Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men
Douglas Bader became an RAF legend because of his dogged determination and willpower, refusing to let the loss of both his legs prevent him from flying Spitfires during the Second World War.
He was a Battle of Britain pilot unlike any other. His determination in the face of adversity has led him to have a RAF legacy that will be known through the generations.
The start of the Second World War spelt opportunity for Bader, who had been medically discharged from the RAF following a plane crash in late 1931.
Bader had lost both legs when his Bristol Bulldog crashed and, despite demonstrating his ability to continue flying and his competency on prosthetics, he was medically discharged against his will.
Having successfully petitioned the RAF to return to service he passed his re-training, and was assigned to No. 12 Group and flew with No. 222 Squadron at RAF Duxford.
He fought over Dunkirk in the Battle of France. Upon his return to the UK, Bader was given command of No. 242 Squadron and flew Spitfires in the ensuing Battle of Britain.
Bader and his squadron brought down 67 German aircraft and lost only five pilots, and was well known for his advocacy of the controversial 'Big Wing' formation during this time period.
It was during the following year, 1941 that Bader's luck ran out during a mission over France. Bader's plane was damaged during a dogfight with German aircraft, although debate continues on whether he was brought down by enemy fire, friendly fire, or a collision with another aircraft.
Attempting to bail out, Bader was trapped in the disabled aircraft by his prosthetic right leg. It was only when the leather strap on his prosthetic leg snapped that he was freed from the crashing plane and safely parachuted to the ground.
In a remarkable piece of wartime diplomacy, German General Adolf Galland notified the RAF of Bader's missing right prosthetic leg and, with Hermann Goring's permission, the RAF was given safe passage to parachute in a replacement prosthetic in a mission called 'Operation Leg'.
Bader then used this leg to mount multiple escape attempts from various prisons, including Stalag Luft III, later the scene of The Great Escape.
An incorrigible escapee, Bader was eventually imprisoned in Colditz Castle, from which he was freed in 1945. Bader was awarded numerous honours for his wartime service, including the Distinguished Service Order and bar, the Distinguished Flying Cross and bar, and the Légion d’honneur.
In June 1945 he was given the honour of leading the flypast of 300 aircraft over London.
