Douglas Bader - Honours and Awards

Honours and Awards

• 1 October 1940 – Acting Squadron Leader Douglas Robert Steuart Bader (26151) is appointed a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order:

This officer had displayed, gallantry and leadership of the highest order. During three recent engagements he has led his squadron with such skill and ability that thirty-three enemy aircraft have been destroyed. In the course of these engagements Squadron Leader Bader had added to his previous successes by destroying six enemy aircraft

— London Gazette

• 7 January 1941 – Acting Squadron Leader Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, DSO (26151), No. 242 Squadron is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross:

Squadron Leader Bader has continued to lead his squadron and wing with the utmost gallantry on all occasions. He has now destroyed a total of ten hostile aircraft and damaged several more.

— London Gazette

• 15 July 1941 – Acting Wing Commander Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, DSO, DFC (26151) is awarded a bar to the Distinguished Service Order:

This officer has led his wing on a series of consistently successful sorties over enemy territory during the past three months. His high qualities of leadership and courage have been an inspiration to all. Wing Commander Bader has destroyed 15 hostile aircraft.

— London Gazette

• 9 September 1941 – Acting Wing Commander Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, DSO, DFC (26151) is awarded a bar to the Distinguished Flying Cross in recognition of gallantry displayed in flying operations against the enemy:

The fearless pilot has recently added a further four enemy aircraft to his previous successes; in addition he has probably destroyed another four and damaged five hostile aircraft. By his fine leadership and high courage Wing Commander Bader has inspired the wing on every occasion.

— London Gazette

• 2 January 1956 – Group Captain Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, DSO, DFC is appointed a Commander of the order of the British Empire for services to the disabled.

• 12 June 1976 – Group Captain Douglas Robert Steuart Bader, CBE, DSO, DFC is honoured with a Knighthood for services to disabled people.