Never Mind The Dambusters

Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies
  • 4.9 (43)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

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, and continue the conversations in our Facebook group.  Never Mind the Dambusters Merchandise is now available at https://never-mind-the-dambusters.teemill.com/

  1. SEASON 4, EPISODE 58 TRAILER

    Series 4 Trailer

    Send us a message or question! SERIES 4 OF NEVER MIND THE DAMBUSTERS IS ON THE WAY! Brand new episodes drop Wednesday January 7th 2026 (available from Saturday 3rd for our paid subscribers).  We're returning with our most ambitious series yet — filled with new interviews, untold stories, and in-depth explorations of RAF Bomber Command. Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up: ✈️ The Short Stirling with historian Jonathan Falconer 🪵 The de Havilland Mosquito with John Lilley from the People’s Mosquito project 🇨🇦 429 Bison Squadron and the RCAF with Greg Kopchuck 🎯 The Peenemünde Raid & the Master Bomber with Sean Feast 🇺🇸 USAAF Schweinfurt missions with Mike Peters of the Mighty Eighth podcast 💣 Bomb disposal in wartime Hamburg with Thomas Rost 📚 Professor Alan Allport on his new book Advance Britannia 🔥 Erik Parker on the Rotterdam raids …and much more to come. If you’re fascinated by the aircraft, the crews, the tactics, or the debates that still surround Bomber Command, you won’t want to miss this. Make sure to follow the page, join our discussion group, and subscribe on your favourite podcast app so you’re ready for takeoff! #NeverMindTheDambusters #WW2History #BomberCommand #AviationHistory #Podcast 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

    5 min

  2. 30 SEPT

    Episode 57: The U-boat War - Wolfpack, with Roger Moorhouse

    Send us a message or question! Have we got a treat for you...Something different - U-boats instead of aircraft! In our final episode of this series, “The U-boat War - Wolfpack,” we explore the U-Boat War from the German perspective with historian and author Roger Moorhouse, whose new book Wolfpack: Inside Hitler’s U-Boat War will be published on 9 October 2025. Hosts James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford-Lowes dive into what life was really like aboard German U-boats, the shifting strategies of the Battle of the Atlantic,  the human stories behind the steel hulls, the role of Ultra Intelligence, the impact of Allied bombing and developments in technology.  By looking at the war through the eyes of the U-boat crews, this episode reveals a side of World War II history that’s often overlooked. Join us for a fascinating conversation that brings these powerful and complex narratives to life. Further reading:  You can read Jane's articles on Ultra Intelligence in the Battle of the Atlantic and How to Survive Being Sunk by a U-Boat here.  Never Mind the Dambusters Merchandise is now available at https://never-mind-the-dambusters.teemill.com/ 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

    49 min

  3. 23 SEPT

    Episode 56: Rough Justice - The Murder of Allied Airmen, with Thomas Rost

    Send us a message or question! In Episode 56 ( the penultimate episode of series 3), we delve into a chilling chapter of World War II history: the murders of Allied airmen in Germany. As the war raged on, downed airmen often found themselves at the mercy of their captors - military, civilian authorities and sometimes ordinary citizens. This episode uncovers the fate of one Allied airman, missing in action in January 1945. We are joined by German historian Thomas Rost, and together we explore the complex web of wartime  and post-war justice, and the search for the truth.  A thought -provoking discussion about crime, justice, due process, human responses and revenge. 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

    46 min

  4. 16 SEPT

    Episode 55 - Operation Pimento: Escape, Evasion and Resolution, with Adam Hart

    Send us a message or question! This week, we're joined by Adam Hart, to discuss his new book about a downed Halifax pilot, who also happens to be his great-grandfather.  Operation Pimento  is a riveting story of courage, defiance, and survival.  Centered on his great-grandfather, Frank Griffiths, this extraordinary true account shines a light on the men and women of the French Resistance who risked everything to stand against tyranny and to assist Allied airmen to evade capture. From the perilous crossings of the Swiss Alps to the treacherous trails of the Pyrenees and beyond, Hart retraces his ancestor’s footsteps, uncovering the untold stories of bravery and resilience that defined an era. Blending personal discovery with powerful history, Operation Pimento is not only a testament to the indomitable spirit of resistance but also a deeply moving journey across landscapes where freedom was won step by step. If you'd like to read more, you can buy a copy of Operation Pimento 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

    51 min

  5. 9 SEPT

    Episode 54 - (Part 2) Above Us The Stars : 10 Squadron Bomber Command - The Wireless Operator's Story.

    Send us a message or question! (Available on general release on 10 September) In this episode James and Jane continue their chat about Jane's book, Above Us The Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command - The Wireless Operator's Story. Jane continues the story of the Pennicott crew, through the summer and autumn of 1943, and into 1944 and discusses the emotional toll of writing about such a difficult subject. Jane reveals  how a chance phonecall transformed the book, and how the story might have differed if she'd written it in 2025.  Signed copies are available direct from Jane's website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/store-buy-books/ Plain copies are available from all good booksellers, as well as Amazon. There's also a kindle version if that's your thing https://amzn.eu/d/aT1OfHg 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

    40 min

  6. 2 SEPT

    Episode 53 - Above Us the Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command - The Wireless Operator's Story (part 1)

    Send us a message or question! This week James interviews Jane about her first Bomber Command book, "Above Us the Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command  - The Wireless Operator's Story." We can't believe it's taken us 53 episodes to finally get around to discussing it!  Jane shares with listeners the background to the book, her motivation for writing it, and describes her research processes (including what it feels like to sit in the wireless op's position in a Halifax). Jane traces her great uncle Jack Clyde's journey from apprentice joiner in a small mining town on the Durham coast to bombing raids over the Ruhr Valley.  (Part 2 available for subscribers now, for everyone else on 10 September)  Signed copies are available direct from Jane's website at https://www.justcuriousjane.com/store-buy-books/ Plain copies are available from all good booksellers, as well as Amazon. There's also a kindle version if that's your thing https://amzn.eu/d/aT1OfHg 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

    53 min

  7. 26 AUG

    Episode 52 - Listeners' Questions

    Send us a message or question! This week on Never Mind the Dambusters, we answer YOUR  questions, on a whole host of issues, including:  Could a heavy bomber fly without a full crew? What was Operation Dodge? Mosquito v Lancaster, Lancaster v Halifax Gibson v Cheshire B17s in the RAF Do keep sending in your questions! 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

    46 min

  8. 19 AUG

    Episode 51 - Aircrew Flying Kit, with Daniel Richards

    Send us a message or question! In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, I take a deep dive into the fascinating and often overlooked world of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War—through the lens of the airmen's personal flying kit. I'm joined by Daniel Richards an RAF Living History enthusiast, and together we explore the evolution of aircrew equipment, from flying jackets to survival kits, and even the surprising use of pigeons for communication. Using the original clothing card issued to 10 Sqn wireless operator Jack Clyde (Jane's great Uncle)  (linked below) , we look at the kit issued to Jack through the course of the war, from boots to parachutes to dinghys!  It’s a conversation that goes beyond the gear itself, shedding light on the human stories behind the uniforms and the importance of keeping these memories alive for generations to come.  Flight Sgt John (Jack) Clyde's RAF Clothing Card  Jack in flying suit, boots and gauntlets, early 1943 The Pennicott crew, endex photo 8 March 1944.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command History 01:16 Exploring Personal Flying Kit and Clothing 05:30 The Evolution of Aircrew Kit During the War 10:17 Detailed Examination of Aircrew Equipment 14:33 Insights from Jack's Clothing Card 19:29 Understanding the Practicalities of Aircrew Gear 23:32 The Importance of Survival Equipment 27:08 Understanding the Escape Kit 30:22 The Role of Pigeons in Bomber Operations 36:34 Living History and Community Engagement 43:07 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

    43 min
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4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

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, and continue the conversations in our Facebook group.  Never Mind the Dambusters Merchandise is now available at https://never-mind-the-dambusters.teemill.com/

Information

  • Creator
    Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    62
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Never Mind The Dambusters
  • Show Website
    Never Mind The Dambusters

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