Sorry, we were at D when I started this.
Douglas Bader. He was a fighter pilot during WW2.
After a crash in 1931, he lost both his legs. Despite this he was still able to fly and was vital to the RAF's success in WW2.
During WW2, Bader shot down 23 German planes. This figure still makes him the 5th highest on record for the RAF.
He was captured by German forces in 1941. Bader was hit by an anti aircraft cannon and became trapped after one of his prosthetic legs became jammed in the aircraft. Eventually he was able to escape the burning plane.
Bader was held as a prisoner of war. He was held in high esteem by the German airforce as well as the British.
Bader's German counterpart, Adolf Galland arranged for new prosthetic legs to be dropped by the Royal Airforce. This shows how highly he was regarded.
While being held P.O.W, Bader made many attempted escapes. He was held in Colditz for a short period of time. In an attempt to prevent Bader from continuing with his escape plans, German guards threatened to take away his legs.
After returning to the UK at the end of the war, Bader remained in the RAF.
In 1945, Bader then led 300 RAF planes over London to celebrate the end of the war and the lives cost in protecting our country.
After retirement, Bader went on to achieve a Golf handicap in the low figures.
For me, this guy is a true hero. We owe guys like this everything.
