Paul Brickhill

617 Squadron was formed in 1943 to carry out one specific task, to destroy the Moehne and Eder Dams. In fact they carried out many more tasks and became one of the British Forces' most effective units.

Douglas Bader was a legend in his lifetime and remains one today 100 years after his birth. A charismatic leader and fearless pilot he refused to let his severe disability (loss of both legs in a flying accident) ground him. Bader, the hero, was at times a difficult over-bearing man, but his strengths far outweighed his weaknesses and his place in the annuals of British history is secure.