Douglas Bader

Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader
One of the RAF’s best pilots, he tragically lost both legs in a flying accident in 1931, whilst undertaking low level aerobatics, and was invalidated out of the service.  In 1939 at the outbreak of WWII his persistence paid off and he eventually persuaded the RAF to take him back, initially in an administration role but eventually flying operationally. Posted to 19 Sqn, flying Hurricanes during Dunkirk, the Battle of France and the Battle of Britain he quickly scored a number of early victories, and became one of the first Wing Leaders of the war. 

His uncompromising and dogmatic approach gained him a reputation for getting results, and earned him huge respect among his loyal men, His reputation soon made him a household name, even amongst the pilots of the Luftwaffe, in particular his adversary Adolf Galland.  On 9 August 1941, with 24 victories to his credit, he was shot down over France and taken POW, but after numerous escape attempts he was placed in the almost escape-proof Colditz Castle.