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Douglas Bader (ePub)

A Biography of the Legendary World War II Fighter Pilot

Aviation > Aviation Biography & Memoirs Aviation > WWII > Battle of Britain Military > Biographies > Military Biographies Military > Prisoners of War

By John Frayn Turner
Imprint: Pen & Sword Aviation
File Size: 1.1 MB (.epub)
Illustrations: 32 black and white illustrations
ISBN: 9781526736154
Published: 16th April 2009

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Douglas Bader was a legend in his lifetime and remains one today 100 years after his birth. A charismatic leader and fearless pilot he refused to let his severe disability (loss of both legs in a flying accident) ground him. He fought the authorities as ruthless as he did the enemy and not only managed to return to the front line but became a top scoring ace. His innovative tactics (The Big Wing) ensured his promotion and he led a key group of squadrons during the dark days of the Battle of Britain.

His luck ran out when he was shot down and captured; he only escaped his burning fighter by cutting away one of his artificial legs.

As a POW he was a thorn in the Germans' side and he was sent to Colditz Castle.

As this perceptive book reveals Bader, the hero, was at times a difficult over-bearing man, no doubt in part due to the pain he suffered. But his strengths far outweighed his weaknesses and his place in the annuals of British history is secure.

This is a timely republication of an important biography.

The sortie-by-sortie descriptions of the engagements involving Bader’s unit are well written.

Air Power History, Spring 2022

Review by Eric Probert

There have been many books written on Bader- Amazon suggests at least 15 alternative titles – but I don't think any other biographer had such a close personal relationship with Bader than John Rayne Turner. Within these 252 pages with 21 black and white illustrations is a fitting tribute to this inspirational and courageous leader both in war and peace. You will learn not only of a hero and great tactical leader but also of a sometimes difficult and overbearing person whose strengths outweighed his weaknesses.

The newsletter of the North Weald Airfield Museum Association

'A fitting tribute to a man who didn't understand the meaning of defeat and was an inspiration to millions...if you've never read the story of Douglas Bader, then I can whole-heartedly recommend this biography to you.'

Military Aircraft Monthly Magazine, Feb 2010

About John Frayn Turner

John was the highly respected author of thirty non-fiction books – mainly militaria and biography associated with World War 2. We are proud to have sixteen of his fine works in print including all the titles mentioned below.


Although born in Portsmouth with a Naval family background, he became closely connected with aviation and the Royal Air Force. During the Second World War, John worked at HMS Vernon on magnetic and acoustic mine trials before being conscripted from 1946 to 1948. Shunning a career in accountancy, he went into publishing culminating as editor of House Beautiful magazine. In the 1960’s John joined the Air Ministry and was responsible for RAF publicity and recruiting literature. He made numerous test flights, flew at twice the speed of sound and accompanied the Red Arrows. He later became managing editor of five London-based arts magazines. He wrote countless theatre and film reviews.


In 1968, already a well-respected author, John met the legendary Douglas Bader. The two men worked closely on Fight For The Sky and The Bader Wing. Bader wrote the Introduction to John’s classic British Aircraft of World War 2.

Our list also includes acclaimed epics like Invasion ’44, arguably the first full account of D-Day, Fight for the Sea, The Battle of Britain and the definitive VCs of the Second World War and The Awards of the George Cross. He also wrote The Life and Selected Works of Rupert Brooke.


http://www.warfaremagazine.co.uk/news/467

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