Never Mind The Dambusters

Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies

Never Mind The Dambusters…It’s The Bomber Command Podcast!

Join historians and authors Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies as they delve into the world of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War. In this weekly podcast  (episodes released every Wednesday), Jane and James explore strategy, policy, and the events which shaped one of the most controversial campaigns of the war.

Despite their iconic status, Bomber Command's history extends far beyond the famed Dambusters raid of 1943 and the Avro Lancaster. Through insightful discussions, expert analysis of the strategic bombing campaign and first hand accounts by veterans and civilians on the ground, Never Mind the Dambusters offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of Bomber Command's operations and the diverse aircraft it employed, as well as tackling some tough topics.

Jane and James will be joined by leading academics, historians, aircraft enthusiasts, technicians and engineers and veterans' family members. Expect  discussions on relevant books and films and  a spotlight on a different aircraft in each episode. Please send in your questions to us on X (twitter) at @RAFBomber_Pod and on Instagram at @NeverMindTheDambusters. You can email the show at nmtdambusters@gmail.com.


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Episodes

Episode 24 - The African and Caribbean Airmen of Bomber Command, with John Concagh
13-11-2024
Episode 24 - The African and Caribbean Airmen of Bomber Command, with John Concagh
In this week's episode, hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes discuss the significant contributions of African and Caribbean men in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. They are joined by historian John Concagh, who shares insights into the motivations behind these men joining the RAF, the challenges they faced, and their experiences during and after the war. The conversation highlights individual stories of notable airmen, and their struggles against racism. This conversation explores the experiences of Caribbean aircrew in the RAF during WWII, focusing on personal growth, institutional prejudice, and the lasting impact of their service. It highlights the stories of individuals like Johnny Smyth, Ulric Cross, Cy Grant and Errol Barrow, and discusses the broader implications of their contributions to military desegregation and post-war political landscapes.Further reading:John's website and articles : https://jconcagh.weebly.com/Ulric Cross https://www.rafbf.org/news-and-stories/raf-history/black-history-month-remarkable-legacy-squadron-leader-ulric-crossThere's also a film about Ulric Cross currently showing on BBC iplayerCy Grant, his life and work: https://cygrant.com/project/war-memoirJohnny Smythe https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/blog/from-sierra-leone-to-the-short-stirling-the-story-of-johnny-smythe/Errol Barrow https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/online-exhibitions/pilots-of-the-caribbean/heroes-and-sheroes/stateman-flying-officer-errol-walton-barrow/Send us a textSupport the showPlease 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
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 24 -The  African and Caribbean Airmen of Bomber Command, with John Concagh
09-11-2024
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 24 -The African and Caribbean Airmen of Bomber Command, with John Concagh
Subscriber-only episode*** Episode on general release Wednesday 13th NovemberIn this week's episode, hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes discuss the significant contributions of African and Caribbean men in RAF Bomber Command during World War II. They are joined by historian John Concagh, who shares insights into the motivations behind these men joining the RAF, the challenges they faced, and their experiences during and after the war. The conversation highlights individual stories of notable airmen, their struggles against racism, and their lasting impact on military history. This conversation explores the experiences of Caribbean aircrew in the RAF during WWII, focusing on personal growth, institutional prejudice, and the lasting impact of their service. It highlights the stories of individuals like Johnny Smyth, Ulric Cross, Cy Grant and Errol Barrow, and discusses the broader implications of their contributions to military desegregation and post-war political landscapes.Further reading: John's website and articles : https://jconcagh.weebly.com/Ulric Cross https://www.rafbf.org/news-and-stories/raf-history/black-history-month-remarkable-legacy-squadron-leader-ulric-cross There's also a film about Ulric Cross currently showing on BBC iplayer Cy Grant, his life and work: https://cygrant.com/project/war-memoirJohnny Smythe https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/blog/from-sierra-leone-to-the-short-stirling-the-story-of-johnny-smythe/Errol Barrow https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/research/online-exhibitions/pilots-of-the-caribbean/heroes-and-sheroes/stateman-flying-officer-errol-walton-barrow/Send us a textPlease 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
Episode 23 - Did Bomber Command Succeed?
06-11-2024
Episode 23 - Did Bomber Command Succeed?
In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies delve into the complexities  and controversies of the Allied strategic bombing campaign during World War II.  Did the campaign succeed? How is success measured? They explore the ongoing debate regarding its effectiveness, the shifting objectives of the campaign, the aims of the Casablanca and Point Blank Directives, and the impact on German war production and civilian morale. Through a detailed analysis of historical surveys and perspectives, the conversation highlights the nuanced nature of military strategy and its consequences. This conversation delves into the complexities of the bombing campaigns during World War II, focusing on their impact on workforce morale, the diversion of resources, and the eventual destruction of the Luftwaffe. The discussion highlights the challenges in measuring the effectiveness of bombing on civilian morale and the war economy, as well as the strategic implications of resource allocation and air superiority.Send us a textSupport the showPlease 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
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 23 - Did Bomber Command Succeed?
02-11-2024
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 23 - Did Bomber Command Succeed?
Subscriber-only episode*** Episode on general release on Wednesday 6th November 2024In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies delve into the complexities  and controversies of the Allied strategic bombing campaign during World War II.  Did the campaign succeed? How is success measured? They explore the ongoing debate regarding its effectiveness, the shifting objectives of the campaign, the aims of the Casablanca and Point Blank Directives, and the impact on German war production and civilian morale. Through a detailed analysis of historical surveys and perspectives, the conversation highlights the nuanced nature of military strategy and its consequences. This conversation delves into the complexities of the bombing campaigns during World War II, focusing on their impact on workforce morale, the diversion of resources, and the eventual destruction of the Luftwaffe. The discussion highlights the challenges in measuring the effectiveness of bombing on civilian morale and the war economy, as well as the strategic implications of resource allocation and air superiority.Send us a textPlease 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
Episode 22 Bomber Command in Video Games, with Ethan Adato
30-10-2024
Episode 22 Bomber Command in Video Games, with Ethan Adato
In this episode of Nevermind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies discuss the intersection of video games and military history, particularly focusing on RAF Bomber Command. Joined by Ethan Adato, they explore how video games can serve as educational tools, the ethical implications of portraying historical events, and specific games like Bomber Crew that simulate the experiences of bomber crews during WWII. The conversation delves into the immersive nature of video games, their potential to engage younger audiences in history, and the moral complexities involved in recreating wartime scenarios. In this conversation, the speakers explore the representation of war in video games, particularly focusing on the impact of bombing on civilian populations, the challenges of accurately portraying historical events, and the ethical implications of gameplay. They discuss how games can both educate and sanitize war, the responsibility of popular games to address historical realities, and the cultural reflections of war in media. The conversation also touches on the future of war gaming, including the potential of VR experiences and the historical context of war gaming as a whole.Send us a textSupport the showPlease 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
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 22 - Bomber Command in Video Games, with Ethan Adato
26-10-2024
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 22 - Bomber Command in Video Games, with Ethan Adato
Subscriber-only episode**Episode on general release on Wednesday 30th OctoberIn this episode of Nevermind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies discuss the intersection of video games and military history, particularly focusing on RAF Bomber Command. Joined by Ethan Adato, they explore how video games can serve as educational tools, the ethical implications of portraying historical events, and specific games like Bomber Crew that simulate the experiences of bomber crews during WWII. The conversation delves into the immersive nature of video games, their potential to engage younger audiences in history, and the moral complexities involved in recreating wartime scenarios. In this conversation, the speakers explore the representation of war in video games, particularly focusing on the impact of bombing on civilian populations, the challenges of accurately portraying historical events, and the ethical implications of gameplay. They discuss how games can both educate and sanitize war, the responsibility of popular games to address historical realities, and the cultural reflections of war in media. The conversation also touches on the future of war gaming, including the potential of VR experiences and the historical context of war gaming as a whole.Send us a textPlease 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
Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton
08-10-2024
Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton
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). Send us a textSupport the showPlease 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
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton
04-10-2024
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton
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). Send us a textPlease 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
Episode 17 - Masters of the Air, with Abby Whitlock
24-09-2024
Episode 17 - Masters of the Air, with Abby Whitlock
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 textSupport the showPlease 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
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 17 - Masters of the Air, with Abby Whitlock
20-09-2024
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 17 - Masters of the Air, with Abby Whitlock
Subscriber-only episode*This episode will be publicly available on Wednesday 25 September 2024This 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 textPlease 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
Episode 16 - The Memory Minefield: Veteran's Stories & Tall Tales, with Ally Campbell-Grieve
17-09-2024
Episode 16 - The Memory Minefield: Veteran's Stories & Tall Tales, with Ally Campbell-Grieve
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 HoughtonCollected Memories: Holocaust History and Postwar Testimony, by Christopher R BrowningArticle: THE MEMORY MINEFIELD – VETERAN TESTIMONY AND THE SEARCH FOR THE ‘FACTS’, by Jane Gulliford Lowes Send us a textSupport the showPlease 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
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 16 - The Memory Minefield: Veteran's Stories & Tall Tales, with Ally Campbell-Grieve
13-09-2024
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 16 - The Memory Minefield: Veteran's Stories & Tall Tales, with Ally Campbell-Grieve
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 HoughtonCollected Memories: Holocaust History and Postwar Testimony, by Christopher R BrowningArticle: THE MEMORY MINEFIELD – VETERAN TESTIMONY AND THE SEARCH FOR THE ‘FACTS’, by Jane Gulliford Lowes Send us a textPlease 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