Never Mind The Dambusters

Subscriber-only episode

**Subscriber only episode - on general release Wednesday 9th October 2024.

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 in August 1943, aged just 19.

Graham shares his journey of discovering Brian's story, and the discussion  touches on the emotional impact of war on families, and the legacy of those who served.

Link to Graham's book (available on Kindle and in print). 

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Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

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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Support the show

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

Subscriber-only episode

** This episode will be on general release on Wednesday 2nd October 2024.
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 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. 

Send us a text

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

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 UK anyway!) pub scene in MOTA ep.2 ( the fight between the US and RAF aircrews) is debated, and Abby and Jane also mull over the legacy of 'Band of Brothers' and 'The Pacific' .

You can read more about Abby and her work  here .

You can also read Abby's article on Band of Brothers, which Jane references in this episode, here.

Send us a text

Support the show

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

Subscriber-only episode

*This episode will be publicly available on Wednesday 25 September 2024

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 UK anyway!) pub scene in MOTA ep.2 ( the fight between the US and RAF aircrews) is debated, and Abby and Jane also mull over the legacy of 'Band of Brothers' and 'The Pacific' .

You can read more about Abby and her work  here .

You can also read Abby's article on Band of Brothers, which Jane references in this episode, here.

Send us a text

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

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, the influence of memory, and the impact of popular media on how stories are told. It concludes with reflections on the need for sensitivity when dealing with family histories and the importance of questioning accepted narratives in military history.

Links:
The Veteran's Tale by by Frances Houghton

Collected Memories: Holocaust History and Postwar Testimony, by Christopher R Browning

Article: 

Send us a text

Support the show

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

Subscriber-only episode

* Episode publicly available on Wednesday 18th September.

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, the influence of memory, and the impact of popular media on how stories are told. It concludes with reflections on the need for sensitivity when dealing with family histories and the importance of questioning accepted narratives in military history.

Links:
The Veteran's Tale by by Frances Houghton

Collected Memories: Holocaust History and Postwar Testimony, by Christopher R Browning

Article: 

Send us a text

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

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, and Tonga.
We go on to discuss Operation Market Garden - a complex and ambitious plan to secure a foothold in Germany by capturing key bridges in the Netherlands and paving the way for a rapid advance into Germany. However, the operation faced challenges, including the loss of the element of surprise, intelligence issues, overconfidence, and a shortage of aircraft. The glider pilot regiment and their bomber crew tugs played a crucial role in transporting troops and supplies, but faced heavy anti-aircraft fire and suffered significant casualties. We also discuss the supply role of transport command. The operation ultimately fell short of its objectives, highlighting the difficulties and risks of large-scale airborne operations.
Links:
Arnhem: Myth & Reality, by Sebastian Ritchie

Jane's article: Bring Up The Piat!

Matt's recommendations:

Glider Pilots at Arnhem by Mike Peters and Luuk Buist. 

Arnhem Lift by Louis Hagen (a German Jew who fled Germany and joined the British Army) 

The History of the Glider Pilot Regiment by Claude Smith. 

Arnhem by Martin Middlebrook. 

A Noble Pair of Brothers by Wing Commander DH Wood. Gives a full history

Send us a text

Support the show

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

Subscriber-only episode

* PUBLIC RELEASE ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2024

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, and Tonga.
We go on to discuss Operation Market Garden - a complex and ambitious plan to secure a foothold in Germany by capturing key bridges in the Netherlands and paving the way for a rapid advance into Germany. However, the operation faced challenges, including the loss of the element of surprise, intelligence issues, overconfidence, and a shortage of aircraft. The glider pilot regiment and their bomber crew tugs played a crucial role in transporting troops and supplies, but faced heavy anti-aircraft fire and suffered significant casualties. We also discuss the supply role of transport command. The operation ultimately fell short of its objectives, highlighting the difficulties and risks of large-scale airborne operations.
Links:
Arnhem: Myth & Reality, by Sebastian Ritchie

Jane's article: Bring Up The Piat!

Matt's recommendations:

Glider Pilots at Arnhem by Mike Peters and Luuk Buist. 

Arnhem Lift by Louis Hagen (a German Jew who fled Germany and joined the British Army) 

The History of the Glider Pilot Regiment by Claude Smith. 

Arnhem by Martin Middlebrook. 

A Noble Pair of Brot

Send us a text

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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

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 evacuation of Allied troops. The episode highlights the challenges faced by Bomber Command and sets the stage for the upcoming Battle of Britain.

Further reading:
The Bomber Command War Diaries, by Martin Middlebrook and Chris Everitt

Enemy Coast Ahead, by Guy Gibson

The German Invasion of Norway, by Geir Haar

Anatomy of a Campaign: The British Fiasco in Norway, 1940 by John Kiszely

Norway in the Second World War: Politics Society and Conflict, by Ole Kristian Grimnes 

Send us a text

Support the show

Please subscribe to Never Mind The Dambusters wherever you get your podcasts. You can support the show, and help us produce great content, by becoming a paid subscriber from just $3 a month here https://www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/support . Supporters receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.

Thank you for listening! You can reach out to us on social media at @RAF_BomberPod (X) or @NeverMindTheDambusters (Instagram)

You can find out about James' research, articles, lectures and podcasts here .

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