Memories of British hero
FEBRUARY 21, 2010, is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader – for many of us, a Great Britain. Douglas' courage over adversity, fighting for his country, a leader by example, a global campaigner for the disadvantaged, a gentleman, made him part of a genre that could claim to be in the eyes of the general public a true Brit.
His life, immortalised in the book and film of the same name 'Reach for the Sky' and once again highlighted in later years in the TV programme 'This is Your Life' revealed a person whose instinctive and extraordinarily spirited contribution to rebutting German air attacks during the Battle of Britain, his subsequent capture and attempts to escape, and his post war life dedicated to advancing the plight of others before himself, were made all the more remarkable given that he suffered a double amputation in 1931 following a horrendous crash.
In response to the accident, Bader committed a typically laconic reflection to his log book, recalling: 'crashed slow-rolling near ground. Bad show'.
In peace time, Bader increasingly turned his attention to charitable activities on behalf of the disabled. Always sympathetic about the plight of others who had lost limbs, he offered both inspiration and practical advice to those living with disabilities. He was awarded the CBE in 1956 and knighted for his services to amputees in 1976.
His inspiration continues in the form of a charity established in Douglas's name immediately following his death in 1982, by family and friends, many of whom had flown side by side with Douglas during World War 2.
The 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.
'A disabled person who fights back is not disabled…but inspired.' It is this maxim that the charitable foundation seeks to continue and by doing so remind and educate people of a Great Britain.
David Bickers,
Chairman Douglas Bader Foundation and
Douglas's step son in law
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Weather for Lewes
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 21 C
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