The WWII Flying Ace with No Legs (Strange Stories)
TLDRDouglas Bader, a Royal Air Force pilot, defied the odds by becoming a World War II flying ace despite losing both his legs in a pre-war crash. After learning to walk with artificial legs, he was determined to return to flying and eventually joined the RAF during the war. Bader's disability unexpectedly became an advantage in aerial combat, as he was less prone to blackouts from high g-forces. He flew Spitfires, scored 22 aerial victories, and led squadrons with distinction, notably boosting morale among the Canadian pilots of No. 242 Squadron during the Battle of Britain. Captured after a dogfight, Bader became a prisoner of war and made numerous escape attempts. His story is a testament to courage and resilience, and is featured in an episode sponsored by the online game War Thunder, which offers players the chance to experience the thrill of being an ace fighter pilot.
Takeaways
- 🎮 Sponsored by War Thunder, a free-to-play online game where you can start a career as a World War 2 flying ace.
- ✈️ Douglas Bader was a Royal Air Force pilot who flew fighter planes in WWII without his legs.
- 🔥 Bader lost both legs in a pre-war crash while performing aerial stunts, but was determined to fly again.
- 🦿 He learned to walk with artificial legs and developed new skills, including driving, golf, tennis, and dancing.
- 🚀 Despite initial refusals, Bader's persistence led to his return to the RAF and he tested his abilities at the Central Flying School.
- 🛫 Bader flew modern planes like the Hurricane and Spitfire, noticing their significant upgrade from biplanes.
- 🎖 He achieved 22 aerial victories and became a flying ace, with his disability giving him an advantage in dogfights due to less likelihood of blackout from g-forces.
- 📉 Bader led and inspired Squadron 242, which had low morale, to success in the Battle of Britain, where they shot down 67 enemy aircraft.
- 🔽 After being shot down, Bader was captured by the Germans and became a prisoner of war, respected by his captors for his courage.
- 🔄 He made multiple escape attempts from various prisoner of war camps, including a notable one from Colditz Castle.
- 💌 Bader was freed by American troops on April 15th, 1945, when his prison was liberated.
- 🌐 Play as an ace fighter pilot like Douglas Bader in War Thunder, which features over 1000 realistic aircraft, tanks, and ships.
Q & A
What was the name of the free-to-play online game mentioned in the script?
-War Thunder
Who was Douglas Barter and what was his unique achievement?
-Douglas Barter was a pilot in the Royal Air Force who became a flying ace during World War II despite having no legs. He piloted fighter planes and claimed 22 aerial victories.
How did Douglas Barter lose his legs?
-Douglas Barter lost his legs in a plane crash when he performed aerial stunts against orders, resulting in both of his legs being crushed and subsequently amputated.
What new skills did Barter learn to adapt to his disability?
-Barter learned to walk again using artificial legs, drive a racing car, play golf, tennis, and dance.
How did Barter's disability affect his ability to pilot a plane during dogfights?
-Barter's disability gave him an advantage as he was less likely to blackout from the effects of g-force, allowing him to pull off tight turns and outmaneuver his opponents.
Which squadron did Barter join and what significant action did he see with them?
-Barter joined No. 222 Squadron and saw action over Dunkirk during the Battle of France, protecting the Royal Navy and evacuating the British Army from the Luftwaffe.
What was the name of the operation Barter was part of when his score rose to 20 confirmed as destroyed plus two shared?
-Barter was part of the 'Circus operations' when his score rose to that level.
How did Barter's war experience end and where was he held?
-Barter was captured by the Germans after his plane was shot down. He was taken to a hospital in St. Omer and later transferred to Stalag Luft 3 and then to Colditz Castle, where he spent the rest of the war until the prison was liberated by American troops on April 15th, 1945.
What was the role of Adolf Galland in Barter's story?
-Adolf Galland, a flying ace from the German Luftwaffe, asked the British to airdrop a replacement leg for Barter after he was captured, which they did.
What was the total number of enemy aircraft that No. 242 Squadron, led by Barter, shot down by the end of 1940?
-No. 242 Squadron shot down 67 enemy aircraft by the end of 1940.
What was the significance of the Spitfire in Douglas Barter's story?
-The Spitfire was Douglas Barter's fighter plane of choice, which he used during his service in World War II.
What bonus did the game War Thunder offer to new players who used the link in the description?
-New players who used the link in the description were offered a free premium tank or aircraft and three days of premium account time.
Outlines
🦅 The Inspiring Tale of Douglas Bader: A Legless Flying Ace
Douglas Bader, a pilot in the Royal Air Force, became a World War II flying ace despite losing his legs in a pre-war crash. After a series of daring stunts, Bader's plane crashed, leading to the amputation of both legs. Undeterred, he learned to walk with artificial legs and pursued his passion for flying. Despite initial rejections due to his disability, Bader's determination and skills led to his rejoining the RAF and piloting modern aircraft like the Hurricane and Spitfire. He claimed 22 aerial victories and was known for his ability to withstand high g-forces better than his peers. Bader's leadership and flying prowess were instrumental in boosting the morale of his squadron and achieving significant victories during the Battle of Britain. His story is a testament to resilience and the power of the human spirit.
🏰 Bader's POW Experience and War Thunder Sponsorship
After being shot down, Bader was captured by the Germans and became a prisoner of war. Despite his disability, he was respected by the Germans and even had a replacement leg air-dropped by the British. Bader made numerous escape attempts, including one from the seemingly escape-proof Stalag Luft 3 and later from Colditz Castle, where he was transferred. His tenacity and courage during his time as a POW were as remarkable as his flying career. The video also mentions War Thunder, a free-to-play online game that allows players to experience the thrill of being a fighter pilot, with a special offer for new players to get a free premium tank or aircraft and three days of premium account time.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Douglas Barter
💡Royal Air Force (RAF)
💡World War II
💡Flying Ace
💡Artificial Legs
💡Spitfire
💡Battle of Britain
💡Luftwaffe
💡Prisoner of War (POW)
💡Stalag Luft 3
💡War Thunder
Highlights
Douglas Barter, a pilot in the Royal Air Force, piloted fighter planes in World War 2 without his legs and became a flying ace with 22 aerial victories.
Barter joined the RAF in 1928 and after a crash in 1931, both his legs were amputated, but he was determined to fly again.
Despite doctors' skepticism, Barter learned to walk with artificial legs and developed new skills, including driving a racing car and playing sports.
Barter's persistence led to his rejoining the RAF, where he familiarized himself with modern planes like the Hurricane and the Spitfire.
Assigned to the number 19 squadron, Barter flew Spitfires on convoy patrol missions during the 'phoney war'.
At the number 222 squadron, Barter saw action over Dunkirk, protecting the Royal Navy and the British Army from the Luftwaffe.
Barter's disability proved advantageous in dogfights as he was less likely to blackout from g-forces, allowing him to outmaneuver opponents.
Promoted to squadron leader, Barter led the number 242 squadron, which was primarily composed of Canadians, during the Battle of Britain.
Under Barter's leadership, the 242 squadron shot down 67 enemy aircraft with five pilots killed in action by the end of 1940.
Barter was promoted to Wing Commander and led bomber escorts during daylight raids with the Spitfire Mark 5 as part of the 'Circus' operations.
His score rose to 20 confirmed destroyed plus two shared, showcasing his exceptional skills as a pilot.
Barter was captured by the Germans after a combat incident, but the British airdrop a replacement leg for him.
Despite being a prisoner of war, Barter made numerous escape attempts, demonstrating his unyielding spirit.
He was eventually transferred to the escape-proof Colditz Castle, where he spent the remainder of the war.
Barter was freed by American troops on April 15th, 1945, when the prison was liberated.
War Thunder, a free-to-play online game, allows players to start their own career as a World War 2 flying ace, inspired by Barter's story.
The game features over 1000 realistic aircrafts, tanks, and ships, including the Spitfire, Barter's fighter plane of choice.
By using the provided link, new players can register and receive a free premium tank or aircraft and three days of premium account time.
Transcripts
Browse More Related Video
The Fighter Ace who Downed 11 planes in a Single Day
How The Battle Of Britain Began | Battle Of Britain | Timeline
The President who avoided being eaten by cannibals in WWII
Life inside a WW2 KV-1 Tank (Cross section)
The One-eyed Scout who Liberated a Whole Town by Himself
RAF Fighter Pilot (World War II)
5.0 / 5 (0 votes)
Thanks for rating: