I can proudly say that I met Douglas Bader in 1969 when he visited our Airforce Base in Christchurch, New Zealand where I was undergoing pilot training in the RNZAF in a North American Harvard (AT6 Texan) aircraft.
Being born with a disability in my legs Bader has always been a hero of mine. I was at a local Airshow when I was 9 and he saw me in leg calipers and ruffled my hair. And as always Dilip a very informative video
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar You're welcome. He was an inspiration to many. And the Foundation he founded to help disabled people also shows what kind of a man he was
@@treadheaddarren true, but DB did not found the DBF. It was founded by his widow and friends as a living memorial to him, so that his example would continue to inspire and support the amputee community in particular.
@@treadheaddarren over the years I have worked closely with the DBF, and only yesterday had a telecon with the operations director to discuss a future project and how we can help raise awareness. A great living memorial to DB.
Nice catch Dilip, been one of my favorite movies and stories since late 66 early 67. Didn't know about Paul Brickhill, being a journalist. I remember Douglas Bader coming Downunda in the late 70s for the foundation, I think. Nice goin m8, stay vertical Eh!
My uncle, Lt Cdr Dickie Cork, flew with Bader in 242 squadron and is mentioned in books on Bader including Reach for the Sky. He was one of three Navy fighter pilots who flew with Bader in the Battle of Britain but there was no mention of them in the Battle of Britain or Reach for the Sky films. I look forward to your item on Bader and the Wing. Many thanks for a fascinating overview of a fascinating man.
My late father, Squadron Leader Peter Stevens MC (the only known German Jew to fly RAF bombers), told me that, while he respected Bader's courage, he was not a fan of the man for his antics as a POW. They had been held in the same camp once or twice, and both were avid escapers (my Dad's was one of only 69 Military Crosses awarded to the RAF in WW2). Dad could not abide Bader goading German guards and daring them to shoot while other uninvolved men were nearby. Dad felt that Bader had every right to endanger himself, but he had NO right whatsoever to play dangerous games for others who had not been previously consulted or had not given their permission to be involved.
Very enjoyable thanks Dilip. I have your bio of Bader, he certainly polarised opinions and still does. Looking forward to your instalment re the Big Wing controversy and the departure of Dowding and Park after the Battle. That controversy resonated even into the production of the film in 1968. Thank you.
Thanks Jim, got some new info coming in the book from Park’s private correspondence, a bit of Dowding’s to Beaverbrook, and a superb eyewitness account from an 11 Group controller - not to mention, of course, detailed analysis of all other aspects and first hand accounts from 10, 11 and 12 Group survivors. Hoping to have the text finished next week.
Another highly enjoyable video Dilip. You could well be a Mentor for me with your words about only being interested in facts and what really happened etc. I have quoted your book on Bader numerous times during discussions about the man in question on Facebook. Salute Dilip! Can't wait for the next video.
The first time I heard about this gentleman, Sir Douglas Bader was on the Facebook page of LSL... they published a small part from an interview he gave to a television program and it really captured my attention leading me to research and read a little of his biography .... And I became completely fascinated... a big fan of this gentleman. A true example of courage and overcoming. Please, could you make more videos with stories from the life of this Gentelman? It will be great! 🙂 Taking the risk of being repetitive, congratulations for another excellent video.👍✈️🙂
Hi Carla, this is an introductory film into the life of DB, over time we will be looking in detail at various aspects of his life, suggest that you read my biography of Bader, published by Amberley and available in paperback under the title Fighter Ace. Glad that you enjoyed the video, appreciate the feedback.
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar I would love to read ... Are your books available in e-book format? Of course I would prefer to have the book on paper but the shipping costs from England to Portugal are very expensive .... You can almost buy another book or at least half of it with that value! e-books are the future... Sadly, because there's nothing like the traditional paper format! At least that is my opinion...
@@bebematilde not a fan of e books, personally, and I don’t involve myself with production or distribution of my titles, but having just checked the publishers website it doesn’t appear to be available as an e book, which surprises me. www.amberley-books.com/community-main-page/s/community-dilip-sarkar/fighter-ace.html
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar It's really a pity the book doesn't be available in e-book format. I will give you an example, if I want to order your book in paperback, the cost, already converted to euros is 12.96 € and the shipping costs are 7.76€, which, in my umble opinion, an ultrage.For this price do you think the book comes on a Spitfire? ✈️😀 I'm kidding, of course. That's why, when I want a book that has to come from abroad, I choose the e-book format.
@@bebematilde yes, I understand that, but I don’t publish the books, I just research and write them. And in fact, I am not a fan of Amberley Publishing anyway, and hence why I no longer write books for them, I agree it should be available as an ebook and am surprised it isn’t.
I had Raf pilots in my family who flew in the war. One of the best stuff I read on Bader, is in the book about the filming of the Movie "the Battle of Britain". Think, in a way around Ginger Lacey came, as I recall, the closest via Leigh Mallory, Baders protege, and his big wing crap. To cut it short, Bader was indirect responsible for the sacking of Dowding, and the genius of Keith Park. In my opinion, losing your legs, caused by big headed idiocy, is not a guarantee being an ace. He was a symbol cause he fought his way! One can ask themselves, how much damage he did to people for his ego? Ps, my RAF relatives, who knew him, bluntly told me, I did not like him! Do not want to use Ginger Lacey in vain, but something tells me, he didn't too!
Good morning, not related to Douglas Bader. I was wondering if you have any info on Ft. Lieutenant J R M Boothy from 85 squadron. He stayed in our house while stationed at The Hawker factory in Broughton.
I grew up watching the war films of the fifties and sixties, Reach for the sky, being a favourite. Bader had a connection with RAF Coltishall, long after the war. The married quarters were sold off of the now closed camp, and are now know as Bader,s field. I met him in 1973 when he visited the BBMF, all the ground crew lined up and he shook all our hands. He had been, and still is a hero of mine. But sadly i did not like him very much.
Great video Dilip! Spot on and interesting stats on the 5.2%. Did you know his house master, Dingwall, at St Edward’s paid for his school and Cranwell fees! Clearly thought him a man worth backing.
My Godparents worked at Shell when Bader was there. Apparently my godfather did not like him very much. Probably too similar in temperament, as he was quite a bulldog himself. One day my godmother turned a corner and collided with Bader, knocking him to the ground. Typically he refused her help to get back up! She has just turned 90 and is sharp as a pin. I'll have to grill her for more stories 🤓 Ordered the book 👍
Douglas Bader was a ace but if you look there were many flaws in his story as when he got back into the RAF in the late 30’s he passed his flying test in a Havard which had foot brakes on the rudders and his friend did the test . .Even though Douglas had false legs and couldn’t scramble he still did his bit I don’t focus on the negatives as he was a officer of his day and like Guy Gibson of 617 Squadron .
Lots of people say that Bader was not “well liked”. It’s true he was a difficult man, but by many who knew him, he was loved. Especially by the Canadians. His big wing involvement remains controversial. But remember, he was only a wing leader. That decision happens higher up. He was also a man of empire. He later supported apartheid for example in South Africa, whereas Malan the great South African pilot became a lifelong anti-apartheid campaigner. He was a man of his time. One thing that we can all agree on- bader had guts and determination and in 1940 he was a huge asset. Defeatism was an issue. But he was aggressive and deadly. He may have been “not well liked”. But there’s one group that definitely didn’t like him, and that was the luftwaffe.
Barder was not well liked. The vast majority of pilots during the Battle of Britain were Flight Sargaent’s. He was shot down by a German Flighy Sargaent
Right about DB not being well liked by certain sections of the RAF community, but totally wrong in your other statements. You need to do much more research before commenting ;-)
I can proudly say that I met Douglas Bader in 1969 when he visited our Airforce Base in Christchurch, New Zealand where I was undergoing pilot training in the RNZAF in a North American Harvard (AT6 Texan) aircraft.
Being born with a disability in my legs Bader has always been a hero of mine. I was at a local Airshow when I was 9 and he saw me in leg calipers and ruffled my hair. And as always Dilip a very informative video
Hi Darren, thanks, and thanks for sharing, the immensely positive side of the man, in an absolutely unique way beyond inspirational to so many.
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar You're welcome. He was an inspiration to many. And the Foundation he founded to help disabled people also shows what kind of a man he was
@@treadheaddarren true, but DB did not found the DBF. It was founded by his widow and friends as a living memorial to him, so that his example would continue to inspire and support the amputee community in particular.
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar I stand corrected I bow to your superior knowledge
@@treadheaddarren over the years I have worked closely with the DBF, and only yesterday had a telecon with the operations director to discuss a future project and how we can help raise awareness. A great living memorial to DB.
Nice catch Dilip, been one of my favorite movies and stories since late 66 early 67. Didn't know about Paul Brickhill, being a journalist. I remember Douglas Bader coming Downunda in the late 70s for the foundation, I think. Nice goin m8, stay vertical Eh!
My uncle, Lt Cdr Dickie Cork, flew with Bader in 242 squadron and is mentioned in books on Bader including Reach for the Sky. He was one of three Navy fighter pilots who flew with Bader in the Battle of Britain but there was no mention of them in the Battle of Britain or Reach for the Sky films. I look forward to your item on Bader and the Wing. Many thanks for a fascinating overview of a fascinating man.
How very interesting to hear from you. Please get in touch via dilipsarkarmbe@yahoo.co.uk.
My late father, Squadron Leader Peter Stevens MC (the only known German Jew to fly RAF bombers), told me that, while he respected Bader's courage, he was not a fan of the man for his antics as a POW. They had been held in the same camp once or twice, and both were avid escapers (my Dad's was one of only 69 Military Crosses awarded to the RAF in WW2). Dad could not abide Bader goading German guards and daring them to shoot while other uninvolved men were nearby. Dad felt that Bader had every right to endanger himself, but he had NO right whatsoever to play dangerous games for others who had not been previously consulted or had not given their permission to be involved.
Not an uncommon view amongst fellow Kriegies....
I find that preposterous as they put themselves there.
Very enjoyable thanks Dilip. I have your bio of Bader, he certainly polarised opinions and still does. Looking forward to your instalment re the Big Wing controversy and the departure of Dowding and Park after the Battle. That controversy resonated even into the production of the film in 1968. Thank you.
Thanks Jim, got some new info coming in the book from Park’s private correspondence, a bit of Dowding’s to Beaverbrook, and a superb eyewitness account from an 11 Group controller - not to mention, of course, detailed analysis of all other aspects and first hand accounts from 10, 11 and 12 Group survivors. Hoping to have the text finished next week.
Great video! I am delighted to have belatedly discovered your channel!
Another highly enjoyable video Dilip.
You could well be a Mentor for me with your words about only being interested in facts and what really happened etc.
I have quoted your book on Bader numerous times during discussions about the man in question on Facebook.
Salute Dilip!
Can't wait for the next video.
Good man, David!
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar, I appreciate your words Dilip.
The first time I heard about this gentleman, Sir Douglas Bader was on the Facebook page of LSL... they published a small part from an interview he gave to a television program and it really captured my attention leading me to research and read a little of his biography .... And I became completely fascinated... a big fan of this gentleman.
A true example of courage and overcoming.
Please, could you make more videos with stories from the life of this Gentelman? It will be great! 🙂
Taking the risk of being repetitive, congratulations for another excellent video.👍✈️🙂
Hi Carla, this is an introductory film into the life of DB, over time we will be looking in detail at various aspects of his life, suggest that you read my biography of Bader, published by Amberley and available in paperback under the title Fighter Ace. Glad that you enjoyed the video, appreciate the feedback.
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar
I would love to read ... Are your books available in e-book format?
Of course I would prefer to have the book on paper but the shipping costs from England to Portugal are very expensive .... You can almost buy another book or at least half of it with that value!
e-books are the future... Sadly, because there's nothing like the traditional paper format! At least that is my opinion...
@@bebematilde not a fan of e books, personally, and I don’t involve myself with production or distribution of my titles, but having just checked the publishers website it doesn’t appear to be available as an e book, which surprises me. www.amberley-books.com/community-main-page/s/community-dilip-sarkar/fighter-ace.html
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar It's really a pity the book doesn't be available in e-book format.
I will give you an example, if I want to order your book in paperback, the cost, already converted to euros is 12.96 € and the shipping costs are 7.76€, which, in my umble opinion, an ultrage.For this price do you think the book comes on a Spitfire? ✈️😀 I'm kidding, of course.
That's why, when I want a book that has to come from abroad, I choose the e-book format.
@@bebematilde yes, I understand that, but I don’t publish the books, I just research and write them. And in fact, I am not a fan of Amberley Publishing anyway, and hence why I no longer write books for them, I agree it should be available as an ebook and am surprised it isn’t.
I had Raf pilots in my family who flew in the war. One of the best stuff I read on Bader, is in the book about the filming of the Movie "the Battle of Britain". Think, in a way around Ginger Lacey came, as I recall, the closest via Leigh Mallory, Baders protege, and his big wing crap. To cut it short, Bader was indirect responsible for the sacking of Dowding, and the genius of Keith Park. In my opinion, losing your legs, caused by big headed idiocy, is not a guarantee being an ace. He was a symbol cause he fought his way! One can ask themselves, how much damage he did to people for his ego? Ps, my RAF relatives, who knew him, bluntly told me, I did not like him! Do not want to use Ginger Lacey in vain, but something tells me, he didn't too!
Good morning, not related to Douglas Bader. I was wondering if you have any info on Ft. Lieutenant J R M Boothy from 85 squadron. He stayed in our house while stationed at The Hawker factory in Broughton.
Hi, no, sorry, not a pilot I’ve heard of.
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar sorry spelt his name incorrectly, he was Boothby, I believe he survived the war and moved to Canada.
@@peterhulmston9046 he’s pictured in this line up: www.bbm.org.uk/airmen/BlairKH.htm
what a fantastic video,once again thank you.
Thanks Neil, this is such a complicated saga, really looking forward to getting deeper into the story.
Great talk, thanks for posting.
I grew up watching the war films of the fifties and sixties, Reach for the sky, being a favourite. Bader had a connection with RAF Coltishall, long after the war. The married quarters were sold off of the now closed camp, and are now know as Bader,s field. I met him in 1973 when he visited the BBMF, all the ground crew lined up and he shook all our hands. He had been, and still is a hero of mine. But sadly i did not like him very much.
@@davegoldsmith4020 I think most who knew him felt the same…
Great video Dilip! Spot on and interesting stats on the 5.2%. Did you know his house master, Dingwall, at St Edward’s paid for his school and Cranwell fees! Clearly thought him a man worth backing.
Thanks Ben, yes, indeed I did, my Bader biography refers. Was trying to keep it simple for the YT videos.
My Godparents worked at Shell when Bader was there. Apparently my godfather did not like him very much. Probably too similar in temperament, as he was quite a bulldog himself. One day my godmother turned a corner and collided with Bader, knocking him to the ground. Typically he refused her help to get back up! She has just turned 90 and is sharp as a pin. I'll have to grill her for more stories 🤓
Ordered the book 👍
What films ????
Douglas Bader was a ace but if you look there were many flaws in his story as when he got back into the RAF in the late 30’s he passed his flying test in a Havard which had foot brakes on the rudders and his friend did the test .
.Even though Douglas had false legs and couldn’t scramble he still did his bit I don’t focus on the negatives as he was a officer of his day and like Guy Gibson of 617 Squadron .
Indeed, you should read my evidenced based biography of the man - available now via Amberley Publishing in paperback under the title Fighter Ace.
Lots of people say that Bader was not “well liked”. It’s true he was a difficult man, but by many who knew him, he was loved. Especially by the Canadians. His big wing involvement remains controversial. But remember, he was only a wing leader. That decision happens higher up. He was also a man of empire. He later supported apartheid for example in South Africa, whereas Malan the great South African pilot became a lifelong anti-apartheid campaigner. He was a man of his time. One thing that we can all agree on- bader had guts and determination and in 1940 he was a huge asset. Defeatism was an issue. But he was aggressive and deadly. He may have been “not well liked”. But there’s one group that definitely didn’t like him, and that was the luftwaffe.
Have a read of this, warts and all Bader: www.amberley-books.com/discover-books/transport-industry/aviation-pilots-airports/fighter-ace.html
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkar thanks very much Dilip, I definitely will.
Barder was not well liked. The vast majority of pilots during the Battle of Britain were Flight Sargaent’s. He was shot down by a German Flighy Sargaent
Right about DB not being well liked by certain sections of the RAF community, but totally wrong in your other statements. You need to do much more research before commenting ;-)
@@battleofbritain_DilipSarkarfrom
From an interview with A Galland that was on the TV a while ago.
Bader was deliberately shot down by one of his own pilots.
@@JamesRichards-mj9kw don’t think so more of a mistake
@@JohnSmith-bx8zb He was hated by his own men as he was a bad pilot and kept exposing them to unnecessary danger.