Reach for the Sky

In 1928, Douglas Bader joins the Royal Air Force as a Flight Cadet. He receives a friendly rebuke from Air Vice-Marshal Halahan for disregarding service discipline and flight rules, but he completes his training and is posted to No. 23 Squadron at RAF Kenley. This start sets the tone for a bold career.

In 1930, Bader's skill earns him selection to participate in an aerial exhibition, demonstrating his growing prowess as a pilot. He proves himself among the pilots chosen for the display.

Despite a ban on low-level aerobatics by his flight commander, he is goaded into attempting the routine by a disparaging remark from a civilian pilot. The wing tip of his bi-plane touches the ground during the flight, causing a dramatic crash that leaves him badly injured.

At the Royal Berkshire Hospital, surgeons amputate both legs to save Bader's life. During his convalescence, Nurse Brace offers encouragement and supports him through the difficult recovery.

After discharge, Bader dedicates himself to mastering prosthetic legs, determined to reclaim mobility and independence. He trains daily and gradually learns to move with the new limbs.

While out for a drive with two RAF pals, they stop at a tearoom where he meets waitress Thelma Edwards. The chance encounter begins a life-changing relationship.

Once he can walk again, he asks Thelma out, starting a new chapter in his life. Their relationship provides personal hope beyond his military setbacks.

Despite his continuing piloting skills, there are no regulations covering his disability, so he is denied flying duties and offered a desk job. He leaves the RAF and takes an unhappy office job.

Bader and Thelma marry at a registry office on a wet afternoon. Their wedding marks a new, quieter chapter away from the cockpit.

With the outbreak of World War II, Bader lobbies his way back into the RAF and takes command of a squadron composed mainly of dispirited Canadians who had fought in France. He lifts morale, secures urgently needed equipment, and the squadron fights effectively in the Battle of Britain.

He is put in charge of a new formation of five squadrons, and later is posted to RAF Tangmere where he is promoted to Wing Commander.

In 1941, Bader bails out over France, escapes, and is recaptured. He endures multiple transfers between POW camps, eventually ending up at Colditz Castle.

He is liberated after four years of captivity as World War II ends. The end of the war brings relief to Thelma, who hopes for a calmer life after the fighting.

On 15 September 1945, the fifth anniversary of the Battle of Britain, Bader, now a Group Captain, leads eleven other battle survivors and a total of 300 aircraft in a flypast over London.