Known for his strong leadership and flying skills, Douglas Bader was one of the most famed British RAF fighter pilots of the Second World War. Without reservation, Bader was posted Wing Commander of the No. 242 Canadian Squadron. This Canadian unit, the only one in the RAF at the time, had been badly mauled in France, and its morale was low. Bader quickly transformed the 242 into a tight, tough squadron through his courage, leadership and uncompromising attitude toward his pilots, ground crews and the RAF high command. His squadron took part in the early stages of the Battle of Britain, flying convoy patrols and going after occasional high-flying Dornier bombers. Although they were tough at first, they later proved to be much more lethal when teamed up with other Squadrons such as the 19, 302, 310 and the 601.

When the Battle of Britain ended, Bader was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order for gallantry and leadership of the highest order. He became commander of the Duxford Wing, which was later credited with destroying 152 German aircraft while losing only 30 pilots themselves. Bader was credited with 12 victories during the Battle of Britain and a total of 23 victories by the end of his flying career.

Using Hasegawa’s 1/48 Hawker Hurricane Mk.1 and an aftermarket decal sheet, I produced Douglas Bader’s famous Hurricane with the “Boot kicking Hitler”. Nice looking replica of Bader’s aircraft.

Above: Photograph of Squadron Leader Douglas Bader on his Hawker Hurricane Mk 1.