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Bader: The Man and His Men

This fine example of painstaking research, insight and highly readable narrative was first published four years ago to much critical acclaim. Newly available in paperback, it offers a detailed reappraisal of the wartime career and tactical legacy of the legendary Douglas Bader.Bader's early years at Cranwell and the crash that left him crippled are well known, and only par This fine example of painstaking research, insight and highly readable narrative was first published four years ago to much critical acclaim. Newly available in paperback, it offers a detailed reappraisal of the wartime career and tactical legacy of the legendary Douglas Bader.Bader's early years at Cranwell and the crash that left him crippled are well known, and only part of this study. The author concentrates on how Bader turned a battle-weary Canadian Hurricane squadron into an elite unit that became the focus of the 'Big Wing', and the narrative fully covers this ongoing controversy. Bader criticized existing Battle of Britain tactics believing a better result would be possible by concentrating a large force before meeting Luftwaffe attacks: these theories are here firmly placed in the perspective of RAF fighter and wing practices. More important is how Bader used the tactical insight of the wing, transformed RAF fighter tactics and instructed his men in the new art of air-fighting.This book shows how they benefitted from Bader's teaching and developed as outstanding leaders and tacticians in combat environments, and is an interesting contribution to the history of air history.