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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 Martin Francis

Fiction: Take Off at Dusk, by Flt Lt Peter Roberts

Wild card: Air Battle of the Ruhr, by Alan Cooper 

James' choices: 

Popular history: The Red Line, by John Nichol

Memoir: Tail Gunner, by R C Rivaz

Academic:  The Next War in the Air: The Fear of the Bomber, by Brett Holman

Fiction: Bomber, by Len Deighton

Wild card: The Dambusters, by Paul Brickhill

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

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 is an author, including the book, Angels of Mercy, which relates the history of the village of Angoville-au-Plain, during the Second World War. He has appeared on numerous other productions including Walking the Ground with James Holland and Al Murray, History Rage, and History Hack. He was also an extra in some pretty incredible productions including Enigma (2001), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Memphis Belle (1990). What a CV! 

The discussion  delves into how the air war is remembered and memorialized in France,  and in particular in Normandy. We debate the impact of civilian casualties, and the ongoing debates surrounding the ethics of bombing campaigns. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, the episode highlights the importance of understanding the broader context of the air war and its legacy.

WW2TV is one of the best history shows out there, with experts and enthusiasts from all over the world sharing their knowledge, perspectives and passions. And there's a MAHOOSIVE back catalogue of episodes. 

You can watch James talk about the raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, and listen to his excellent discussion on Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain ;  you can also watch Jane's contributions on the Handley Page Halifax and Bomber Command Gardening Operations.

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

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 is an author, including the book, Angels of Mercy, which relates the history of the village of Angoville-au-Plain, during the Second World War. He has appeared on numerous other productions including Walking the Ground with James Holland and Al Murray, History Rage, and History Hack. He was also an extra in some pretty incredible productions including Enigma (2001), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Memphis Belle (1990). What a CV! 

The discussion  delves into how the air war is remembered and memorialized in France,  and in particular in Normandy. We debate the impact of civilian casualties, and the ongoing debates surrounding the ethics of bombing campaigns. Through personal anecdotes and historical insights, the episode highlights the importance of understanding the broader context of the air war and its legacy.

WW2TV is one of the best history shows out there, with experts and enthusiasts from all over the world sharing their knowledge, perspectives and passions. And there's a MAHOOSIVE back catalogue of episodes. 

You can watch James talk about the raid on the Dortmund-Ems Canal, and listen to his excellent discussion on Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain ;  you can also watch Jane's contributions on the Handley Page Halifax and Bomber Command Gardening Operations.

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

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 Introduction to Bomber Command History
03:13 Stuart Green's Family Background and Early Life
05:33 Training and Early Experiences in the RAF
07:43 The Impact of the Coventry Bombing
10:07 First Operations and the Channel Dash
12:21 The Secret Mission to Bomb the Skoda Factory
14:40 The Friendly Fire Incident
17:40 The Great Escape and Stalag Luft III
20:15 The Long March and Liberation
22:40 Researching Family History and Discoveries
24:54 Reflections on War and Legacy

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

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 Burma and Malaya.  The team also consider defensive operations by the Luftwaffe, and Chris shares personal stories from his research.

The discussion concludes with insights into Chris's future projects and his passion for military aviation history.

You can find Chris on X here: https://x.com/jerijerod14?lang=en ,  His bluesky profile is https://bsky.app/profile/jerijerod14.bsky.social and his linktree:  https://t.co/e9Maqwj7k6

Chris also does a fantastic podcast on maritime history, and you might want to have a listen to his most series on the Battle of Narvik.

Takeaways

• Chris Sams specializes in the Luftwaffe and early war bombers.
• The Nickel Raids were a unique approach to psychological warfare.
• The Battle of Heligoland was a disastrous engagement for the RAF.
• Bomber Command played a crucial role but unrecognised role in the Battle of Britain.
• The Lancastria disaster resulted in a tragic loss of life.
• Charles Lightoller had a remarkable story during WW1 and WW2
• The Luftwaffe's collapse was influenced by the German army's strategies.
• Chris is working on a new book about Bristol Beauforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:59 Exploring Historical Museums and Maritime Heritage
05:48 Introducing Chris Sams and His Work
08:21 The Role of Early War Bombers
10:59 Nickel Raids and Their Significance
13:29 The Battle of Heligoland and Its Aftermath
17:10 Bomber Command's Role in the Battle of Britain
19:36 The Tragic Story of the Lancastria
22:29 Personal Stories and Reflections on War History
25:21 The Legacy of Charles Lightoller
27:18 RAF Strategies and Early Engagements
31:08 Luftwaffe Defenses and Tactical Evolution
33:41 Campaigns in Greece and the Western Desert
37:07 Challenges in Malaya and Burma
40:32 The Luftwaffe's Strategic Dilemmas
41:47 Personal Anecdotes and Lesser-Known Stories
47:12 Future Projects and

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

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 air warfare strategy.

Takeaways

• The weather was a significant enemy for Bomber Command.
• Meteorological flights were crucial for mission planning.
• Bad weather could lead to disastrous outcomes for aircrews.
• Personal stories illustrate the dangers faced by pilots.
• The transition of MET flights from Bomber to Coastal Command.
• Different aircraft were used for various meteorological roles.
• The importance of accurate weather data in air operations.
• The legacy of meteorological squadrons is often forgotten.
• Weather conditions dictated the success of bombing missions.
• The bravery of MET flight crews deserves recognition.

Sound Bites

"The weather can genuinely kill you off."
"Meteorology dictates the whole air war."
"The MET guys put themselves at huge risks."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command History
02:39 The Importance of Meteorological Flights
05:02 Weather as Bomber Command's Greatest Enemy
09:16 The Evolution of Meteorological Operations
12:39 Aircraft and Equipment Used in Meteorological Flights
16:52 The Role of Bircham Newton in Meteorological Flights
18:39 Introduction to Meteorological Flights
18:59 THUM: Thermal Upper Air Measurement Flights
20:04 PRATA: Pressure and Temperature Ascent Flights
20:54 RHOMBUS: Long-Range Reconnaissance Missions
23:48 PAMPA: Dangerous Flights into Enemy Territory
26:46 The Importance of Meteorological Data
29:18 Impact of Weather on Operations
31:19 Personal Stories from Bircham Newton
39:52 Conclusion and Reflection on Meteorological Contributions
42:30 Show intro.wav

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

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 shares her reflections from her visits to the war cemeteries in Narvik and Trondheim. 

The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of remembering these heroes and their stories.

Jane and James will be back in the  early summer with series 3. 

Takeaways

RAF Bomber Command included a multinational force, including Norwegians.
The Norwegian War Graves Service maintains war graves in Norway.
Norwegian airmen faced great risks to join the RAF during WWII.
Herman Becker's story highlights the personal sacrifices of airmen.
Nordal Grieg is a legendary figure in Norway's history.
The invasion of Norway had significant strategic implications during WWII.
Norwegian airmen were involved in key operations like D-Day.
War graves serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by airmen.
The podcast aims to shed light on lesser-known stories of Bomber Command.
The hosts express gratitude for their listeners' support. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command
01:31 The Role of Norwegians in RAF Bomber Command
04:09 Understanding the Norwegian War Graves Service
05:53 The Invasion of Norway and Its Aftermath
08:05 Norwegian Air Force and Its Contributions
10:04 Personal Stories of Norwegian Airmen
14:31 The Story of Lancaster ND815 and D-Day
18:15 The Life and Legacy of Nordal Grieg
23:05 War Graves of RAF Bomber Command Crewmen
26:58 Conclusion and Reflections
30:09 Show intro.wav

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

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 the importance of providing some biographical detail about every single person listed. 

The conversation then turns into the development of navigational technology aboard both RAF and Luftwaffe aircraft. 

You can visit the International Bomber Command Centre Losses Database here , and you learn more about the work of the centre here.

Dave's book, written in conjunction with Steve Darlow, Epitaphs of Bomber Command, can be pre-ordered here. 

Takeaways

• RAF Bomber Command had the highest casualty rate during the war.
• The International Bomber Command Centre serves as a memorial and educational resource.
• The losses database is the world's largest free-to-access database of RAF Bomber Command casualties.
• Inclusivity in documenting losses includes ground crew and associated personnel.
• Accessing historical records can be challenging due to location and processing issues.
• The Wall of Names at the IBCC allows families to connect with their loved ones.
• The emotional weight of the work can be overwhelming for archivists.
• Epitaphs provide personal insights into the lives of those lost.
• Technological advancements significantly impacted bombing strategies during the war.
• Navigational training gave RAF crews an edge over their German counterparts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command
03:20 The Role of the International Bomber Command Centre
06:08 The Losses Database: Origins and Development
08:28 Inclusivity in Documenting Losses
09:48 Sources of Information for the Database
12:02 The Wall of Names: A Memorial to the Fallen
14:14 Emotional Impact of the Work
16:30 Future of the Database and Ongoing Research
20:55 The Epitaphs of Bomber Command
23:53 Advancements in Bomber Technology
33:21 The Significance of Navigational Techniques
37:46 Engaging Audiences Through Technology
39:25 Show intro.wav

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

***Episode on general release Wednesday 16th April 

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 shares her reflections from her visits to the war cemeteries in Narvik and Trondheim. 

The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of remembering these heroes and their stories.

Jane and James will be back in the  early summer with series 3. 

Takeaways

RAF Bomber Command included a multinational force, including Norwegians.
The Norwegian War Graves Service maintains war graves in Norway.
Norwegian airmen faced great risks to join the RAF during WWII.
Herman Becker's story highlights the personal sacrifices of airmen.
Nordal Grieg is a legendary figure in Norway's history.
The invasion of Norway had significant strategic implications during WWII.
Norwegian airmen were involved in key operations like D-Day.
War graves serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by airmen.
The podcast aims to shed light on lesser-known stories of Bomber Command.
The hosts express gratitude for their listeners' support. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command
01:31 The Role of Norwegians in RAF Bomber Command
04:09 Understanding the Norwegian War Graves Service
05:53 The Invasion of Norway and Its Aftermath
08:05 Norwegian Air Force and Its Contributions
10:04 Personal Stories of Norwegian Airmen
14:31 The Story of Lancaster ND815 and D-Day
18:15 The Life and Legacy of Nordal Grieg
23:05 War Graves of RAF Bomber Command Crewmen
26:58 Conclusion and Reflections
30:09 Show intro.wav

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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

Send us a message or question!

*** (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 concludes with reflections on the historiographical neglect of mine laying and its crucial role in the broader context of the war.

You can order Jane's book here: https://mortonsbooks.co.uk/book/the-invisible-campaign-bomber-command-gardening-operations-19401945

If you'd like a signed copy, email the team at [email protected]

Takeaways

• Mine laying operations were crucial in disrupting enemy naval activities.
• The impact of mine laying on U-boat operations was significant.
• Personal stories from mine laying crews highlight the dangers they faced.
• The Channel Dash operation illustrated the effectiveness of mine laying.
• Bomber Command's mine laying was more effective than direct attacks on shipping.
• Statistics show that mine laying sunk around 750 vessels during the war.
• Mine laying was a strategic component of Bomber Command's overall strategy.
• The historiography of mine laying is often neglected by historians.
• Gardening operations were considered successful but overlooked in narratives.
• The resource allocation for mine laying was well integrated into Bomber Command's efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mine Laying Operations
00:52 Impact of Mine Laying on U-boat Operations
01:16 Personal Stories from Mine Laying Missions
04:35 The Channel Dash and Mine Laying's Role
11:27 Comparative Analysis of Allied and Luftwaffe Mining Operations
16:40 Mine Laying in Preparation for D-Day
23:59 Evolution of Mine Laying Strategies Throughout the War
25:45 Wider Implications of the Mine Laying Campaign
28:27 The Journey of U-1273
29:46 Disaster Strikes: The Fate of U-1273
31:47 The Impact of Mines on German Logistics
33:35 Assessing the Success of Mine Laying Campaigns
36:08 Statistics of Bomber Command's Mine Laying Efforts
37:54 The Strategic Importance of Mine Laying
41:08 Historians' Perspectives on Mine Laying

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 get early access to episodes and invitations to livestreams.

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