Douglas Bader – The WWII Flying Ace with No Legs

Douglas Bader was a pilot in the Royal Air Force who would go on to pilot fighter planes in the Second World War without his legs and claimed 22 aerial victories becoming a flying ace.

Bader joined the RAF in 1928 and graduated in 1930 and in late 1931 at age 21 he was assigned to a squadron flying Bristol Bulldogs at Woodley airfield near Reading. While flying the Bulldog he went against orders not to do aerial acrobatics or fly below 2,000 feet. Nevertheless, Bader performed an aerial stunt to show off his skill, resulting in his plane crashing. Both of his legs were crushed under the twisted wood canvas and metal. With no way of saving them, they had to be amputated – one above the knee and one below.

After this Bader had to learn to walk again using artificial legs, doctors were not hopeful that he would be able to walk without a stick, but Bader was determined and he wanted to fly again. After being transferred to RAF Hospital Uxbridge, Bader learned new skills with his new legs. He learned to drive a racing car, play golf, play tennis, and dance. During this time he also met his future wife Thelma.

From 1937 to 1939 with World War II on the horizon, Bader requested several times to rejoin the RAF but was refused piloting roles because there was no incorporating his disability. Air Vice Marshal Halahan recommended that Bader do the Central Flying School to test his abilities, which he passed. This would also familiarize him with the newer modern planes. Bader noticed how the planes have upgraded significantly. Gone were the biplanes, replaced with new low-wing monoplanes such as the Hurricane and the Spitfire. While in his Avro Tutor during the training, Bader couldn’t resist doing a stunt, turning his biplane upside down at 600 feet.

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