discussion Interesting article about Douglas Bader

[Peter Gillson]

Hi

here is a link to a story in the Daily Express which is interesting and sound plausable:

https://www.express.co.uk/news/history/1470643/Douglas-Bader-mystery-battle-of-britain

Bader story

Peter

 

[stona]

Saunders has long believed that Bader was shot down by L. H. 'Buck' Casson and he is not alone. Donald Caldwell agreed and explained why he thought Bader came up with the collision story, first in a letter to his wife.

“It’s my belief that Bader came up with the theory that he had collided as a sop to his ego when he was in a POW camp. He was violating standing orders by flying inland by himself, which he should not have done. Then he was taken completely by surprise by a plane attacking from below and behind him. This was embarrassing.”

If you look into the real Bader, not the 'Reach for the Sky' Bader, this seems likely.

 

[Peter Gillson]

Saunders has long believed that Bader was shot down by L. H. 'Buck' Casson and he is not alone. Donald Caldwell agreed and explained why he thought Bader came up with the collision story, first in a letter to his wife.

“It’s my belief that Bader came up with the theory that he had collided as a sop to his ego when he was in a POW camp. He was violating standing orders by flying inland by himself, which he should not have done. Then he was taken completely by surprise by a plane attacking from below and behind him. This was embarrassing.”

If you look into the real Bader, not the 'Reach for the Sky' Bader, this seems likely.

I agree - also the real bader was not a very nice person.

 

[Geoffers]

Thanks for sharing the link Peter, very interesting and seem plausible.

As the article states it probably happened more often than admitted due to the nature of “dog fighting”.

As for Bader not being a very pleasant person I expect it was the arrogance and superiority complex that enabled him to achieve what he did.

Geoff.

 

[Waspie]

All very believable. Having met a few 80’s/90’s era fast jet pilots. Their level of confidence in their abilities I could see it being confused with arrogance.
The ability to process info, make a decision and act in less than second.
In the days before radar in fighters, assessing a target at closing speeds around 800kts. Make that fight or evade decision, locate and make weapon switch’s then engage or take avoidance moves. Yeah I believe anyone would be arrogant to various levels. Bader was quite obviously at the top end of the scale.

 

[Tim Marlow]

As for Bader not being a very pleasant person I expect it was the arrogance and superiority complex that enabled him to achieve what he did.

Geoff.

Similar traits to Guy Gibson I’d say. If he hadn’t got shot down then he would probably have met the same fate.