Wonderful to see all those famous people and yet so sad that none are alive today. Douglas Bader was an inspiration to me as a young boy in the 1950's after I saw the film "Reach for the Sky". Little did I know then I would lose both my legs 50 years later. I still gain mental strength even today when I think of that great man.
@petercallaghan9851
8 жыл бұрын
+Adrian Larkins He was my childhood hero too and I am also now an amputee. Men like Douglas are sorely missed.
@madpenguin9402
7 жыл бұрын
Yes he inspired my friend who met him, shaped his life from meeting the great Bader
@jakshar
7 жыл бұрын
Yes I found it better sweet as well, seeing so many who have gone before
@colinrigby5438
7 жыл бұрын
Adrian Larkins is a good
@werdnayap
6 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately Reach for the Sky was total balls. My grandfather worked with Bader and did not have a good thing to say about him, apart from he was a total self serving bastard. Bader was shot down not had a collision as he claimed and was portrayed in the film, Galland confirmed that he was shot down. Bader lost his legs doing a low roll at 50 feet totally against all regulations that he continually broke. He wrote off two Spitfires through bad flying, over claimed victories immensely claiming 3 on one day alone, his total score was 4. His role in the Battle of Britain was minor apart from pissing everyone else off with his theory of the big wing which naturally would have benefitted him. As a POW he was detested by fellow inmates.
@The.Pickle
9 ай бұрын
The greatest generation. My heart hurts for our people, for what Britain has become.
@MarkHarrison733
6 ай бұрын
It's due to World War II.
@Gecko....
11 күн бұрын
What are you upset about? Because it is 81% white? You are pathetic. People who hark back to the days of Empire are utterly clueless. The Empire did nothing for the average Briton, we toiled down the mines, in factories, and died on the battlefield. For what? So the wealthy and aristocracy could have even more wealth and power. The heroes of the war fought against people with your small-minded worldview. Hitler was able to manipulate and utilise people like you who are obsessed with race and nationalism to take power and start his war. It's just sad people never learn. You have the fantasy view of Britain in the past, it's nostalgia deluded and wasn't that great. I'd much rather live in Britain now than at any other time, it's objectively better by almost every measure.
@garrycane1170
2 жыл бұрын
That man was worth ten thousand of todays so called celebrities.
@magna4100
6 ай бұрын
Wrong. He was ON their level. An ego CUNT.
@adrinathegreat3095
2 ай бұрын
His personal views would probably send most people into a fit of rage today and you'd be fighting people off from attacking him
@geover330
8 жыл бұрын
Notice how General Adolf Galland adores Sir Douglas. And Sir Douglas' eyes water the second he sees him. What gentlemen, a different breed of men to today's generations. Makes me wish I was born in that era.
@twasb2000
8 жыл бұрын
+G10rgos_7 agreed
@Brokers_Anonymous
8 жыл бұрын
+G10rgos_7 I think Galland is actually Godfater to one of his kids!
@riesenesel176
7 жыл бұрын
It is the respect to each other, fighterpilots are special people, much of them become close friends. There are other videos here, like : Warbirds in review Shorty Rankin and Gunther Rall, or Franz Stigler and Charlie Brown.
@adrianlarkins7259
7 жыл бұрын
ffsear12 - With respect, you must be incorrect. Bader never had children and, as far as I know, neither adopted.
@tommiatkins3443
6 жыл бұрын
Im 48. First time I've seen this . I'm in tears.
@TheTigersbay
Жыл бұрын
If ever this country needed a man like this then it is now in 2022 . God bless you Douglas.
@warriorboy1976
Жыл бұрын
This 💯%.
@lenabaines6063
2 ай бұрын
Even more now in2024
@Gecko....
11 күн бұрын
What are you upset about? Because it is 81% white? You are pathetic. People who hark back to the days of Empire are utterly clueless. The Empire did nothing for the average Briton, we toiled down the mines, in factories, and died on the battlefield. For what? So the wealthy and aristocracy could have even more wealth and power. The heroes of the war fought against people with your small-minded worldview. Hitler was able to manipulate and utilise people like you who are obsessed with race and nationalism to take power and start his war. It's just sad people never learn. You have the fantasy view of Britain in the past, it's nostalgia deluded and wasn't that great. I'd much rather live in Britain now than at any other time, it's objectively better by almost every measure.
@bigboysfun7253
2 жыл бұрын
In that room, Ladies and Gentlemen are some real heroes, the kind that gave us the freedoms we enjoy today.
@bigboysfun7253
2 жыл бұрын
@King Royal Really? Germany was intent on its own form of colonialism, Britain already had an empire, so was it really the case that we fought to preserve the empire, or was it the case we fought to end an evil regime, we had a pact with Poland, if Germany hadn't attacked Poland then we would not have fought so kind of turns your theory on its head really.
@bigboysfun7253
2 жыл бұрын
@King Royal Are you being serious? The Germans and Poles hated each other for years even before the war began, in 1939 Poland became the first country the Germans invaded in open war thus causing Britain and France to declare war on Germany, Poland being an ally of Britain who was allied with France, Honestly, if you are going to argue such points one really needs to do ones research so as not to look foolish in front of others.
@bigboysfun7253
2 жыл бұрын
@King Royal Point 1, they did not Allie, Germany merely gave assurances that it would not attack Poland if they annexed part of Czechoslovakia, Germany allowed this because Hitler thought it would make it easier to blame Poland for aggressive acts thus giving him legitimate cause to attack Poland later on. The Germans were delighted with the outcome. They were happy to give up a provincial rail center to Poland. It was indeed a small sacrifice, spread the blame of the partition of Czechoslovakia, made Poland an accomplice in the process, and confused the issue as well as political expectations. Poland was accused of being an accomplice of Nazi Germany. In November 1938, Poland crossed into Slovakia where a minor firefight took place, resulting in two fatalities on the Polish side, before the Slovak withdrawal. Poland occupied some northern parts of Slovakia and received from Czechoslovakia Zaolzie, territories around Suchá Hora and Hladovka, around Javorina, and in addition the territory around Lesnica in the Pieniny Mountains, a small territory around Skalité, and some other very small border regions. Poland officially received the territories on 1 November 1938. At no time did Germany and Poland actually form an alliance. Point 2, Hitler knew as early as 1933 that he would if he ever came to power, go to war with Poland, he wrote as much in his book Mein Kampf.
@bigboysfun7253
2 жыл бұрын
@King Royal You are right anyone can copy and paste but it does not detract from the truth, and the truth is Germany and Poland were never allies, they did have a few backroom chats but not an alliance, An right from the First world war they have both regarded each other with suspicious eyes.
@bigboysfun7253
2 жыл бұрын
@King Royal No, the world thought that Poland had sided with Germany over Poland's attack on Czechoslovakia because Germany did not oppose it or condemn it, yet still, no formal declaration of an alliance was made between them, if you think there was then how about sitting your evidence, just post a link to it here, tho I doubt you will find one as no such alliance ever existed between Germany and Poland.
@sjmoss148
3 жыл бұрын
To see a man with no legs stand up when his wife enters the room! Gallantry and politeness. Says so much about the man!
@ericwilliams2317
4 жыл бұрын
I will always remember the day in the early 1970's when Sir Douglas Bader came to my school (Pimlico in London) to make a presentation. The school hall was massive and was completely filled with kids. We didn't know who was coming to do this presentation, but we were stunned when he walked in in that inimitable way he walked. Without a lie, every single pupil in the hall (at least 600 of us) once we realised who it was, leapt to our feet cheering and waving our arms about, it was absolute bedlam for at least a minute until he asked us to quieten down, which of course we obeyed immediately (it was about the only thing we ever did obey). We were young kids, but we knew exactly who this man was and what he had achieved (as well as what we owed him - and others like him) If anyone thinks this man wasn't a hero in the true sense of the world, I would be very willing to educate you! Hats of to you Sir Douglas, you were one hell of a bloke! At this point there are 109 thumbs down - I wonder who they may be?" X box warriors" I presume.
@ericwilliams2317
4 жыл бұрын
@James Henderson How was he a Nazi lover. He spent his time shooting them down you dope. Its a shame one of them never landed on the house of your grandparents, then we wouldn't have had petulant little boys like you to put up with. The thing is, we had parents who lived through those days & we were not brainwashed little lefties like you. What the fuck would someone like you know about these sort of people eh....fuck all!
@TheGeezzer
4 жыл бұрын
@@ericwilliams2317 I know little Jimmy Hendersons wet nurse, she says hes always peeing in his incontinence pants and bedwetting is a constant issue. So be tender, one day he'll understand as he matures.😫😖😜
@TheTigersbay
Жыл бұрын
Well said and God bless 🙏.
@GRD383
11 ай бұрын
109 very naive, unfeeling, mindless stupid nobodies!
@jesusjohnny8286
10 ай бұрын
The school has changed a bit.
@TheGeezzer
4 жыл бұрын
5th September 1982, 6 months after this show was aired Bader died of heart attack. Almost 40 years after this show was aired most if not all of the personalities seen are also now deceased through the march of time. May they all rest in peace and Douglas Bader thanks for your service.😎
@Fedderz
Жыл бұрын
40 years ago as of now
@patrickfrawley6656
Жыл бұрын
Sad wish I meet him he's my idle I've also disability very mild Learning Disability but his my hero
@17360steve
10 ай бұрын
Hero!
@imemine6494
17 күн бұрын
.. Sadly Kenneth More died four months after this show
@lsesternester3231
5 жыл бұрын
Galland, on a business trip to California, cancelled his plans, and flew to England to attend Baders’ funeral.
@sirbader1
4 жыл бұрын
A soldier and a gentleman.
@chillycheeks5318
10 ай бұрын
Absolutely inspirational! He always looked to sacrifice and serve. Brave, selfless, humble. The vast majority of leaders today are a sad contrast to Douglas Badger.
@JamesRichards-mj9kw
10 ай бұрын
He was anything but "humble".
@alecbaldwin1516
Жыл бұрын
A beautiful human being and a national treasure your what made this country great god bless you sir Douglas
@lizzieh5284
8 ай бұрын
This made ne cry. Such brave people. We should never forget this great generation.
@oldskoolfool141
5 жыл бұрын
Never has that red book come so close to splitting, this episode should be shown in schools, forget Schwarzenegger, Stallone etc. this was a REAL action hero
@Velvetcool
4 жыл бұрын
They wouldn't show that in schools today. most of the children don't know a thing about the war. They are fed Africa week or black history month. What has happened to our country?
@sirbader1
4 жыл бұрын
Its called "social justice", my limey friends. Communism for the coalition of the ascending (as long as you're not white, you're in.)
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
@@Velvetcool its went PC mad....least some of us can see throught the Bullshit!
@jesso777
2 жыл бұрын
They'd probably call him a racist and a phobe now. Disgraceful.
@johnathandaviddunster38
11 ай бұрын
@@Velvetcool pity the ignorance of RACISM....
@mcluvin28x
4 жыл бұрын
Even though its sad he passed away later that year, I'm so glad they were able to do this before his death, this was a beautiful celebration of life.
@joanelliot8093
Жыл бұрын
No love I been watching Douglas Vader this is ur lifecycle he manached to see this just before he died it was wonderful it was two years ago xxxxxxx
@MarkHarrison733
Жыл бұрын
He was a vile racist.
@baldurruder4642
2 жыл бұрын
Seeing him and Galland together had my cutting onions, men of this generation are all but gone now. True men ,true heros
@joemuir2575
Жыл бұрын
Not so sure on galland he was part of the nazi regime
@fresatx
11 ай бұрын
Well said sir!
@paulhicks6667
11 ай бұрын
As much as it’s good to see old enemies become friends I will not go so far as to include Galland among my heroes. He looked a good chap when was laughing away with a cigar and a glass in his hand but in his youth he was doing his utmost to see Britain defeated and debased by the Nazis, and he was personally responsible for killing dozens of young Allied pilots who should have had families and lived into old age. The same applies to Gunter Rall another great bloke who I recalled being paraded along the flight line at Duxford. I would have turned my back.
@fresatx
11 ай бұрын
@@paulhicks6667 Such is your NARROW mindset... He faught for HIS country when called to do so.... That is ALL that can be asked of him. The people.. The ENGLISH People that applauded him on that day thought so as well... Why cannot you?
@fresatx
11 ай бұрын
@@paulhicks6667"Enemies then but great friends now" what part are you not getting sir?
@robdean704
3 жыл бұрын
Bad show... What a man and a true leader. Us Brits used to make a habit of breeding such men
@Thorny5718
2 жыл бұрын
Makes you proud to be bloody British is all I can say. So many humble, genuine people. 🇬🇧🍻
@ianbentley7276
2 жыл бұрын
spot on
@pappyreeves6988
2 жыл бұрын
I'm not ashamed to admit I am sobbing...can you just imagine the typical ' hero ' or celebrity we would have on this today ? Someone off love Island ? This was an incredible episode..on a side note, Sir John Mills is a personal hero in our family..when my Grandad was at war and people were quite literally living in poverty, Sir John gave his little boys clothes and toys to my Gran, to help with my Uncle David, who was just 18 months old..sadly my lovely Gran died at just 36, but his quiet kindness and generosity to our family ( who lived on the same street ) during this terrible time , will never be forgotten. Not all heroes wear capes 😔
@TheTigersbay
Жыл бұрын
What a beautiful story 👍🏻 God bless.
@wor53lg50
Жыл бұрын
They wear RAF wings instead.emblazened on their chests, RIP, what a legend.
@joemuir2575
Жыл бұрын
Omg fantastic, Britain was never so great in both world wars
@tonyhaynes9080
11 ай бұрын
This is like a Who's Who, or for any younger readers, a Top Trumps, of fighter pilots.
@alexmacfarlane4494
10 ай бұрын
Beautifully put. Shed a tear myself RIP
@xlr82u
2 ай бұрын
What a man. Wonderful tributes and memories from all involved. We must never forget these men and women who fought so fervently for our freedom and also those those on the opposite side who were understanding about the cause but knew right from wrong.
@lieutenantdan4722
7 ай бұрын
Back in around 1985, I met General Adolph Galland at Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California. They were restoring a Messerschmitt BF 109 WWII German fighter. I was watching them working on it when to my surprise Adolph Galland came up to me. I wish we could have had cellphones back then to take a picture together! I just happened to be in the right place at the right time! At another time, I got to meet Gregory "Pappy" Boyington! I'm blessed to have gotten to be friends with 11 of the original 100 FLYING TIGER pilots and Boyington was one of them! God bless all of them AND special for Douglas Bader!
@Luddite-vd2ts
10 ай бұрын
Brilliant. Thank for posting. So good to see so many faces of prominent RAF personnel of who I've only previously read about, e.g. Hugh Dundas and AVM Johnny Johnson. Fascinating.
@kneeslider47
3 жыл бұрын
Adolf Galland, Douglas Bader, Al Deere and the rest. What a tableau of REAL men, in a world of social media and entitled, over-sensitive little darlings...,
@simonbird1973
2 жыл бұрын
Some superheroes don’t have legs. What a man, what a life lived!!
@AlanHandsome_
2 жыл бұрын
Christ. I’m in tears. The bravery and honour of these people. The women in France who helped him escape - what bravery. This is just one of the most tremendous programmes I’ve seen.
@donmac5918
10 ай бұрын
…On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand”…
@magna4100
8 ай бұрын
The people that helped "The Ego" ended up in a Concentration Camp. NOW start your "tears" you pathetic bastard.
@blakese7en47
9 ай бұрын
Yes, a pleasure to the great men together. They are heroes and no, we will never see their like again or character again. So much owed to all servicemen, they all deserve our forever thanks and respect. Not many left now, those who are left and those who are no longer with us are true national treasures…thank you all
@RayBrookes1954
3 жыл бұрын
These are the kind of men Britain needs now.
@ianc64
11 ай бұрын
And we call sportsmen/sportswoman hero's, these men are the real deal!
@robertbrown-qf8xy
3 жыл бұрын
Sir Douglas is an inspiration and a true hero. Many of the folks on that stage that fought and won the Battle of Britain deserve knighthoods but never received them. When they are given to entertainers today, it so degrades the honor. Sir Douglas is the gold standard. And to think that he received this distinction for his meaningful work with the disabled rather than his WW2 exploits.
@MjII7
11 ай бұрын
He got DSO’s and DFC’s (distinguished service order and distinguished flying cross) for his WWII exploits, the latter is quite high ranking award.
@hopenothate658
6 жыл бұрын
To think what knighthoods are given for now.
@MrAlwaysBlue
4 жыл бұрын
For example, Sir Nick Clegg!
@fcukmegently
4 жыл бұрын
Yes; just two a penny now.
@alberttatlock5237
4 жыл бұрын
To be honest they are normally handed out to wealthy actors and singer's, This is your life is often about very wealthy people giving each other a pat on the back and telling everyone how great they are. So it's good see a non famous person on the show for a change, unfortunately ratings for this episode when broadcast were quite low which is often the case, sadly if he'd been in a sitcom or film star than the ratings would have been high
@sliperysid
4 жыл бұрын
Yet David Beckham doesn't qualify....LoL. There's obviously still some common sense about.
@margaretcronin4073
4 жыл бұрын
sir ed davey springs to mind, a worthless waste of space
@rhannay39
7 жыл бұрын
I heard that in the '70's a gentleman wrote to Sir Douglas asking him to write to his mother who had just had a leg amputated and wasn't doing well as she had admired him so much during the war. The following day Sir Douglas turned up with an enormous bunch of flowers and she started to make a full recovery from then on.
@RB747domme
4 жыл бұрын
rhannay39 when you say 'full recovery' I take it you mean, she grew another leg.
@Matelot123
4 жыл бұрын
@@RB747domme Lol
@michaeldoyle2844
4 жыл бұрын
@@RB747domme I Laughed my ass off when I read this. One of funniest comments I have ever read on internet.....
@williambutler5091
4 жыл бұрын
Well said sir.
@millionseller001
4 жыл бұрын
@@michaeldoyle2844 we shouldn't really but it was funny.Douglas would've loved it.
@mange2
3 жыл бұрын
And to think there are those today, who are determined to destroy everything these men bravely fought for.
@strachansdroneservices4870
Жыл бұрын
That is what a HERO looks like, not someone coming out of the closet, or admitting to some addiction etc.. THIS IS A HERO and many many other heros on this show! Sadly Only a few left now but true heros, one and all!
@JamesHenderson-wk4hd
Жыл бұрын
He was a racist.
@Kazandra1
8 жыл бұрын
Someone who can truly wear the badge of Legend. I don't care if he was a bit arrogant - he got on and did what he had to do. Huge respect to him and all of The Few.
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
thank fuck folk like this arrogant tosser are few....
@paulcrewe3125
Жыл бұрын
A bit arrogant, he was very arrogant and had an entitled attitude. He was disliked by many that served with him.
@tonyhaynes9080
11 ай бұрын
@@paulcrewe3125 Yes, but it was his attitude that made him walk and fly again. He earned the right to be arrogant.
@paulcrewe3125
11 ай бұрын
@@tonyhaynes9080 No one has the right to be arrogant. These war heroes expect special treatment which I disagree. I would liked to have knocked his block off, but that would have been arrogant of me.
@user-vl6xt2rt7p
11 ай бұрын
@Paul Crewe Being arrogant does come at a price. Difference is in the present those who display an entitled attitude can be found guilty by the public and media falling from grace instantly.
@gailwalsh7229
4 ай бұрын
Hello from Australia. As a young north Qld woman pilot I was shocked to be invited to a Marquee to meet Sir Douglas Bader in 1981 at the Schofields Air Show in NSW. It was love at first sight. He exuded such charisma, such brilliant blue eyes, yet such a commanding presence. I was quite aware of his aviation history, his escapism abilities, and his unbelievable bravery. I will never forget the encounter or the man. Without a doubt - Britain's secret weapon - his reputational impact on all those service men and women who fought on despite the shocking losses. How much he must have inspired those around the world to contribute to the war effort in any way they could, despite age, infirmity or whatever. That in retirement he continued to serve the community is a testament to the strength of his character. May God Bless Him.
@joshtaylor1065
4 жыл бұрын
It's so amazing to see such people like Bader and Galland together as friends on TV during times of peace.
@robertsimkin3949
11 ай бұрын
A truly great man that makes you feel emotional for what he did for this country
@sirstiffpilchard
11 ай бұрын
I read Adolf Galland's book, 'The First and the Last'. He had no time for Hitler or Goering. That event in Galland's book is true, when he asked Goering for a Squadron of Spitfires! Just winding Goering up. Adolf Galland was also great friends, after the war, with Robert Stanford Tuck, and both took part as advisors in the making of the 1969 Movie Battle of Britain.
@MT-kc6rq
10 ай бұрын
If nothing else that should confirm for each of us that Smedley was bang on: WAR IS A RACKET.
@magna4100
8 ай бұрын
Yeah, Galland was fighting to establish Death Camps on UK soil. You sad bastard.
@mrmister7645
8 жыл бұрын
Notice what a gentleman Galland is.
@tonyhaynes9080
4 жыл бұрын
What they didn't say, and is clearly seen in the photo of this visit in the book, and that was the cocked pistol aiming at him just in case he did try and escape in the 109.
@1014kerry
4 жыл бұрын
Yes i have letters from him. A Great gentelman, and kindly too! So is Douglas Bader.
@billbeare1513
3 жыл бұрын
@Julius Agricola I agree. Not all were Nazis. My uncle served in the LRDG, you'll know about that ?. He met Rommel once, briefly as a pow inTobruk. Uncle Eddy said Rommel was a true gentleman. Did his best for the pows and his own men.🧐🏴
@Lawson7086
Жыл бұрын
@@tonyhaynes9080 In fact that was not a cocked pistol pointing at him it was indeed a pair of gloves the guy was holding, the pistol theory was disproved long ago by Galland and others and was propaganda at its best .
@noelmajers6369
7 жыл бұрын
Wow - I never knew that Adolf Galland actually came on This is Your Life to meet and pay tribute to Douglas Bader. Incredible footage and everyone's really respectful...
@CymruEmergencyResponder
3 жыл бұрын
They were very good friends for a long time after the war. After being shot down Bader was invited to Gallands airfield by his unit and was shown around a Bf109. They held each other in high regard.
@sirbader1
3 жыл бұрын
Galland flew from a business trip in California to attend Bader's funeral.
@steve5825
11 ай бұрын
I can’t adequately find the words to express my feelings watching this, especially given what we have allowed our country to become after all these fine men and women risked and gave so that we could inherit it. So grateful for them and so much sadder at what we did with their legacy. I hope they will forgive our weakness.
@JamesRichards-mj9kw
11 ай бұрын
The changes happened because of World War II.
@Paul-lt9cc
2 жыл бұрын
What a tribute to that man. Quite emotional to be honest. All friends, war time buddies, German officers and later friends and last but not least a message from the queen. This is well deserving to a true hero. What do we get now? Personal biography and night hoods of bloody footballers.
@michaelkenny8540
11 ай бұрын
You should read up on how Bader treated his batman at Colditz to see the darker side of his character. He may have been brave but many of his fellow-pilots had harsh words about his treatment of the lower ranks.
@redroadstar2366
10 ай бұрын
@michaelkenny8540 I've just finished Ben Macintyre's book too; the treatment of Alex Ross was disgusting.
@honved1
8 ай бұрын
Give me that over war anyday
@evondavis9389
3 жыл бұрын
The only person I saw on this is your life who got a standing ovation at the end. True hero rip sir xx
@E-D-E2704
2 жыл бұрын
Douglas bader came to my high school in rhodesia back in early 60s i have a photograph of him shaking the hand of our head prefect who was killed in the rhodesian war a few years later. Rip. Db.
@rogerpickford1137
9 ай бұрын
A real hero, god bless you sir and thank you
@LHA8925
5 жыл бұрын
This genuinely made me emotional. I would give anything to spend an hour with all of those brave heroes. It makes me so sad as a 29 year old who’s grandfather flew spitfires in the war also, to know that so many of my generation and younger have such little appreciation for what these brave men did for us. I’m sure they’re also turning in their graves at how so many young people have little to no patriotism for their country anymore and also seem to want to undermine everything that these men and women fort so valiantly for. Rest in peace chaps and thank you for everything you did for us. God bless.
@ianbentley7276
5 жыл бұрын
well said, sadly Sir Douglas died later the same year this was filmed. 1982
@redskua
5 жыл бұрын
LHE44 ,,,,ohhh, how very well said
@MyRonnierocket
4 жыл бұрын
My grandfather died from his injuries on Dday. God bless the war dead.
@Zooumberg
Жыл бұрын
It boils my piss that this country is being given away to a load of third world people.
@TheTigersbay
Жыл бұрын
God bless your truthful words . God bless and save the U.K..
@ianb345
8 жыл бұрын
What an amazing man. This programme is a piece of history and inspiration that should be stored forever.
@patrickfrawley6656
Жыл бұрын
Must be hard to look at each other in afer that terrible horrific War
@badmattam
6 жыл бұрын
The greatest generation indeed. Seeing all those former fighter pilots together with a former adversary (Adolph Galland ) was incredible and actually got me quite emotional. Gladiators of the sky, the few, who fought off a formidable enemy (Luftwaffe) saving dear old Blighty from possible invasion. They're all, or nearly all, sadly gone however they will always be remembered and for the huge debt we owe them. We won't see their like again.
@BoatingBiker
5 жыл бұрын
I read Reach for The Sky as a very young boy. I was so impressed that I wrote a short letter to Douglas telling him how much I enjoyed the book . I said I thought he was a very brave man and I hoped to be just like him. I addressed the letter to Group Captain Douglas Bader C/O Shell Oil Company. Two weeks later I received a brief letter from my boyhood hero thanking me for my kind comments and wishing me the best of luck in all my endeavors, signed in sky blue ink: Douglas Bader. In later years I learned that Douglas's manner was not to everyone's taste. This came as no surprise and did nothing to alter my view that he was a very single minded and determined man. Clearly it would be true to say he did not suffer fools in any way. I admire him to this day.
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
REACH FOR THE OFF BUTTON TO THIS JINOGISTIC BOLLOX
@gordontaylor5373
Жыл бұрын
@@Martin-lp4yg Listen you disgusting little troll. Sir Douglas was a very brave man - which evidently you aren't. He was a hero - which you will NEVER Be,
@chrisekstrom4614
Жыл бұрын
This brought tears to my eyes. Will young men in 2023 know a Hero like this, again?
@citizen1163
7 жыл бұрын
What a stunning collection of achievers and true celebrities and heroes. Depressing to think what passes for 'celebrity' today.
@allybally0021
7 жыл бұрын
So true....I often think this.
@mikeat53
4 жыл бұрын
Oh so very true. Men of courage, conviction and character.
@mikeat53
4 жыл бұрын
@@markharrison2544 And what were the men he fought against?
@bunnyhop3211
4 жыл бұрын
@@mikeat53 Following orders.
@8-bitsteve500
4 жыл бұрын
sadly 'celebrity' has lost all meaning now.
@daystatesniper01
4 жыл бұрын
The word "Hero" is used far too often these days ,but this lad IS a HERO
@carlswainston7918
3 ай бұрын
IME watching the film of his life now in 2024 this man is a legend
@imemine6494
17 күн бұрын
.. Great portrail, by Kenneth more, who sadly died four months after this programme
@paulrobson3413
3 жыл бұрын
A generation that we can only look back on in awe
@vinvass2674
9 жыл бұрын
Is there anybody who can seriously say they don't admire this great man and what he achieved in his life, what he accomplished? I agree with all the comments below, this is a man who the world should never forget, an example to us all. As I said in another thread, he redefined the word Hero.
@davidhertzberg9066
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery Many years ago I worked for a company that had shared Shell's office in the city. It was before my time but many people remembered Bader and all of them said he was incredibly rude and arrogant and thoroughly unpleasant. He apparently would walk across the road without stopping and swear in front of women which at that time was unacceptable. The people who told me this were city insurance workers and not left wing agitators. He lost his legs showing off aerobatting too near the ground. His big wing was a tactical disaster. The French family who sheltered him during he ridiculous escape attempt died in a concentration camp for helping him. He obviously was brave and determined but he was also a complete twat.
@brightasblackout
4 жыл бұрын
Heard the same thing from a fellow Battle of Britain pilot.
@wile.coyote8466
4 жыл бұрын
@@markharrison2544 Bader came from a different era 75 years ago, he was a true fighter 'the dogs bollocks'!
@beniteztheconman
4 жыл бұрын
Fighting for a bunch of bankers??
@keithmoon8838
4 жыл бұрын
@@wile.coyote8466 Bader was a grandstanding idiot with an out of control ego.
@mikehumble1120
5 жыл бұрын
Anyone who fails to shed a tear of joy and sorrow while watching this.... Then may God have mercy on your soul. Possibly the best TIYL ever made. Seriously emotive stuff and bursting with pride
@TheTigersbay
Жыл бұрын
Well said sir and God bless.
@martinpattison1567
Жыл бұрын
What a great man he was and his courage inspired many. RIP Sir Douglas Bader. Martin. (Thailand)
@shaunmartin6767
3 жыл бұрын
His hurricane had extra room for is giant Balls. A true British hero, and I'm proud to say he lived in my village called conisbrough in South Yorkshire.
@wrinklyo
4 жыл бұрын
My Dad lost both his legs in WWII, stood on a land mine in Italy. He wrote to Douglas Bader in 1946 and received a reply with tips and help in coping, and my Dad went on to live a full life, get married, raise 4 kids, drive a car, build me a tree house, swam in the surf and held down a regular job. He decided at the onset to be positive, and he stuck to it.
@TheGeezzer
4 жыл бұрын
Wonderful story, thanks for sharing his strength and commitment to progress.👍😀
@mscott3918
4 жыл бұрын
Great story, thanks for sharing. My father lost a leg covering the retreat from Dunkirk. He spent years in prisoner of war camps. He always claimed to have been lucky as his sergeant had his head blown off. After the war he too lived a full life, dropping dead at the age of 80, getting out of bed. He had known for a year that he had lung cancer and told no one. That generation knew what suffering was, but didn't complain. They just were grateful to be alive, and knew that every day was a bonus.
@sinisasladojevic7065
3 жыл бұрын
It used to be a real value system 40 or more years ago. We had real great heroes who were our role models as we grew up.
@ge1162
7 жыл бұрын
you can see why this was the "greatest generation" all through this video
@walterkronkitesleftshoe6684
2 жыл бұрын
Good god !!!! That was a who's who of my childhood heroes, Johnnie Johnson, Bob Stanford-Tuck, cocky Dundas, Al Deere, Denis Crowley-Milling, and their charming arch enemy but then good lifelong friend Adolf Galland. The calibre of people in that show is in a different league from the vacuous "slebs" of today. 54 minutes of awe followed by a tinge of sadness that what they fought for has been desecrated and ruined by continuous generations of slimy politicians. Thankfully they are no longer here to see the complete pile of sh!te the country is being turned into by corporate globalists and their paid political stooges.
@davidbutter7433
Жыл бұрын
Exactly ,very well said, these men would wonder what the hell is going on in this country today ,you cant speak your mind without offending some pratt who is waiting to be offended, too many do gooders doing a lot of harm,children no longer being chastised or punished, result ,they attack the teachers at school,or worsr stab them ,no respect for anything ,no real punishment for stabbing and killing a complete stranger who looks at someone the wrong way ,they should be hanged, then the dogooders would start bleating about murders human rights ,pathetic to late now ,open boarders at a time of high national risk of terrorism, well done Blair you arrogant failure,the list goes on ,sorry to go on but these situations are getting worse, no body does anything about them,
@AlphaGeekgirl
8 жыл бұрын
This episode of "This is your life", aired in March 1982. Sadly less than 4 months later, the actor (Kenneth More) who played him in the movie about his life, "Reach for the Sky", passed away. Two months after that, Bader passed on Sept 5, 1982. Glad they were both around to see this tribute, but it's such a pity that we wait so long to honour the greats.
@AlphaGeekgirl
8 жыл бұрын
+Debi Taylor I'm wondering if all the standing up and sitting down he had to do constantly all through out the show contributed to his passing (just kidding). I know it was making me exhausted just watching him poor ol' bugger :(
@factnotfictionpeople1313
6 жыл бұрын
LOL Bad ass or not he was, first and foremost a GENTLEMAN!!!
@englishexpat
6 жыл бұрын
I agree . I think they should have allowed him to sit, although I am sure that being such a determined individual he was too much of a true gentleman to remain seated.
@redskua
5 жыл бұрын
@@AlphaGeekgirl ,,, i smiled when Gen Galland came on and forced him to sit down, a nod to the depth of their great friendship
@garrywood5345
5 жыл бұрын
Sadly they do it too soon now .Some not deserved.
@leewilson9383
7 жыл бұрын
Probably one of the best of This is your Life,How wonderful to see the freindship between Sir Douglas and General Galland(two legends).It goes to show that people can make peace!!
@topbanana4013
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery idiot
@martinputt6421
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery Screw you. Bader did more in a few years of war than you've done with your whole life.
@JimWalsh-rl5dj
4 жыл бұрын
Galland, make no mistake was 100% nazi, a nasty cunt if ever there was one
@diptastik5651
4 жыл бұрын
@@JimWalsh-rl5dj Really !! Give me your source .
@topbanana4013
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery SCUMBAG
@michelleprior5153
6 жыл бұрын
Incredibly moving, tear jerking, a real hero
@magna4100
8 ай бұрын
Ahhhh, you pathetic bastard.
@boojay111
4 жыл бұрын
crickey, I am sitting here tears rolling down my face and it is 2019, what a man and what wonderful ladies in France who sacrificed so much for him a true inspiration at the time and for all he did in the face of adversity
@dokkenratt
4 жыл бұрын
I never tire of seeing this. As an amputee myself he has been an inspiration to me and many more like myself. A true legend of triumph over adversity.
@sirbader1
4 жыл бұрын
Amen.
@Kiwigrunt
8 жыл бұрын
Awesome...Gen. Galland, a true gentleman and soldier!
@MisAnnThorpe
4 жыл бұрын
Was he your favourite Nazi?
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
@@MisAnnThorpe lol...weissbier fur alle!!!!!
@XGEOFFREY1
6 жыл бұрын
Wow im in awww at seeing two ww2 fighter pilots that once was trying too kill each other now hugging each other. This video is awesome total respect too douglas bader and adolf galland gentlemen at war gentlemen in peace best friends in heart. Respect i was born in the wrong centuary .. R.I.P. douglas bader ...
@redskua
5 жыл бұрын
Jeff warden ,,,well said Jeff
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
zzzzzzzzzzzzzz upper crusts acting afterwards like it was some game...piss off with this upper crust attitude to war...seriously...get to fuck!
@tomdrowry
9 жыл бұрын
Amazing to see German war ace Adolf Galland there.
@mybluebelly
4 жыл бұрын
Amazing to see him in one piece. Bader came in three pieces.
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
lol...Rest in pieces
@victor3267
2 жыл бұрын
A real officer and a gentleman
@number8485
3 жыл бұрын
In the UK’s darkest time during the summer of 1940 fighter pilots like Sir Douglas Bader took the air fighting into the faces of the Nazi Luftwaffe and shot them out of Britain’s air air space outnumbered 3-1.His inspirational courage and leadership will hopefully remain immortal for generations to come.
@andrewkeable3027
5 жыл бұрын
An extraordinary man, perfectly suited to have been born at that point in history. Yes he had as many faults as anyone, but most importantly he lifted the spirits of a nation at a time of life-and-death crisis. When I was a very young man and budding pilot I met Sir Douglas at an airshow in Schofields, Sydney in 1979 after an introduction from Clive Caldwell and found him very gracious with his time.
@drott150
7 жыл бұрын
The only one Douglas actually hugged was Galland. They simply don't make men like this today.
@fasthracing
5 жыл бұрын
The old enemy
@markharrison2544
5 жыл бұрын
Bader was a racist POS.
@redskua
5 жыл бұрын
@@markharrison2544 ,,,, there is only one POS here,what a cowardly thing to say, you were obviously standing behind the door when they were handing out courage,,you POS
@Trillock-hy1cf
4 жыл бұрын
@@redskua He can't help it as it is just a softy snowflake, and to them, anyone of note is a racist. They don't really know what racism is, but they like to use it a lot................sad really......:)
@redskua
4 жыл бұрын
@@Trillock-hy1cf ,,,i hear you mate, they are the kind you do not want in your fox hole, cheers mate
@terryorchard8428
9 жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing this, I have been looking for this for years....This man and thousands like him were true heroes and an inspiration to me and many like me of my generation who were born and grew up just after the War. My school, near Hornchurch, in the 1960's changed the names of it's houses to Bader, Malan, Tuck and Finucane, after some of the pilots who flew from RAF Hornchurch during the dark days of the War. I was elected House Captain of Bader house in the late 1960's and I recall the lovely letter I received from Sir Douglas, addressed to me at the school. It is a cliche to say that " they don't make em like this anymore" , but it is true.....more is the pity. Thank you Sir Douglas for enabling us to grow in freedom, peace and prosperity. Rest in Peace, your duty is done sir......
@frederickrawson7956
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery why dont you get a life just because you have nothing in ur life to call a hero
@leslieeaston3383
4 жыл бұрын
There are not many men that embody such a sense of dignified bravery, determination and understated humility. A true hero. Group Captain, Sir Douglas Bader is one such man.
@dilligaf700
3 жыл бұрын
Douglas has the biggest balls of steal a true hero and fighter even Germans could admire.
@erprast
6 жыл бұрын
This must have been just about the single biggest collection of realtime WWII warheroes the world has seen since VE-day. Such a shame most of them, if not all by now, are no longer with us. A big thank you for sharing this, Alex Kerr. Excellent show!
@cymrumbeth1977
9 жыл бұрын
Undoubtedly one of the greatest Britons who ever lived. Sir Douglas Bader was a true inspiration, a man who overcame adversity and went on to achieve more than almost anyone I can think of. Sir John Mills summed it up when he said there was no one who deserved a knighthood more. I remember watching this programme with my father when it was first shown. Sir Douglas was a hero to him, and through learning about his exploits from my dad, he became a hero to me. Sadly he's been rather forgotten since his death and I believe his life story should be proclaimed and become more widely known again. Thank you so much for sharing this programme. It brought back so many memories.
@robertgarrett4046
4 жыл бұрын
i agree 100%
@donnybarnett1065
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery SCUMBAG.
@donnybarnett1065
4 жыл бұрын
@@robertgarrett4046 SCUMBAG.
@hifives2
4 жыл бұрын
Agree , his crash was completely avoidable , showing off trying to do a low level barrel roll over the field
@TheTraveller20081
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery his crash was several years before the war you numpty, no issues with being 'desperately short of 'planes'' then. His knighthood was for services in support of disabled people in the decades after the war. You're clearly just a troll who just hates people who have actually achieved something in life...
@bodieofci5418
4 жыл бұрын
Men like this make you proud of our heritage. I can't see many of today's generation being such an inspiration sadly. RIP Sir.
@sirbader1
4 жыл бұрын
Rise to the occasion, my boy.
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
@@sirbader1 lol Empire building slaughter heritage?
@johnathandaviddunster38
11 ай бұрын
I'm ashamed of most of my English heritage...
@sugarpuff2978
10 ай бұрын
@@johnathandaviddunster38😅😅😅😅😅
@26TptCoy
4 жыл бұрын
One of the earliest books I ever read was Reach For The Sky by Douglas Bader. As a boy it impressed me greatly.
@RogerM9
Жыл бұрын
Reach for the Sky was actually written by Paul Brickhill as a biography. It was not an autobiography. He also wrote about The Dambusters.
@sjg6074
3 жыл бұрын
All those RAF boys are hero’s, each and every one of them. Brilliant viewing, best one I’ve ever seen. And yes, I had a tear in my eye. What a great man Sir DB was, not many like him around now, such a shame.
@Lifetipsthatwork
4 ай бұрын
They do not make men like this anymore lost generation of hero’s and gentlemen
@bloodyliar
2 жыл бұрын
The old RAF... what a collection of well educated, respectful, polite Gentlemen And what a handful they must have been to the enemy !
@dm5204
4 жыл бұрын
I smiled the whole way through that. Unbelievable when Galland walked on. These guys do not grow on trees.
@pauldg837
7 жыл бұрын
An absolute hero, like so many at that time. Sadly of today's generation, most have no idea just how brave these young men were. Especially those, who never returned.
@pauldyson8969
4 жыл бұрын
supernumery I really don’t think that reply was necessary to that post?? All the person was saying was that most people today don’t know what that generation went through? Completely over the top
@millionseller001
4 жыл бұрын
@supernumery HORRIBLE!
@tonyhaynes9080
4 жыл бұрын
The problem nowadays is that the youth don't realise that the old fogey shaking and stumbling in front of them were young once, and were the shit hot fighter pilot, aircrew or soldier who gave so much for them.
@lorquet21
3 жыл бұрын
Simply unbelievable! So uplifting in these dark times
@888ssss
Жыл бұрын
the times are only dark for the fearful. man thyself up and face down this fascist global government.
@benlewis2475
2 жыл бұрын
Bader and Gibson both went to my old school. Amazing men in a time of war.
@robertgarrett4046
4 жыл бұрын
i am a great fan of Sir Douglas Bader, and all the ace's / RAF Airmen Airwomen from both WW1 / and WW2 long may they never be forgotten , those that are know longer with us RIP. GOD BLESS THEM ALL.
@matthewcoombs1605
4 жыл бұрын
My uncle Arther lost a leg in the Dunkirk evacuation of 1940. He always attributed his recovery to finding strength from Douglas Bader. My uncle died nearly 30 years ago, but to this day I honour his memory, and will never forget how highly he thought of Douglas Bader. I have no idea of who you are, but I stand by you and your statement: May they rest in peace, and God bless them all.
@robertgarrett4046
4 жыл бұрын
@@matthewcoombs1605 i thank you for your kind words ,i met Douglas Badar at Duxford back in the 1970's at an air show, great to talk to. Rob.
@robertgarrett4046
4 жыл бұрын
@@matthewcoombs1605 Thanks for your kind coment's i had family in the RAF, Navy , and the Army, in WW2.
@geoffhughes4755
5 жыл бұрын
As a kid growing up in England he was a true hero to me and kids everywhere
@hughfranklin4002
4 жыл бұрын
One of my hero's, they don't make them like Sir Douglas anymore. If only you could bottle the bravery in that room.
@guts067
4 жыл бұрын
Wonderful to see how much respect General Galland had for Bader. Both great flyers. Tremendous to see Bob Tuck as well.
@paramarky
2 жыл бұрын
An example of an Englishman that does not exist anymore, and the world is the poorer for it.
@johnwilkinson8098
11 ай бұрын
Douglas Bader, Johnnie Johnson and Hugh Dundas. All together. 3 amazing men who gave their all in World War 2. Johnson and Dundas have written excellent books about their wartime experiences - well worth a read. And Bader, has had 2 books written about him. Also good to read. When Johnson passed away, the then PM (that awful T Blair) didn´t even mention him. So I posted him a copy of his book, to show him up. Never replied though. The little sh*t
@JamesRichards-mj9kw
11 ай бұрын
Three far right racists.
@0Mad_Stan0
7 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic. Douglas Bader and Adolf Galland... the definition of peace and friendship.
@Martin-lp4yg
3 жыл бұрын
Nazis reunited!
@critchley3819
8 жыл бұрын
One of my greatest hero's , tin legs Bader, he is a legend of English spirit.. There will always be an England..
@glennbelldc1651
4 жыл бұрын
I read his story as a young teenager. Later at 18 I joined the Us Navy and recalling His heroic tenacity, I used his story to get myself through some hard challenges.
@markcrane9661
11 ай бұрын
Great to hear Glenn, respect.
@mikeoreilly7122
4 жыл бұрын
Inspirational. I was lucky met the man in the early 1970's when he visited South Australia. As a young journalist with a great respect for the man and his deeds, I timidly asked: "What is it like to be a hero?" Steely-eyed, he responded: "There are no live heroes".
@sirbader1
4 жыл бұрын
Fucking legend.
@MrWkdWilly
Жыл бұрын
The calibre of these men and women is breathtaking…rarely seen these days, what an inspiration
@TheSchwienfurt
8 жыл бұрын
These men gave everything for us one word THANKYOU
@beniteztheconman
4 жыл бұрын
Everything for our banker owners you mean?
@lewstone1934
8 жыл бұрын
The man is a legend on this programme; you can see he is in quite a lot of pain - but he still gets up every time to greet his guests. Amazing man.
@Kazandra1
8 жыл бұрын
+lewstone1934 I actually felt for Douglas, getting up every time someone came in. And yes, you can see he is in a lot of pain towards the end. What a man.
@MrDaiseymay
8 жыл бұрын
+lewstone1934 That's right--and no one would DARE to tell him not to.
@mothmagic1
Жыл бұрын
I had the privilege of meeting this great man in an informal situation and found him totally charming. He was not given to changing his mind once he'd made a decision.
@beegee22
4 ай бұрын
A childhood hero of mine. I read every book about him that I could find it the local libraries. Indomitable spirit, courageous and a great leader. 👍👏
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