Some leading contenders ... trailing in his wake

Sir Douglas Bader

1910-1982 Overcame the loss of both his legs before the outbreak of war to command 242 Squadron. He was captured in 1941 and made several escape attempts. He was knighted in 1976 for his services to disabled people.

Jackie Moggridge

1922-2004 Born in South Africa, Moggridge was one of the first female pilots to fly for the Air Transport Auxiliary (ATA) and ferried a total of 1,500 aircraft of 63 different types including numerous Spitfire Vs.

Baron Jean Michel de Selys Longchamps

After the surrender of Belgium, in 1940, he made his way to Britain, joining 609 Squadron where he flew Hawker Typhoons. He was famously demoted to Pilot Officer for attacking the Gestapo’s HQ in Brussels without orders in January 1943.