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***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

Send us a message or question!

*** Episode on general release on Wednesday 9th April 2025 

In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, 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

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 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. They also address myths surrounding gardening operations, the experiences of the crews involved, and the public perception of these missions.

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, contact us at [email protected] 

Takeaways

Gardening operations involved laying aerial mines in enemy waters.
The term 'gardening' was a code for mine laying to confuse the enemy.
Mines were designed to create pressure waves to destroy vessels.
The campaign aimed to disrupt enemy shipping and trade routes.
Bomber Command's mine laying operations began in April 1940.
The geographical scope of mine laying extended across Northwestern Europe.
Various aircraft were adapted for mine laying throughout the war.
Coordination between the RAF and Royal Navy was crucial for success.
Myths about gardening operations being easy or for inexperienced crews are unfounded.
Public perception of mine laying operations was often overshadowed by bombing raids.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bomber Command and Myths
03:07 Jane's Journey and Previous Works
05:54 Understanding Gardening Operations
08:46 The Mechanics of Mines
11:26 Aims of the Mine Laying Campaign
13:42 The Evolution of Mine Laying
16:15 Geographical Scope of Mine Laying
18:05 Types of Aircraft Used for Mine Laying
20:39 Coordination Between RAF and Royal Navy
26:45 The Importance of Naval Expertise in Mine Warfare
27:51 Coastal Command's Role and Challenges
30:06 Debunking Myths: Gardening Operations
37:25 Typical Gardening Operations: Training and Execution
41:08 Crew Sentiments on Gardening Operations
43:44 Researching the History of Mine Laying
47:53 Harris's Perspective on Gardening Operations
50:33 Public Perception of Gardening Operations
53:22 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!

*** On general release on 2 April 2023

*** (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
44:41 The Overlooked Importance of Gardening Ops
46:28 Key Takeaways from the Discussion

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 1 OF 2

*** Episode on general release Wednesday 26 March 2025. 

***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. They also address myths surrounding gardening operations, the experiences of the crews involved, and the public perception of these missions.

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, contact us at [email protected] 

Takeaways

Gardening operations involved laying aerial mines in enemy waters.
The term 'gardening' was a code for mine laying to confuse the enemy.
Mines were designed to create pressure waves to destroy vessels.
The campaign aimed to disrupt enemy shipping and trade routes.
Bomber Command's mine laying operations began in April 1940.
The geographical scope of mine laying extended across Northwestern Europe.
Various aircraft were adapted for mine laying throughout the war.
Coordination between the RAF and Royal Navy was crucial for success.
Myths about gardening operations being easy or for inexperienced crews are unfounded.
Public perception of mine laying operations was often overshadowed by bombing raids.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bomber Command and Myths
03:07 Jane's Journey and Previous Works
05:54 Understanding Gardening Operations
08:46 The Mechanics of Mines
11:26 Aims of the Mine Laying Campaign
13:42 The Evolution of Mine Laying
16:15 Geographical Scope of Mine Laying
18:05 Types of Aircraft Used for Mine Laying
20:39 Coordination Between RAF and Royal Navy
26:45 The Importance of Naval Expertise in Mine Warfare
27:51 Coastal Command's Role and Challenges
30:06 Debunking Myths: Gardening Operations
37:25 Typical Gardening Operations: Training and Execution
41:08 Crew Sentiments on Gardening Operations
43:44 Researching the History of Mine Laying
47:53 Harris's Perspective on Gardening Operations
50:33 Public Perception of Gardening Operations
53:22 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!

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.

Takeaways

The night fighter campaign was a significant threat to Bomber Command.
Stuart Burbridge's personal connection to Bomber Command shaped his research.
Technological innovations like the Serrate Homer were crucial in countering night fighters.
100 Group was established to confound and destroy enemy night fighters.
The Nuremberg raid highlighted the vulnerabilities of Bomber Command.
Statistical analysis reveals the effectiveness of the night fighter offensive.
The Luftwaffe had a psychological fear of the Mosquito aircraft.
The introduction of new radar systems improved the RAF's night fighting capabilities.
The campaign evolved through several distinct phases from 1942 to 1945.
Stuart plans to write a book covering the broader aspects of the night fighter campaign.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:40 The Night Fighter Campaign: An Overview
04:21 Stuart's Personal Connection to Bomber Command
07:41 The Threat of Night Fighters in 1943
14:35 Technological Innovations Against Night Fighters
19:41 The Structure of the Night Fighter Campaign
27:51 Evolution of Radar Technology in WWII
29:41 The Seven Phases of the RAF Offensive
36:02 Statistical Analysis of Night Fighter Campaigns
41:15 Luftwaffe's Perspective on RAF Night Fighters
48:36 Conclusions and Future Directions
50:11 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!

***Episode on general release Wednesday 19th March 2025.

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.

Takeaways

• The night fighter campaign was a significant threat to Bomber Command.
• Stuart Burbridge's personal connection to Bomber Command shaped his research.
• Technological innovations like the Serrate Homer were crucial in countering night fighters.
• 100 Group was established to confound and destroy enemy night fighters.
• The Nuremberg raid highlighted the vulnerabilities of Bomber Command.
• Statistical analysis reveals the effectiveness of the night fighter offensive.
• The Luftwaffe had a psychological fear of the Mosquito aircraft.
• The introduction of new radar systems improved the RAF's night fighting capabilities.
• The campaign evolved through several distinct phases from 1942 to 1945.
• Stuart plans to write a book covering the broader aspects of the night fighter campaign.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
02:40 The Night Fighter Campaign: An Overview
04:21 Stuart's Personal Connection to Bomber Command
07:41 The Threat of Night Fighters in 1943
14:35 Technological Innovations Against Night Fighters
19:41 The Structure of the Night Fighter Campaign
27:51 Evolution of Radar Technology in WWII
29:41 The Seven Phases of the RAF Offensive
36:02 Statistical Analysis of Night Fighter Campaigns
41:15 Luftwaffe's Perspective on RAF Night Fighters
48:36 Conclusions and Future Directions
50:11 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!

*** 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 being shot down, captured, and making daring escapes—and the impact of these events on his life and legacy. Marc also reflects on how his father’s past shaped their family, culminating in a discussion about his book, which chronicles Peter’s incredible story.

You can order a copy of Marc's book, Escape, Evasion and Revenge here

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!

*** 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 being shot down, captured, and making daring escapes—and the impact of these events on his life and legacy. Marc also reflects on how his father’s past shaped their family, culminating in a discussion about his book, which chronicles Peter’s incredible story.

You can order a copy of Marc's book, Escape, Evasion and Revenge here

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