Never Mind The Dambusters

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SERIES 4 OF NEVER MIND THE DAMBUSTERS IS ON THE WAY!

Brand new episodes drop Wednesday January 7th 2026 (available from Saturday 3rd for our paid subscribers). 

We're returning with our most ambitious series yet — filled with new interviews, untold stories, and in-depth explorations of RAF Bomber Command.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up:

✈️ The Short Stirling with historian Jonathan Falconer
🪵 The de Havilland Mosquito with John Lilley from the People’s Mosquito project
🇨🇦 429 Bison Squadron and the R...

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Have we got a treat for you...Something different - U-boats instead of aircraft!

In our final episode of this series, “The U-boat War - Wolfpack,” we explore the U-Boat War from the German perspective with historian and author Roger Moorhouse, whose new book Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U-Boat War will be published on 9 October 2025. Hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford-Lowes dive into what life was really like aboard German U-boats, the shifting strategies of the Battle of the Atlantic,  the human stories behind the steel hulls, the role...

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In Episode 56 ( the penultimate episode of series 3), we delve into a chilling chapter of World War II history: the murders of Allied airmen in Germany. As the war raged on, downed airmen often found themselves at the mercy of their captors - military, civilian authorities and sometimes ordinary citizens.

This episode uncovers the fate of one Allied airman, missing in action in January 1945. We are joined by German historian Thomas Rost, and together we explore the complex web of wartime  and post-war justice, and the search for the truth.  A...

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This week, we're joined by Adam Hart, to discuss his new book about a downed Halifax pilot, who also happens to be his great-grandfather. 

Operation Pimento  is a riveting story of courage, defiance, and survival.  Centered on his great-grandfather, Frank Griffiths, this extraordinary true account shines a light on the men and women of the French Resistance who risked everything to stand against tyranny and to assist Allied airmen to evade capture. From the perilous crossings of the Swiss Alps to the treacherous trails of the Pyrenees and beyond, Har...

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(Available on general release on 10 September)

In this episode James and Jane continue their chat about Jane's book, Above Us The Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command - The Wireless Operator's Story. Jane continues the story of the Pennicott crew, through the summer and autumn of 1943, and into 1944 and discusses the emotional toll of writing about such a difficult subject. Jane reveals  how a chance phonecall transformed the book, and how the story might have differed if she'd written it in 2025. 

Signed copies are available direct from Jane's website at...

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This week James interviews Jane about her first Bomber Command book, "Above Us the Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command  - The Wireless Operator's Story." We can't believe it's taken us 53 episodes to finally get around to discussing it!  Jane shares with listeners the background to the book, her motivation for writing it, and describes her research processes (including what it feels like to sit in the wireless op's position in a Halifax). Jane traces her great uncle Jack Clyde's journey from apprentice joiner in a small mining town on the Durham coast to...

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This week on Never Mind the Dambusters, we answer YOUR  questions, on a whole host of issues, including: 

Could a heavy bomber fly without a full crew?

What was Operation Dodge?

Mosquito v Lancaster, Lancaster v Halifax

Gibson v Cheshire

B17s in the RAF

Do keep sending in your questions!

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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, I take a deep dive into the fascinating and often overlooked world of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War—through the lens of the airmen's personal flying kit. I'm joined by Daniel Richards an RAF Living History enthusiast, and together we explore the evolution of aircrew equipment, from flying jackets to survival kits, and even the surprising use of pigeons for communication.

Using the original clothing card issued to 10 Sqn wireless operator Jack Clyde (Jane's great Uncle)  (linked below) , we...

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This week, we celebrate our 50th episode by welcoming Dr Dan Ellin of the University of Lincoln and the International Bomber Command Centre, back to the show. Dan joins us to explore the legacy of the Dambusters , and in particular how the 1955 film has shaped the collective memory of Bomber Command. From Star Wars to adverts for Carling Black Label lager, it's all here! 

We've linked below the books we discuss during this episode. 

Books: 

The Dambusters, Paul Brickhill

Guy Gibson, Ric...

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***Episode on general release Wednesday 13 August 

This week, we celebrate our 50th episode by welcoming Dr Dan Ellin of the University of Lincoln and the International Bomber Command Centre, back to the show. Dan joins us to explore the legacy of the Dambusters , and in particular how the 1955 film has shaped the collective memory of Bomber Command. From Star Wars to adverts for Carling Black Label lager, it's all here! 

We've linked below the books we discuss during this episode. 

Books: 

The...

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(Apologies - no James this week due to technical issues!)

This week, Jane is joined  by Adrian Bean, a writer and director with a passion for military history. They explore the complexities of RAF Bomber Command, the challenges of adapting  Len Deighton's 'Bomber' for BBC radio, and the human stories behind the bombing campaigns of WWII. 

Adrian shares insights from his recent works, including the incredible short story collection 'L for Lanc' and the non-fiction work  'What Happened', about a mid-air collision in 1941,  and discusses his upcoming novel...

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This week we each share our top 5 Bomber Command books in the categories of popular history, memoir, academic, fiction and we also throw in a wild card! What are your favourites? Do you love or hate our picks? 

Spoiler alert: 

If you don't want to know what we chose, avoid the shopping list below! 

Jane's choices

Popular history:  Haynes Manual - Bomber Command 

Memoir: Bomber Offensive, by Sir Arthur Harris

Academic: The Flyer, by Marti...

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This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our  with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II.  

Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply as "Woody", 
developed a fascination for history and the Second World War. Paul now lives in Normandy in France, and is a Battlefield guide, historical advisor, and consultant on numerous projects.
He...

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This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our  with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II.  

Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply as "Woody", 
developed a fascination for history and the Second World War. Paul now lives in Normandy in France, and is a Battlefield guide, historical advisor, and consultant on numerous projects.
He...

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This week, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies chat to Stuart Green,  who shares the remarkable story of his father Alan, a Bomber Command navigator on Wellingtons and Stirlings. 

Alan Green took part in some of the most famous operations of the war, including the Channel Dash, the 1000 Bomber Raid, and the secret operation to bomb the Skoda Factory in Czechoslovakia.

Friendly fire, German nightfighters, tragedy and betrayal, imprisonment, escape and evasion, the Long March - this story has it all! 

Chapters

00:00 Int...

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This episode has EVERYTHING! (even the Titanic).

This week, Jane and James engage in a rich and absorbing discussion with historian Chris Sams about  his book, Flying into the Storm, about the early war bombers of the RAF. The conversation covers personal anecdotes, the significance of various bombing operations, and the challenges faced by bomber crews. They delve into specific events such as the Nickel Raids, the Battle of Heligoland Bight, the Battle of France, the tragic sinking of the Lancastria,  bombers in North Africa and even in Bu...

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Welcome to Series 3! 

In the first episode of the new series of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes discuss the often-overlooked role of meteorology in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Joined once more by Jamie Heffer from RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre, , they explore the challenges posed by weather conditions, personal stories from the MET flights, and the operational significance of these flights in ensuring mission success. The conversation highlights the bravery of those involved in meteorological operations and their impact on a...

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In the final episode of this series,  hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes are joined by the head of the Norwegian War Graves Service, Haakon Vinje, to explore the often-overlooked contributions of Norwegian airmen in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. They discuss the Norwegian War Graves Service, the invasion of Norway, and share poignant personal stories of bravery and sacrifice, including the legacy of Nordal Grieg. 

The team also talk about some of the RAF Bomber crews who now lie at rest in Norway, and Jane sh...

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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters ( the penultimate episode of the current series), hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies engage with Dave Gilbert, the losses archivist at the International Bomber Command Centre in Lincoln, England. Dave explains the background to the development of the centre, and relates how he (and a team of volunteers) went about compiling the details of over 58,000 men and women who died while serving with, or in support of, RAF Bomber Command. 

The team debate the emotional impact of this work, and t...

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*** (Part 2 of 2) 

Summary

Jane and James continue their discussion about Bomber Command minelaying operations, to mark the publication of Jane's book, The Invisible Campaign: Bomber Command Gardening Operations 1940-1945. In the episode the team consider the strategic importance of these operations, their impact on the Battle of the Atlantic, the Channel Dash, the U-boat campaign, and personal stories from those involved. Jane and James compares the effectiveness of mine laying to direct attacks on enemy shipping, emphasizing the significant disruption caused to German naval operations. The conversation c...

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*** PART 1 OF 2

***Subscribers can listen to Part 2  now. 

In this episode of Never Mind the Dam Busters, host James Jefferies and guest Jane Gulliford Lowes delve into the often-overlooked history of RAF Bomber Command's gardening operations during World War II. They discuss Jane's new book, 'The Invisible Campaign', which sheds light on the complexities and significance of mine laying operations. The conversation covers the mechanics of mines, the aims of the campaign, the types of aircraft used, and the coordination between the RAF and the Royal Navy. Th...

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Summary

In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies are joined by historian Stuart Burbridge to discuss the often-overlooked aspect of the RAF Bomber Command's offensive against Luftwaffe night fighters during World War II. The conversation covers the technological innovations, strategies, and the psychological impact of the night fighter campaign, as well as the statistical analysis of its effectiveness. Stuart shares insights from his research and personal connection to Bomber Command, providing a comprehensive overview of this critical aspect of air warfare.
<...

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*** Episode on general release on Wednesday 12th March 2025. 

In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters,   we have an incredible conversation with Marc Stevens as he shares the extraordinary story of his father, the man he knew as Squadron Leader Peter Stevens, MC. 

It was only some years after his father's death that Marc discovered his true identity, and the tragic story behind the events  he uncovered. 

We explore Peter’s remarkable journey from German school boy to RAF Bomber Command pilot, his wartime experiences—including...

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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, we join historian Dr. Sarah-Louise Miller to explore her research on WWII operations, including Operation Manna and Operation Exodus in the Spring and early summer of 1945. We examine the emotional impact of war stories, the humanitarian efforts of the RAF, and the experiences of POWs returning home. 

As we navigate the challenges of writing about such sensitive topics, we reflect on the power of personal stories in shaping our understanding of history.  

Jane relates a  tragic story about Operation Ske...

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This week we answer (or at least attempt to answer) some of your questions - and there are some absolute corkers! Including...

How do you go to the loo in the middle of a bombing operation?

Which operations counted towards your tour total?   

Where did spent ammo cartridges go? 

What about Bomber Command ops outside the European theatre?

How were aircrew assessed and assigned to their individual roles? 

Why did Bomber Command have a higher loss rate than...

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This episode is dedicated to the memory of Christopher Panton, KIA 30th March 1944. 

We  are delighted to welcome Andrew Panton, General Manager of the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. Together, we explore Andrew's deep-rooted family history with the Lancaster Bomber NX611 "Just Jane", the emotional impact of war on his family, and the ongoing restoration efforts at the Heritage Centre. 

Andrew shares personal stories about his great uncle Chris, who was lost during a bombing raid on Nuremberg in March 1944, and how this tragedy shaped his fam...

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Who writes history, and why?
 
In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Professor Alan Allport to discuss the British "Official Histories" of the strategic bombing campaign. We explore the origins, authors, and public perception of these histories, as well as the arguments presented by Sir Charles Webster and Noble Frankland. Our conversation delves into the challenges faced during the publication process, the reactions from military figures, including a right old ding-dong with with Sir Arthur Harris, and the "dirty tricks campaign" waged by elements of the British p...

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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, we welcome Reverend Eleanor Rance, the first female Church of England Chaplain in the Royal Air Force. Eleanor shares her personal experiences  from her time on deployment with the RAF in Iraq, and insights into the crucial role chaplains played during the Second World War, especially in offering emotional and spiritual support to airmen. We discuss the historical context of RAF chaplaincy, the challenges faced by chaplains like Rev. George Martin of 7 PFF Sqn, and the lasting effects of war on both service m...

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In a change to our usual format, this episode focuses on the Victoria Cross winners from RAF Bomber Command, specifically Sergeant Thomas Gray and Flying Officer Donald Garland.  Over the course of the current series, we'll be telling the stories of the men who received the British Military's highest award for gallantry "in the presence of the enemy".  

We begin by discussing the history and significance of the Victoria Cross, the profiles of the two airmen, and the context of their bravery during the early days of World Wa...

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This episode has it all... Bombers in WW1,  Coastal Command in WW2, Air-Sea rescue, anti-shipping operations, Balfour, Portal, Blenheims, Hudsons, Ansons, Kestrels, lifeboats and even flying naked over Norfolk in a bi-plane...

Tune in for a fantastic discussion with Jamie Heffer, Chairman of the RAF Bircham Newton Heritage Centre.

We delve into the history of RAF Bircham Newton, focusing on its significant role in Coastal Command during World War II. The conversation explores its origins in the First World War,  the inter-war years, its evolution into a Co...

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Welcome back - Series 2 is here!

In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies welcome historian Andrew Rawson to discuss the design and manufacture of bomber aircraft during World War II. The conversation covers the evolution of the aircraft industry from pre-war rearmament to the establishment of shadow factories, the role of women in the workforce, and the challenges of resource allocation and production management. The episode highlights the significant numbers of aircraft produced and the vast workforce required to support the...

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🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
In this final episode of the series, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes are joined by Dr Dan Ellin to reflect on the significance of Christmas during the Second World War, particularly for RAF Bomber Command crews during the winter of 1943.

They discuss personal stories, listener contributions, and the harsh realities faced by airmen and ground staff during the festive season. The episode highlights the contrast between the holiday spirit and the grim realities of war, while also sharing humorous anecdotes and family memories.

Special thanks to Bill Dawson, Heather Evans and Stuart Bertie for sharing their family stories...

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WARNING: This episode includes discussion of  issues surrounding the Holocaust and genocide which some listeners may find distressing.

In this episode, the hosts engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Waitman Beorn about the controversial topic of whether the Allies could and should have bombed Auschwitz during World War II. They explore the historical context, the knowledge the Allies had about the Holocaust, the technological capabilities of air power at the time, and the moral implications of such a decision. The conversation delves into the complexities of wartime decision-making a...

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In this episode, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes engage in a lively discussion with author Luke Turner about the complexities of Bomber Command's history, model-making, the legacy of the Dambusters film, his fascination with 158 Squadron, and the personal stories of individuals like Bertram Warr. They explore themes of masculinity, memory, and the importance of memorials, while also addressing the overshadowing of lesser-known squadrons and operations. The conversation highlights the need for a nuanced understanding of war narratives and the human experiences behind them.

Luke  Turner is a writer a...

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This week, Jane and James explore the training of bomber crews, and the perilous nature of life at the OTUs and HCUs.  They discuss the training structure, the tragic story of a training flight that ended in disaster for the Canadian crew, and the importance of memorializing those who lost their lives in training. Jane talks about a new bomber command memorial and tells a story very close to her heart.

The episode also includes viewer questions about  WAAFs on board bombers, volunteering for additional ops,  post-war careers for air...

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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies engage with historian Andrew Bird to explore the often-overlooked role of Coastal Command in the RAF during World War II. The conversation covers the origins and structure of Coastal Command, its critical role in the Battle of the Atlantic, and the ongoing resource struggles between Bomber Command and Coastal Command. Personal stories and casualty rates highlight the human cost of these operations, providing a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during the war.

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In this week's episode, hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes discuss the significant contributions of African and Caribbean men in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. They are joined by historian John Concagh, who shares insights into the motivations behind these men joining the RAF, the challenges they faced, and their experiences during and after the war. The conversation highlights individual stories of notable airmen, and their struggles against racism.
This conversation explores the experiences of Caribbean aircrew in the RAF during WWII, focusing on personal growth, institutional...

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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies delve into the complexities  and controversies of the Allied strategic bombing campaign during World War II.  Did the campaign succeed? How is success measured? 
They explore the ongoing debate regarding its effectiveness, the shifting objectives of the campaign, the aims of the Casablanca and Point Blank Directives, and the impact on German war production and civilian morale. Through a detailed analysis of historical surveys and perspectives, the conversation highlights the nuanced nature of military strategy and its...

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In this episode of Nevermind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies discuss the intersection of video games and military history, particularly focusing on RAF Bomber Command. Joined by Ethan Adato, they explore how video games can serve as educational tools, the ethical implications of portraying historical events, and specific games like Bomber Crew that simulate the experiences of bomber crews during WWII. 
The conversation delves into the immersive nature of video games, their potential to engage younger audiences in history, and the moral complexities involved in recreating w...

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Battle of Britain Part 2

This week Jane and James continue their discussion on the role of Bomber Command during the Battle of Britain. They discuss the 'Battle of the Barges',  the heroic actions of Sergeant John Hanna VC, and the daring Dortmund-Ems Canal raid. The conversation also highlights Winston Churchill's recognition of bomber crews in his famous 'The Few' speech, and the subsequent bombing of Berlin. 

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Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can su...

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At last! We finally got around to talking about Bomber Command's often overlooked role in the Battle of Britain. In the first of two episodes on this topic, we chat about the run up to the Battle, and highlight the significant contribution of Bomber Command, particularly in attacking Luftwaffe airfields and attacking the Kriegsmarine. The conversation covers early operations, the impact of the Norway campaign, and the heavy losses faced by Bomber Command during the Battle of France. We  focus on the evolving nature of Bomber Command and its critical role i...

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This week we welcome Graham Waterton, author of 'The RAF's Youngest Bomber Pilot of World War II'. The conversation delves into the life of Flight Lieutenant Brian Slade DFC, Graham's uncle, who served as a Wellington and Lancaster pilot (and Pathfinder) . Brian Slade lied about his age to enlist (abetted by his father) and joined Bomber Command at 16, completing a full tour of 34 operations before his 18th birthday. He then went on to do a second tour, serving with the elite Pathfinder group. He was killed on operations over Berlin...

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We're delighted to have James back on the show and in good form... This week we're having a random chat about all sorts of stuff, from books and films to 'dream flight' scenarios.  We answer listeners' questions, and debate whether the USAAF could've carried out Operation Chastise, and whether more targeted bombing could've ended the war sooner. On the way we discuss everything from Colditz to dogs to John Mills... it's that kind of episode. 

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This week, host Jane Gulliford Lowes engages with American historian Abby Whitlock to explore the portrayal of the bombing campaigns during World War II in the series 'Masters of the Air'. They discuss Abby's personal journey into military aviation history, the cultural perceptions of RAF and USAAF crews, the representation of German civilians, and the themes of chivalry and heroism. The conversation also delves into the psychological toll of combat and the differences in how these narratives are portrayed in American and British media.

The infamous (well in the...

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Jane is joined by Ally Campbell-Grieve ( James isn't available this week) to debate the thorny topic of how we should deal with veteran's accounts as historical sources.
 
They explore the challenges historians face when analysing accounts from veterans, particularly those from Bomber Command during WWII. The conversation delves into the background of Ally's great uncle, Steve, and the discrepancies in his accounts of service during two operational tours, which culminated in his aircraft being shot down in July 1944.  The episode emphasizes the importance of critical analysis of veteran narratives, th...

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This week we discuss the role of RAF bomber aircraft as glider tugs in the Arnhem airlift and airborne operations. We're joined by Matt Yates, the Chief Operations Officer for the Vickers Machine Gun Collection and Research Association, and owner of the Chalk Glider Pilot Regiment Collection.
Matt provides insight into the formation of the Glider Pilot Regiment, highlighting the close collaboration between glider pilots, and their tug crews, who were normally seconded from Bomber Squadrons. We debate the challenges and successes of various airborne operations, including Operations Freshman,  Husky, a...

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Jane is flying solo again this week so this is quite a short one!
In this episode she discusses the Norwegian campaign from April to June 1940, which is often overlooked in the history of Bomber Command and World War II.
Bomber Command's role in the campaign included bombing German air bases, attacking Kriegsmarine shipping, and mine laying. However, the operations were hampered by limited resources, inexperienced crews, and challenging terrain. The bombing raids were largely ineffective, and losses were high. The Norwegian campaign ended in failure, leading to the...

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‘Even heroes have a breakdown point. Honour and moral fibre are variables. Like pain, the threshold is different in each of us.’
                                                                            - Phillip Gray, Bomber Pilot.
This week, Jane discusses the issue of psychiatric casualties in Bomber Command, with Dr. Dan Ellin (University of Lincoln and International Bomber Command Centre) and Mary Brazier (mental health professional). They explore the treatment of mental health issues during World War II and the differences between psychology and psychiatry. They also discuss the RAF's lack of moral fibre policy and the stigma surrounding psychiatric casualties. The co...

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**Episode on public release 28 August 2024

 ‘Even heroes have a breakdown point. Honour and moral fibre are variables. Like pain, the threshold is different in each of us.’
                                                                            - Phillip Gray, Bomber Pilot.
This week, Jane discusses the issue of psychiatric casualties in Bomber Command, with Dr. Dan Ellin (University of Lincoln and International Bomber Command Centre) and Mary Brazier (mental health professional). They explore the treatment of mental health issues during World War II and the differences between psychology and psychiatry. They also discuss the RAF's lack of moral fibre policy and the stigma s...

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Jane and James are joined by writer and historian Daniel Knowles to discuss the cultural memory and evolving opinions of RAF Bomber Command. They explore topics such as the role of Bomber Command in the defeat of Germany, the influence of the Dresden raids, and the moral debate surrounding area bombing.
 
The historiography of Bomber Command is also examined, with a focus on how perceptions have changed over time. The conversation touches on films and books that have shaped popular understanding of Bomber Command, as well as the impact o...

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In this episode, Jane and James have a good old chinwag about We Have Ways Fest and their own research projects. Jane chats about her upcoming book on the Lofoten Commando raids, while James reveals his exciting news of writing a book on the Augsburg Raid. 

In the second half of the show, the team answer listeners' questions about the fate of crews after completing their tours, the different bomber command groups and their roles, the techniques used to maintain separation in the bomber stream, the prevalence of mid-air a...

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We answer the question we get asked most frequently - "How do I go about researching someone who served with RAF Bomber Command?"

In this episode, we discuss how to research ancestors or family members who served with RAF Bomber Command during World War II. We provide a guide to tackling this topic and share own own experiences. We'll cover topics such as obtaining service records, using the London Gazette, exploring Squadron records, contacting Squadron Associations and utilizing genealogy websites.

Patience, persistence, and thinking outside the box...

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Jane and James discuss their upcoming talks at the We Have Ways of Making You Talk Second World War History Festival in July, and  introduce their guests, Dr. Megan Kelleher and Rab Cooper, from the RAF Midlands Museum. 
Megan and Rab discuss the challenges of presenting the Air War to modern audiences, including the ethical questions surrounding strategic bombing in the Second World War. They also talk about the importance of engaging with younger generations and the evolving nature of memory and scholarship. The conversation covers various topics related to th...

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In this conversation, Jane and James chat to historian  and author Professor Alan Allport about the decision of the British cabinet to allow the RAF to start bombing Germany's Ruhr Valley. He explains that this decision, made in May 1940, was a watershed moment in the war and really marked the beginning of the bombing campaign 'proper'.  Allport also discusses the Butt Report, which revealed the ineffectiveness of the early bombing raids, and its impact on Bomber Command. He then explores the appointment of Arthur Harris as the head of Bomber Command in...

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Jane and James interview Dr. Sarah Louise Miller about her new book on the Avro Lancaster, The Lancaster Story. They discuss the significance of the Lancaster in RAF Bomber Command during World War II and its cultural impact. They also explore the personal stories and experiences of those involved with the Lancaster, including ground crew and WAAFs. Sarah shares her research process and the new perspectives she brings to the history of the Lancaster. 
The team discuss some of the lesser-known life-saving missions of the Lancaster, such as the MANNA a...

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 In this episode, Jane and James discuss RAF Bomber Command's role in Operations Neptune and Overlord,  initially focusing on the preparations for the invasion, particularly the mine-laying element known as MAPLE. They explore the complexities, challenges, and successes of the mine-laying operations, highlighting the inter-service cooperation and the strategic significance of the campaign, which has been so often overlooked. ( You'll be able to learn more about Bomber Command minelaying/gardening operations in Jane's forthcoming book, Invisible Campaign - Bomber Command Minelaying 1940-1945,  due to be published by Tempest Aviation at the bac...

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WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of war, death and injury which some listeners may find distressing.

In this episode, Jane and James  continue their discussion about the Wuppertal raid of May 1943, focusing on the experiences of two crews from 10 Squadron, Penny's Prangers and the Clarke crew, each taking part in their first operation.  The concept of 'the Bomber Stream' is explored, and the team then embark upon a minute by minute account of the operation, both from the point of view of the aircrew, and three ci...

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In this episode, Jane and James discuss the  planning of the raid on Wuppertal on 29/30 May 1943. They explore the reasons why Bomber Command targeted the Ruhr Valley and how targets were selected and operations were planned. They also focus on two rookie crews from 10 Squadron who took part in the raid, the Pennicott and Clarke crews. The episode highlights the constant activity and preparation involved in carrying out a bombing raid, as well as the young age of the crew members and the responsibilities they carried. The  role of various trades on...

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100 year old  RAF veteran Tom Davidson shares his experiences of flying on a Halifax in 1944-1945.

In this episode of Never Mind the Dam Busters, Jane and James discuss the Handley Page Halifax, an unsung hero of Bomber Command. They delve into the evolution of the Halifax, from the 'death-trap' early Marks to the magnificent Mk III, and its role in strategic bombing, mine laying, and other operations during World War II.

They also interview Tom Davidson, a flight engineer with 466 Squadron, who shares his e...

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In this episode, the James and Jane are joined by Dr. Dan Ellin to discuss the role of ground crew, ground personnel (there's a difference!) and Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War II.

The conversation touches on the concept of the 'chop girl' and the superstitions surrounding dating aircrew. The hosts also explore the relationships between ground crew and aircrew, the risks and dangers faced by ground personnel, and the traumatic experiences they had to deal with, such as handling the remains of  deceased aircrew members. Duration: 00:46:51

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Welcome to the first episode of Never Mind The Dambusters! In this episode James and Jane discuss the origins of their mutual interest in RAF Bomber Command, and talk about the evolution of Strategic Bombing Theory from the Great War to the late 1930s.
What did it take to build a strategic bomber force and why was it necessary?  How do you build a bomber base?
James waxes lyrical about the Bristol Blenheim, and the team answer your questions, on parachutes and training ops.
Buckle up!

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Welcome to Never Mind The Dambusters, a brand new podcast dedicated to RAF Bomber Command's wartime history.  The Dams raids were perhaps amongst the most famous and daring of the Second World War, but there's so much more to Bomber Command's history.
Join historians Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies fortnightly for a deep dive into Bomber Command - strategy, policy, aircraft, bombing raids, aircrew and veteran stories, the role of the ground crews, the moral debate, and the experience of the civilians at the sharp end of the strategic b...