Douglas Bader, a renowned Royal Air Force (RAF) flying ace, made a significant impact during the Second World War with his impressive 22 aerial victories. Born and raised in London, Bader displayed remarkable courage and determination from a young age, excelling in sports like rugby and cricket. Joining the RAF as an officer cadet in 1928, he experienced his first flight a few months later. Unfortunately, a devastating plane crash in December 1931 resulted in the loss of both his legs. Undeterred, Bader overcame this setback and returned to flying. Despite facing suspension from the RAF due to military regulations, the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 provided him with another opportunity to serve as a pilot. He achieved his first war victory in 1940 during the Dunkirk incident and played a crucial role in the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain. However, in August 1941, while flying over occupied France, Bader was captured by the Germans. Despite numerous failed escape attempts, he was eventually imprisoned in Colditz Castle until his rescue by the First United States Army in 1945. Following the war, Bader retired from the RAF and passed away at the age of 72.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In February
- Also Known As: Group Captain Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader
- Died At Age: 72
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Joan Murray (m. 1973 – 1982), Thelma Edwards (m. 1933 – 1971)
- Father: Frederick Roberts Bader
- Mother: Jessie Scott MacKenzie
- Pilots
- British Men
- Died on: September 5, 1982
- Place of death: London, England, United Kingdom
- City: London, England
- Cause of Death: Heart Attack
- More Facts
- Awards: Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Childhood & Early Life
Douglas Bader was born on February 21, 1910, in St John’s Wood, London. His father, Frederick Roberts Bader, was a civil engineer, and his mother, Jessie Scott MacKenzie, was a housewife. Douglas was the second child in the family and had an elder brother. His father worked in India and took his wife and older son with him, leaving Douglas with his relatives in the Isle of Man. Douglas joined his family in India two years later and then moved back to London with them in 1918.
In 1917, Douglas’s father participated in the First World War and was injured. He passed away in 1922. His mother remarried, but his stepfather did not treat Douglas well. As a result, he spent most of his teenage years in the care of his grandparents. Douglas had an aggressive nature as a young kid and was sent to a strict boarding school named ‘Temple Grove School.’ He grew up to become an excessively aggressive teenager and developed an interest in extreme sports.
Career with the Royal Air Force
In 1930, Douglas was commissioned as an officer in the RAF and was posted at RAF Kenley. He was known for his piloting skills and was chosen to perform aerobatics at the RAF Hendon Air Show. However, he was also notorious for not following military rules, which led to a crash that resulted in the amputation of both his legs. Despite this, he started flying planes again and resigned from the RAF to work at a petroleum company.
During the Second World War, Douglas re-applied to become a fighter pilot in the RAF and was posted as a commander at the 242 Squadron. He turned the unit into one of the most deadly units of his time and questioned the decisions of his superiors during the Battle of Britain. In 1941, he earned numerous aerial victories and became the fifth-most-successful fighter pilot in the RAF. However, his winning streak ended when his plane was downed near Le Touquet, France.
Capture & Release
Douglas was captured by the German forces and taken to a hospital, where his artificial legs were treated. With the help of locals, he escaped but was betrayed and brought back to the Germans. He was then taken to the prisoner-of-war camp at Colditz Castle. After the war ended, he was liberated and returned to the UK.
Later Life
Douglas was hailed as a hero and promoted to the position of group commander upon his return to the UK. However, he decided to resign from the RAF and resumed his job in the oil industry. He wrote a biography and an autobiography, and in his later years, he worked extensively for disabled people. He received the honor of ‘Knight Bachelor’ for his charitable deeds. Douglas married twice but did not have any children. He passed away in 1982 from a heart attack.
Family & Personal Life
Douglas Bader married Thelma Edwards in 1937, who passed away in 1971. He then married Joan Murray in 1973. He did not have any children from either of his marriages. The Douglas Bader Foundation was established after his death to continue his work for people who had lost their limbs.