Douglas Bader Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Douglas Bader was a remarkable Royal Air Force fighter pilot who became a British hero during World War II, despite having lost both his legs in a flying accident. Born in 1910, Bader joined the RAF in 1928 and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and daring pilot. However, in 1931, a crash during an aerobatic display resulted in the amputation of both his legs above the knee.

Undeterred by this life-changing event, Bader learned to walk using artificial legs and was determined to return to flying. Though initially rejected by the RAF, the outbreak of World War II saw a change in policy, and Bader was accepted back into service. He flew Spitfires and Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, leading his squadron with skill and bravery. His success as a pilot and leader, despite his disability, made him a public figure and a symbol of resilience.

Bader’s wartime career ended in 1941 when he was shot down over France and captured by the Germans. He remained a prisoner of war until 1945, making numerous escape attempts in the meantime. After the war, Bader was knighted for his services to disabled people and continued to fly until 1979. He lived at 5 Petersham Mews in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea from 1955 until his death in 1982. This blue plaque, erected in 2009, commemorates the life of an extraordinary man whose courage and determination continue to inspire.