Never Mind The Dambusters

• Episode 45 - Flying into the Storm: Early War Bombers, with Chris Sams

  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/e9Maqwj7k6Chris 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.TakeawaysChris 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 WW2The Luftwaffe's collapse was influenced by the German army's strategies.Chris is working on a new book about Bristol Beauforts.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:59 Exploring Historical Museums and Maritime Heritage05:48 Introducing Chris Sams and His Work08:21 The Role of Early War Bombers10:59 Nickel Raids and Their Significance13:29 The Battle of Heligoland and Its Aftermath17:10 Bomber Command's Role in the Battle of Britain19:36 The Tragic Story of the Lancastria22:29 Personal Stories and Reflections on War History25:21 The Legacy of Charles Lightoller27:18 RAF Strategies and Early Engagements31:08 Luftwaffe Defenses and Tactical Evolution33:41 Campaigns in Greece and the Western Desert37:07 Challenges in Malaya and Burma40:32 The Luftwaffe's Strategic Dilemmas41:47 Personal Anecdotes and Lesser-Known Stories47:12 Future Projects and Support 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

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• Episode 44 - The Greatest Enemy - Meteorological Flights, with Jamie Heffer

  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.TakeawaysThe 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."Chapters00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command History02:39 The Importance of Meteorological Flights05:02 Weather as Bomber Command's Greatest Enemy09:16 The Evolution of Meteorological Operations12:39 Aircraft and Equipment Used in Meteorological Flights16:52 The Role of Bircham Newton in Meteorological Flights18:39 Introduction to Meteorological Flights18:59 THUM: Thermal Upper Air Measurement Flights20:04 PRATA: Pressure and Temperature Ascent Flights20:54 RHOMBUS: Long-Range Reconnaissance Missions23:48 PAMPA: Dangerous Flights into Enemy Territory26:46 The Importance of Meteorological Data29:18 Impact of Weather on Operations31:19 Personal Stories from Bircham Newton39:52 Conclusion and Reflection on Meteorological Contributions42:30 Show intro.wavSupport 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

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• Episode 43 - Norwegian Heroes of Bomber Command, with Haakon Vinje

  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. TakeawaysRAF 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command01:31 The Role of Norwegians in RAF Bomber Command04:09 Understanding the Norwegian War Graves Service05:53 The Invasion of Norway and Its Aftermath08:05 Norwegian Air Force and Its Contributions10:04 Personal Stories of Norwegian Airmen14:31 The Story of Lancaster ND815 and D-Day18:15 The Life and Legacy of Nordal Grieg23:05 War Graves of RAF Bomber Command Crewmen26:58 Conclusion and Reflections30:09 Show intro.wavSupport 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

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• Episode 42 - Bomber Command Losses Database / Navigational Technology, with Dave Gilbert

  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. TakeawaysRAF 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command03:20 The Role of the International Bomber Command Centre06:08 The Losses Database: Origins and Development08:28 Inclusivity in Documenting Losses09:48 Sources of Information for the Database12:02 The Wall of Names: A Memorial to the Fallen14:14 Emotional Impact of the Work16:30 Future of the Database and Ongoing Research20:55 The Epitaphs of Bomber Command23:53 Advancements in Bomber Technology33:21 The Significance of Navigational Techniques37:46 Engaging Audiences Through Technology39:25 Show intro.wavSupport 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

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• Episode 41 - The Invisible Campaign (Part 2): Bomber Command Gardening Operations

  Send us a message or question! *** (Part 2 of 2) SummaryJane 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-19401945If you'd like a signed copy, email the team at [email protected] 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mine Laying Operations00:52 Impact of Mine Laying on U-boat Operations01:16 Personal Stories from Mine Laying Missions04:35 The Channel Dash and Mine Laying's Role11:27 Comparative Analysis of Allied and Luftwaffe Mining Operations16:40 Mine Laying in Preparation for D-Day23:59 Evolution of Mine Laying Strategies Throughout the War25:45 Wider Implications of the Mine Laying Campaign28:27 The Journey of U-127329:46 Disaster Strikes: The Fate of U-127331:47 The Impact of Mines on German Logistics33:35 Assessing the Success of Mine Laying Campaigns36:08 Statistics of Bomber Command's Mine Laying Efforts37:54 The Strategic Importance of Mine Laying41:08 Historians' Perspectives on Mine LayingSupport 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

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