Masters of Combat

A series of specially commissioned Drawings with original signatures.

No 4 - GROUP CAPTAIN DOUGLAS BADER - RAF

 Douglas Bader is one of the best known RAF pilots. Outspoken he could be, but he was also an inspiration to the men that he led into battle. Bader had lost both of his legs in a pre-war flying accident in 1931. With tremendous strength of will and determination, Bader resolved to fly again but the RAF 'retired' him on medical grounds. This could have been the end of his career but when War finally broke out Bader rejoined the RAF to score his first victories in the Battle for France. After flying operations over Dunkirk, he was posted to 242 Squadron, which he quickly turned around. The Unit was part of 12 Group and Bader was firmly convinced that the 'Big Wing' theory of Air Vice-Marshall Leigh-Mallory was correct. The Wing, however, was extremely difficult to assemble but on 15th September 1940 the Big Wing had its biggest day. The Luftwaffe had, once again, targetted London and 11 Group were already snapping at the formations as they came in across the home counties. As the formation of German Dornier 17's reached the heart of London - Bader's 'Big Wing', which had been scrambled from Duxford, hove into view! One of the tired German crewmen came on the intercom.."Here come those last fifty Spitfires!", in reference to Goring's belief that Fighter Command were finished. The sight of so many Spitfire and Hurricanes over London was a severe shock to the raiders and a huge tonic to the people of Britain. The 15th September is now commemorated as 'Battle of Britain Day'.

In tribute to the courage of Douglas Bader, and indeed all the RAF pilots who flew that day, Nicolas Trudgian has produced an absolutely incredible drawing depicting the Hurricane of Douglas Bader leading the Duxford Wing into attack. The Dorniers of KG76 are simply overwhelmed by RAF roundels and, for the first time, the Luftwaffe crews feel themselves outnumbered. Below lies London and the Thames in fantastic detail - this is one of the greatest drawings Nick has ever produced. It has been signed by the following Battle of Britain pilots and aircrew:

Basil 'Stapme' STAPLETON - 603 Squadron, John FREEBORN - 74 Squadron, Michael WAINWRIGHT - 64 Squadron, Tom NEIL - 249 Squadron, John ELLACOMBE - 151 Squadron, Tony PICKERING - 501 Squadron, Billy DRAKE - 1 Squadron, William WALKER - 616 Squadron, Geoffrey WELLUM - 92 Squadron, Nigel ROSE - 602 squadron, Ken WILKINSON - 19 Squadron, John  KEATINGS - 219 Squadron, Terence KANE - 234 Squadron, Graham LEGGETT - 46 Squadron, Bob FOSTER - 605 Squadron, Byron DUCKENFIELD - 501 Squadron, Peter AYERST 7 OTU, Bill GREEN - 501 Squadron, Joce MILLARD - 242 Squadron, Tony IVESON - 616 squadron, Owen BURNS - 235 Squadron, Trevor GRAY - 64 Squadron, Richard SUMMERS - 219 Squadron

The Drawing is A2 size and is framed with Original WW2 RAF Wings and THREE additional Signatures, including that of Douglas Bader, that flew on 15th September 1940:

Group Captain Douglas Bader  

 Air Commodore Pete BROTHERS

Flight Lt Ray HOLMES - 504 Squadron - who deliberately rammed a Dornier 17 over London on 15th September!

To complete this incredible package there is also included a small piece of wreckage from an Me109E from JG3, that was shot down by RAF Fighters - on the 15th September 1940 - 'Battle of Britain Day!