REACH for the SKY

Signed on the title page by

Group Captain Sir Douglas Bader DSO DFC

Published by Collins. First edition, 2nd impression March 1954 (first published in March 1954).

Fine condition hardback book, clean, tight and bright.  Near Fine condition unclipped dustjacket in a protective cover.  

This gripping and inspiring story of Douglas Bader is probably the most famous pilot biography of them all.

In 1931 Douglas Bader, then a brilliant 21 year old RAF pilot, crashed in a Bristol Bulldog fighter in a flying accident and lost both legs. At the outbreak of war his relentless persistence saw him re-join the RAF and by 1940 he was leading the famous 242 Sqn in the Battle of Britain. He then went on to command the famous Tangmere Wing and at the time he was shot down and taken POW in August 1941, he was a leading Ace with 24 victories and one of the most famous RAF Fighter pilots. After being interned in a number of prison camps (including Stalag Luft III), his persistent escape attempts saw him finish the war in Colditz.  

After the war, this bestselling book and the film of the same name starring Kenneth More as Bader, ensured that he became a household name and his eponymous Foundation continues to give a huge amount of support and encouragement to other limbless people

A really pleasing copy of this iconic book with a clear and bold ‘early’ Bader signature on the title page which is quite uncommon.