Quotes by Douglas Bader (21 February 1910 – 5 September 1982)

Douglas Bader Quotes

- I then realized my appearance was a bit odd. My right leg was no longer with me. It had caught somewhere in the top of the cockpit as I tried to leave my Spitfire.

- Like the Spitfire it was immensely strong: a pilot had no need to fear the danger of pulling the wings off, no matter how desperate the situation became.

- Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.

- The sea from Dunkirk to Dover during these days of the evacuation looked like any coastal road in England on a bank holiday. It was solid with shipping.

- The successful pilots succeeded because they did not open fire until they were close to the target.

- We were all flying around up and down the coast near Dunkirk looking for enemy aircraft which seemed also to be milling around with no particular cohesion.

- Don't listen to anyone who tells you that you can't do this or that. That's nonsense. Make up your mind, you'll never use crutches or a stick, then have a go at everything. Go to school, join in all the games you can. Go anywhere you want to. But never, never let them persuade you that things are too difficult or impossible.

- Rules are for the obedience of fools and the guidance of wise men.

- I have to call it an accident.

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