Medals of Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader

Douglas Bader defied all expectations as a double leg amputee to become one of the most successful fighter pilots of the Second World War with 20 confirmed victories.

In 1931, at the age of 21, Bader lost both of his legs following an aerobatics accident and left the RAF. Driven by a determination to fly again, Bader taught himself how to control an aircraft with his prosthetic legs and succeeded in the necessary flying tests to join the RAF’s war efforts in 1939. He led No. 242 Squadron to 67 victories in the Battle of Britain. Medals from left to right: Distinguished Service Order and Bar, Distinguished Flying Cross and Bar, 1939-1945 Star with Battle of Britain clasp, Air Crew Europe Star with Atlantic clasp, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939–45 with Mention in Despatches, Legion d'Honneur, Chevalier Croix de Guerre 1939–1940 (France).