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***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

Send us a message or question!

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 Sketch (the transportation home of troops from India and the Far East) in December 1945. 

Sarah shares her insights with us and offers a glimpse into her upcoming projects, including her research on the Pacific War in Hawaii, and the often-overlooked voices of history.

You can read more about Sarah's work here.

You can find her on X/twitter 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 5th March 2025

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. 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 Sketch (the transportation home of troops from India and the Far East) in December 1945. 

Sarah shares her insights with us and offers a glimpse into her upcoming projects, including her research on the Pacific War in Hawaii, and the often-overlooked voices of history.

You can read more about Sarah's work here.

You can find her on X/twitter 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

Send us a message or question!

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 USAAF?

All this and more! 

Plus Jane's book is out this week....you can order a copy here. You can also order from Amazon, Waterstones, or your local independent bookshop. 

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 26th February 2025

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 USAAF?

All this and more! 

Plus Jane's book is out this week....you can order a copy here. You can also order from Amazon, Waterstones, or your local independent bookshop. 

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 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 family's dedication to preserving aviation history.

Need a spare part for a Blenheim or a propeller for a Swordfish? Andrew is your man! We debate the vital role of volunteers in maintaining the Heritage Centre and the profound emotional connections visitors have with the aircraft.

Finally, Andrew shares with us a very personal and emotional piece of family history. This was probably the first time we've had to pause recording, as all three of us were in tears. Hankies at the ready everyone.  Look out on our social medial for a photo of Chris, as well as his younger brothers,  Fred and Howard, Andrew's grandad and uncle. 

Special thanks to Andrew for sharing his family's legacy with us and our listeners. It was a privilege. 

You can read more about the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre here, including how to book taxi rides on the Avro Lancaster and the De Havilland Mosquito. Please do visit! 

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!

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 press against Frankland.
Alan explains how the histories, and the reaction to them, influenced modern interpretations of the bombing campaign.
This is a must-listen for anyone studying or interested in the historiography of Bomber Command.
(Apologies for any spaniel barking in the background we didn't manage to edit out!)

Frankland's book about writing the official history is a thought-provoking read, and highly-recommended. It's called History at War, and you can get it here:

You can follow Alan on bluesky  at  https://bsky.app/profile/alanallport.bsky.social    and read about his work here. Look out for the follow up to the wonderful Britain at Bay , Advance Britannia, later this year. 

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 February 2025

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 family's dedication to preserving aviation history.

Need a spare part for a Blenheim or a propeller for a Swordfish? Andrew is your man! We debate the vital role of volunteers in maintaining the Heritage Centre and the profound emotional connections visitors have with the aircraft.

Finally, Andrew shares with us a very personal and emotional piece of family history. This was probably the first time we've had to pause recording, as all three of us were in tears. Hankies at the ready everyone.  Look out on our social medial for a photo of Chris, as well as his younger brothers,  Fred and Howard, Andrew's grandad and uncle. 

Special thanks to Andrew for sharing his family's legacy with us and our listeners. 

You can read more about the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre here, including how to book taxi rides on the Avro Lancaster and the De Havilland Mosquito. Please do visit! 

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