Reach for the Sky: Story of Douglas Bader, D.S.O., D.F.C. (CASSELL MILITARY PAPERBACKS) (W&N Military) - Softcover

Paul Brickhill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0304356743 ISBN 13: 9780304356744

Publisher: Weidenfeld and Nicholson, 2009

Synopsis

In 1931, at the age of 21, Douglas Bader was the golden boy of the RAF. Excelling in everything he did he represented the Royal Air Force in aerobatics displays, played rugby for Harlequins, and was tipped to be the next England fly half. But one afternoon in December all his ambitions came to an abrupt end when he crashed his plane doing a particularly difficult and illegal aerobatic trick. His injuries were so bad that surgeons were forced to amputate both his legs to save his life. Douglas Bader did not fly again until the outbreak of the Second World War, when his undoubted skill in the air was enough to convince a desperate air force to give him his own squadron. The rest of his story is the stuff of legend. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain he led his squadron to kill after kill, keeping them all going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. Bader faced it all, disability, leadership and capture, with the same charm, charisma and determination that was an inspiration to all around him.

About this title

Book Description:

The bestselling story of Britain's most courageous and most famous flyer, the Second World War hero Sir Douglas Bader.

About the Author:

During the war Paul Brickhill was shot down over German territory and sent to a prisoner of war camp. After the war he wrote about the numerous escape attempts in which he was involved in THE GREAT ESCAPE.

About this edition

• Publisher: Weidenfeld and Nicholson
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0304356743
• ISBN 13: 9780304356744
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384