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Reach for the Sky

Series: W&N Military
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( 1,417 ratings, 105 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill is a riveting biography that recounts the remarkable life of Douglas Bader, a legendary RAF pilot. Overcoming the loss of both legs in a pre-war flying accident, Bader defied the odds to return to service during World War II. His story is one of indomitable spirit and courage, illustrating perseverance and the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are captivated by inspiring true stories of resilience and triumph, especially tales involving military history. The gripping biography of a World War II hero showcases incredible determination and courage, making it an ideal read for those who appreciate accounts of survival against the odds.

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The bestselling story of Britain's most courageous and most famous flyer, the Second World War hero Sir Douglas Bader.

Part of the Cassell Military Paperback 'Read a Great Movie' promotion A best-seller, this is the biography of Britain's most famous airman and hero of World War Two Also famous as a film starring Kenneth Moore The success of BADER: THE MAN AND HIS MEN by Michael G Burns, also in the Cassell Military Paperback series

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In 1931, at the age of 21, Douglas Bader was the golden boy of the RAF. Excelling in everything he did, he represented the Royal Air Force 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. Douglas Bader 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 own squadron.

The rest of his story is the stuff of legend. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, he led his squadron to kill after kill, keeping them all going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. Bader faced it allโ€”disability, leadership, and captureโ€”with the same charm, charisma, and determination that was an inspiration to all around him.

Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill is a vivid account of a man who overcame unimaginable challenges, capturing the courage and spirit that defined him.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reach for the Sky by Paul Brickhill explores the life of a remarkable English World War II RAF pilot who, despite losing his legs in an accident, continued to inspire with his resilience. The author, also a former fighter pilot and POW, narrates this true story authentically, capturing both the admirable and flawed aspects of his subject. The story includes dramatic events such as being shot down, captured, and the numerous escape attempts that made Bader a nuisance to the Germans.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780304356744

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 August 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Cassell Military

Illustration: 8

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 26.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 384

About the Author

During the war Paul Brickhill was shot down over German territory and sent to a prisoner of war camp. After the war he wrote about the numerous escape attempts in which he was involved in THE GREAT ESCAPE.

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    Douglas Bader was a legend in his lifetime. After losing both legs in an air crash in 1931 and being dismissed as a cripple by the Royal Air Force, he fought his way back into the cockpit of a Spitfire to become one of the great heroes of the Battle of Britain. This inspiring biography of the famous World War...
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