Douglas Bader

Douglas Bader, a famous pilot of World War II, overcame losing both legs in a flying accident to become a renowned fighter ace.

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Birth Name :

Douglas Robert Steuart Bader

Profession :

Aviator

Birthday :

February 21, 1910

Star Sign :

Pisces

Death Date:

September 05, 1982

Age :

72

Birthplace :

St John's Wood, London, England

Douglas Bader, born on 21 February 1910, was a renowned British Royal Air Force fighter pilot who became one of the most famous pilots of World War II. Remarkably, he achieved this despite losing both his legs in a flying accident in 1931. Bader defied the odds and flew again, ultimately shooting down 23 enemy planes, and his incredible story has inspired countless people.

Some of Bader’s most famous works include the book “Reach for the Sky” by Paul Brickhill, which details his life before and during WWII, and the 1942 film documentary “Spitfire Ace.” In addition to his wartime achievements, Bader was awarded a CBE in 1956 and became the first person outside the Royal Family to receive the Freedom of the City of London in 1976. He retired from the Royal Air Force in 1973.

Bader was also actively involved in charity work and served as the chairman of the Douglas Bader Foundation, which supported disabled individuals in sports. Despite his disability, Bader was an accomplished golfer and even participated in disability golf tournaments, becoming the president of the Disabled Golf Society in 1973. Douglas Bader passed away on 5 September 1982.