Reach for the Sky: The Story of Douglas Bader, Hero of the Battle of Britain – by the bestselling author of The Great Escape

Paperback Published on: 05/11/2026
Price: £12.99
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Published 05/11/2026
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Published 05/11/2026
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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.
Readers say:
'I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'If you're looking for a story that will inspire you long after the last page, this is it' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Get your hands on a copy as soon as you can' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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, 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. 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.

Publisher information

  • Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
  • ISBN: 9781399643429
  • Number of pages: 384
  • Dimensions: 198 x 129 mm
  • Languages: English

Customer Reviews

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Reach for the Sky
Reach for the Sky
As an exRAF serviceman, I loved this book. It is an intimate account of a true British hero. It also dispels some of the myths which will always build up a... READ MORE
exraf
Reach for the Sky
Fascinating
Another good book from brickhill. Oddly I have mixed feelings about Douglas Bader. He was certainly brave. Certainly heroic. But I can't say he comes acros... READ MORE
Book collector
Reach for the Sky
Inspirational WWII Hero
My Mum bought me this book when I was about 12 or 13. I still have it on my bookshelves, and the sight of where she cut off the corner of the paper cover, ... READ MORE
Lance Mitchell