Flying colours: the epic story of Douglas Bader

by Laddie Lucas

A story of the world famous fighter pilot Douglas Bader, who inspired millions with his bravery and work for the disabled.

Genres: World War II, Aviation

Hardcover

First published October 1, 1981

About the author

Wing Commander Percy Belgrave "Laddie" Lucas, CBE, DSO and Bar, DFC.

Graduate of Pembroke College, University of Cambridge where he received a degree in Economics.

World War II veteran of the Royal Air Force.

Appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO*), and recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC).

Reviews

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and have read and re-read it over the years.

Lucas was a man of many talents: elite golfer, MP, Fleet Street journalist, and WWII fighter leader and he has brought all of that background in his approach to writing a biography of Bader.

Bader died not long after the book was published and I wrote to Lucas around that time to commend him for the book. I was greatly privileged to receive a personally hand written letter from him, which is a testament to Laddie Lucas as a person and a writer.

Lucas knew Bader personally and was connected to him through marriage. He enjoyed Bader's cooperation and confidence for the book. A strength of the account is that the book is still a 'warts and all' and balanced biography that deals with both the laudable and well known difficult aspects of Sir Douglas's personality.

[Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very well written since this book is intended to clear the air, set the record straight and dispel myths. Very wordy in areas.