Happy Birthday Douglas Bader

**Diamondback** · 02-21-2018 12:28

Born today in 1910. Whatever you may think about him screwing over Dowding in his own gloryhounding, ya gotta admit a dude who makes ace flying on two prosthetic legs, and then when he becomes a POW they have to confiscate his legs to stop him from escaping, is definitely badass, and he deserves some respect just on sheer huevos alone.

**Jager** · 02-21-2018 14:12

I will certainly raise a glass to pilot skill and badassery

Karl

**Nightbomber** · 02-21-2018 15:04

Originally Posted by Jager

I will certainly raise a glass to pilot skill and badassery

Karl

Metoo

**Teaticket** · 02-21-2018 16:32

Methree.

**gully_raker** · 02-21-2018 16:42

Happy Birthday Duggie.

**Baxter** · 02-21-2018 18:36

I always admire those people who overcome physical difficulties to achieve things. Para Olympics etc. So cheers to Douglas Bader

**Naharaht** · 02-21-2018 22:28

I salute his determination and flying skill.

**zenlizard** · 02-22-2018 05:03

Yeah, the boy did have some cajones on him.

**flash** · 02-22-2018 09:11

We should also celebrate the birthday of "the poor mans Bader" as he called himself - Colin Hodgkinson born 11th Feb 1920 - the other double amputee that served in the RAF & flew in combat - credited with 2 victories, one of which was gained after the Germans released him from POW camp thinking him of 'no further use to his country'... well that showed them !
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...amputated.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_..._(RAF_officer)

**Jager** · 02-22-2018 12:59

Originally Posted by flash

We should also celebrate the birthday of "the poor mans Bader" as he called himself - Colin Hodgkinson born 11th Feb 1920 - the other double amputee that served in the RAF & flew in combat - credited with 2 victories, one of which was gained after the Germans released him from POW camp thinking him of 'no further use to his country'... well that showed them !
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...amputated.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_..._(RAF_officer)

Well, certainly another glass for this brave man.

Karl

**rhodie80** · 02-22-2018 14:57

I had the honor of meeting his wife at a Battle of Britain party at Wright Patterson air force base put on by the RAF contingent. I ask her if there was anything about him that was not mentioned in the history books. She was silent a moment and I will never forget what she said. She said, "Douglas did not suffer fools well."

**Rabscallion** · 02-22-2018 22:01

Happy birthday Douglas. Love that story jim

Rob

**zenlizard** · 02-23-2018 09:18

Originally Posted by flash

We should also celebrate the birthday of "the poor mans Bader" as he called himself - Colin Hodgkinson born 11th Feb 1920 - the other double amputee that served in the RAF & flew in combat - credited with 2 victories, one of which was gained after the Germans released him from POW camp thinking him of 'no further use to his country'... well that showed them !

Yep, another bad-ass in the bunch.

**gully_raker** · 02-23-2018 16:22

Originally Posted by flash

We should also celebrate the birthday of "the poor mans Bader" as he called himself - Colin Hodgkinson born 11th Feb 1920 - the other double amputee that served in the RAF & flew in combat - credited with 2 victories, one of which was gained after the Germans released him from POW camp thinking him of 'no further use to his country'... well that showed them !
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...amputated.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colin_..._(RAF_officer)

He deserves more recognition!
I will raise a glass or two in his honour.