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Reach for the Sky
- Author
- Paul Brickhill
- Narrator
- Roger Davis
- Publisher
- Orion
- Publish Date
- 16 September 2021
- Run Time
- 15 hours 5 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
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What to expect
In 1931, at the age of 21, Douglas Bader was the golden boy of the RAF. Excelling in everything he did, he represented the RAF in aerobatics displays, played rugby for Harlequins and was tipped to be the next England fly half. But one afternoon in December all his ambitions came to an abrupt end when he crashed his plane doing a particularly difficult - and illegal - aerobatic trick. His injuries were so bad that surgeons were forced to amputate both his legs to save his life. He did not fly again until the outbreak of the Second World War, when his undoubted skill in the air was enough to convince a desperate air force to give him his very own squadron.
The rest of his story is the stuff of legend. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, Bader led his squadron to victory after victory. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. A true hero of the Second World War, Bader faced every challenge with the same charm, charisma and determination that was an inspiration to all around him.
Critics Review
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The unique story of Britain's most courageous war-flier . . . This is a handbook of heroism. There is no medal yet for courage such as his
The People
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The story of a legless man's ability to conquer disability . . . The narration is genuinely evocative of the real RAF war-time atmosphere, soul-stirring air battles, sudden death, set-backs and victories
Daily Mail
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Bader emerges first and foremost as a man of character, brains and tenacity . . . Moving and enthralling . . . The Bader story is one to uplift the heart
Evening Standard
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One of the greatest stories to come out of World War II
Chicago Tribune
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Genuinely heroic, dramatic and engrossing
New York Times
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Brickhill, himself a fighter pilot and a POW, tells Bader's story with authenticity. He writes in an empathetic, almost affectionate manner, portraying his subject's personal qualities, both good and bad, in the best possible light
HistoryNet
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A remarkable story about a remarkable English WWII RAF pilot who refused to be put down or aside after a tragic accident left him without legs. An inspirational and real figure, just a normal man who refused to sit by
ReadsObserver
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In 1941 [Bader] was shot down and captured by the Germans, who treated him with great respect - even allowing the Brits to drop in a new prosthetic leg. He became such a nuisance for the Germans, who were becoming increasingly annoyed by the number of attempted escapes he made
Daily Mail
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It's quite a story and it never forgets the amazing and sensitive support given by his wife, Thelma, whose understanding complemented his courage and determination
Kirkus
User Reviews
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Details
- Author
- Paul Brickhill
- Narrator
- Roger Davis
- Duration
- 15 hours 5 minutes
- Release Date
- 16 September 2021
- ISBN
- 9781474624879
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Orion
- Genre
- Biography: general, Autobiography: historical, political and military, Prisoners of war, Aviation skills and piloting, True war and combat stories
Synopsis
From the bestselling author of The Great Escape, discover the inspiring story of Britain's most courageous flyer: the Second World War hero Sir Douglas Bader.In 1931, at the age of 21, Douglas Bader was the golden boy of the RAF. Excelling in everything he did, he represented the RAF in aerobatics displays, played rugby for Harlequins and was tipped to be the next England fly half. But one afternoon in December all his ambitions came to an abrupt end when he crashed his plane doing a particularly difficult - and illegal - aerobatic trick. His injuries were so bad that surgeons were forced to amputate both his legs to save his life. He did not fly again until the outbreak of the Second World War, when his undoubted skill in the air was enough to convince a desperate air force to give him his very own squadron. The rest of his story is the stuff of legend. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, Bader led his squadron to victory after victory. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. A true hero of the Second World War, Bader faced every challenge with the same charm, charisma and determination that was an inspiration to all around him.
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