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Reach for the Sky

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Reach for the Sky

By: Paul Brickhill
Narrated by: Roger Davis
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About this listen

The best-selling story of Britain's most courageous and most famous flyer, the Second World War hero Sir Douglas Bader.

In 1931, at the age of 21, Douglas Bader was the golden boy of the RAF. Excelling in everything he did, he represented the Royal Air Force in aerobatics displays, played rugby for Harlequins, and was tipped to be the next England fly half. But one afternoon in December, all his ambitions came to an abrupt end when he crashed his plane doing a particularly difficult and illegal aerobatic trick. His injuries were so bad that surgeons were forced to amputate both his legs to save his life. Douglas Bader did not fly again until the outbreak of the Second World War, when his undoubted skill in the air was enough to convince a desperate air force to give him his own squadron.

The rest of his story is the stuff of legend. Flying Hurricanes in the Battle of Britain, he led his squadron to kill after kill, keeping them all going with his unstoppable banter. Shot down in occupied France, his German captors had to confiscate his tin legs in order to stop him trying to escape. Bader faced it all, disability, leadership and capture, with the same charm, charisma and determination that was an inspiration to all around him.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Paul Brickhill (P)2021 Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Air Forces Military World War II War
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What listeners say about Reach for the Sky

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Total courage.

The fact that he would never accept pity for his situation. The fact that he accepted his fate as it came. And the talk he gave to many in a similar situation to his, giving encouragement to help them overcome their emotional distress. A highly recommended listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Incredible inspiring story

I never knew the true depth and courage of this man. He let nothing stand in his way.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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My favourite book

Easily best book ever . I love it so much I have listened to it 5 times 👍. Recommended to Everyone

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

I thought I knew about Douglas Bader, but really had no idea about this man’s pre war life, and what a life it was! Was there anything this man wasn’t good at?!
Loved this book from start to finish.

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Amazing story. Poor performance.

What an amazing life ‘Dogs Body’ had. Inspirational at the time and now. If you want to know about this name for Douglas Bader then listen to the book.

Really well written but oh dear, the narration is robotic and this does a disservice to robots! He can’t even read a sentence without stops and pauses. That said he does a decent job on voices and accents.
I nearly returned the book because of the narration but I’m pleased I stuck with it.
The final 20 minutes wouldn’t play on my phone but it did work on my computer. Nothing to complain about compared to the amazing obstacles overcome and achievements of an incredible man.

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Brilliant.

An Inspirational story. I thought the performance was perfect. The story of a true hero.

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incredible true story

I liked the sheer determination of one man against all odds such an inspiration to us all.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great story, poor narration

a truly awesome inspiring story, completely ruined by the most lifeless and turgid narration I've ever heard!

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