1939 and in December 1939 first flew a Hawker Hurricane, then on 7 February 1940 joined 19 Sqn at Duxford, which was equipped with Spitfires. He was soon promoted to flight lieutenant and transferred to 222 Sqn as a flight commander.
On 1 June 1940 he shot down a Bf 109. He was promoted again in July and given 242 Sqn to command. On 11 July he destroyed a Do 17 and another on 21 August. He sent down two Bf 110s nine days later, a 110 and a Bf 109 on 7 September and a Do 17 on the 9th. On 13 December his DSO was gazetted. On 15 September he got a Do 17, a Ju 88 and a Do 17 on the 18th. On 27 September he was credited with one confirmed and one probable Bf 109.
Early in 1941 he was awarded a DFC, promoted to wing commander and made leader of the Tangmere Wing of three Spitfire squadrons. In the course of several sweeps over France he shot down three 109s and shared another in June, and six more with a half share in a seventh during July. On 9 August, after bringing down two 109s, he collided with a third, baled out and was taken prisoner. His total score was 23.
All Aero 