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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.

The discussion also delves into the concept of gremlins and their significance to the RAF, as well as the belief in 'scarecrow' as a psychological weapon. 

Look out on our social media channels for photographs to accompany this episode.  You can find us on X/twitter at @RAFBomber_Pod and on Instagram at @NeverMindTheDambusters

Further reading:
You can read Dr Dan Ellin's PhD thesis here https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/73976/

To find out what James has been up to, click here ; Jane's website can be found at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/

If you'd like to know more about Jane's uncles (Jack -aircrew, Leo - groundcrew) their stories are told in Above Us The Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command - The Wireless Operator's Story

 
Thanks for listening! 

TRIGGER WARNING: This episodes contains references to death and injury which some listeners may find distressing. It also contains discussion of 1940s attitudes to women, gender and class. 

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You can read more about Jane's work on her website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/, and listen to podcasts/media stuff here