Source: WikipediaGroup Captain Sir Douglas Robert Steuart Bader CBE, DSO & Bar, DFC & Bar, FRAeS, DL (21 February 1910 – 5 September 1982)

The BBC ran an item today about a new Blue Plaque which has been unveiled at the former residence of the British Battle of Britain hero Sir Douglas Bader.

Douglas lost his legs in an air crash before the Second World War, but famously overcame his disability and with tenacious spirit forced his way back into front line flying just in time for the German air assault on the country. He not only became a notable ace - with 22 kills - but was a inspirational leader and tactician and epitomised a dogged spirit of a nation which refused to give in to overwhelming circumstances.

His adventures are of legend, and of particular note was his confounding of his German captors - after an air collision dropped him into captivity - when, in the belief that a man with no legs could not escape, his Nazi guards allowed him to make his first break for home! He was re-captured, but his refusal to stay captured eventually led to his incarceration in the infamous Colditz castle.

This disregard for the very term 'diability' elevated Bader's story from a - admitedly amazing - heroic wartime tale to a inspirational example for those who have likewise suffered from terrible injuries. This 'Bader Spirit' has resonance right down the years with the help of the Bader Foundation and modern examples of his breed - like Major Phil Packer who, despite lossing the use of his legs in a rocket attack in Iraq, recently completed the London Marathon.

With more and more of our service people returning from the war zones with horendous injuries and bereft of limbs, the iconic figure of Douglas Bader is as relivant today as it was during the Second World War.

Family wartime history note:

My mother, who served in the ATS during the war, came across the young Bader during a moral boosting tea dance, when - in an example of one of her famed faux-pars - she complained to a friend about the young RAF pilot who sat on his own instead of joining in the dancing! (In actual fact, dancing was one of the activities that Bader did master - as recounted in the award winning biographical film 'Reach for the Sky'.)

Related links:

> BBC News article 'Blue plaque for war hero Bader' (31 May 2009)
> Wikipedia entry for Douglas Bader

> The Douglas Bader Foundation - exists to advance and promote the physical, mental and spiritual welfare of persons who are without one or more limbs, or otherwise physically disabled.
> Help for Heroes - does wonderful work for soldiers and other servicemen and women both directly and through its support of other service charities.
> Major Phil Packer - "From the original prognosis that I would never walk again, I have been very lucky and my injuries have improved. I set out to raise £1million by completing a number of challenges..."