Squadron Leader Douglas Bader, CO of No. 242 Squadron, seated on his Hawker Hurricane at Duxford, September 1940. by Walter A. Musciano Try to sum up this man's contribution to World War II fighter tactics in a single word; only one that will suffice is "incredible" … here is the story of Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, Battle of Britain Ace with the "tin" legs! No other story of World War II's aerial warriors can approach the almost unbelievable tale of Wing Commander Douglas Bader who, despite an overwhelming physical handicap, became a great fighter pilot and one of the leading aces during the "Battle of Britain." Douglas Robert Steuart Bader (as in "larder") was born in London 21 February 1910. He was the second son of Fredrick Bader an engineer employed in India who had returned to his homeland in order for his child to be born on British soil. Fredrick died as a result of wounds suffered during the First World War. Eight-year-...