Best Dambusters Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 50 50th Episode Special: The Dambusters' Legacy, with Dr Dan Ellin 42:42

6d ago42:42

42:42

Send us a message or question! This week, we celebrate our 50th episode by welcoming Dr Dan Ellin of the University of Lincoln and the International Bomber Command Centre, back to the show. Dan joins us to explore the legacy of the Dambusters , and in particular how the 1955 film has shaped the collective memory of Bomber Command. From Star Wars to…

1
(EARLY ACCESS) Episode 50 50th Episode Special: The Dambusters' Legacy, with Dr Dan Ellin. 42:42

10d ago42:42

42:42

Send us a message or question! ***Episode on general release Wednesday 13 August This week, we celebrate our 50th episode by welcoming Dr Dan Ellin of the University of Lincoln and the International Bomber Command Centre, back to the show. Dan joins us to explore the legacy of the Dambusters , and in particular how the 1955 film has shaped the coll…

1
Episode 49 - Len Deighton's "Bomber" : Telling Stories, with Adrian Bean 43:12

13d ago43:12

43:12

Send us a message or question! (Apologies - no James this week due to technical issues!) This week, Jane is joined by Adrian Bean, a writer and director with a passion for military history. They explore the complexities of RAF Bomber Command, the challenges of adapting Len Deighton's 'Bomber' for BBC radio, and the human stories behind the bombing …

1
Episode 48 - "Desert Island Books" : Our Top 10 Bomber Command Reads 50:09

20d ago50:09

50:09

Send us a message or question! This week we each share our top 5 Bomber Command books in the categories of popular history, memoir, academic, fiction and we also throw in a wild card! What are your favourites? Do you love or hate our picks? Spoiler alert: If you don't want to know what we chose, avoid the shopping list below! Jane's choices Popular…

1
Episode 47 - Remembering the Bombing War in Normandy, with Paul Woodadge 50:26

27d ago50:26

50:26

Send us a message or question! This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply …

1
(EARLY ACCESS) Episode 47 - Remembering the Bombing War in Normandy, with Paul Woodage 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

Send us a message or question! This week, we tackle some thorny issues with our with guest Paul Woodadge, the host of YouTube show WW2TV about the multifaceted history of RAF Bomber Command during World War II. Growing up near former USAAF airbases in Suffolk, just across the border from Essex and Colchester, Paul, who most of you will know simply …

1
Episode 46 From the Channel Dash to the Long March: The Navigator's Story, with Stuart Green. 47:52

1M ago47:52

47:52

Send us a message or question! This week, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies chat to Stuart Green, who shares the remarkable story of his father Alan, a Bomber Command navigator on Wellingtons and Stirlings. Alan Green took part in some of the most famous operations of the war, including the Channel Dash, the 1000 Bomber Raid, and the s…

1
Episode 45 - Flying into the Storm: Early War Bombers, with Chris Sams 50:53

1M ago50:53

50:53

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 t…

1
SAINT MAXIMILIAN KOLBE | A Catholic Priest's Sacrifice at Auschwitz during World War Two Holocaust 10:39

1M ago10:39

10:39

By Steve Lee

1
Episode 44 - The Greatest Enemy - Meteorological Flights, with Jamie Heffer 43:04

2M ago43:04

43:04

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 t…

1
FALL OF SAIGON 1975 AND THE NAPALM GIRL | The Vietnam War and Kim Phúc’s journey to forgiveness 7:47

3M ago7:47

7:47

By Steve Lee

1
BATTLE OF VIMY RIDGE WORLD WAR 1 | Canada’s Great Easter Battle at Vimy Ridge in 1917 7:08

4M ago7:08

7:08

By Steve Lee

1
Episode 43 - Norwegian Heroes of Bomber Command, with Haakon Vinje 30:31

4M ago30:31

30:31

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 i…

1
Episode 42 - Bomber Command Losses Database / Navigational Technology, with Dave Gilbert 39:47

4M ago39:47

39:47

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…

1
Episode 41 - The Invisible Campaign (Part 2): Bomber Command Gardening Operations 49:02

5M ago49:02

49:02

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 th…

1
Episode 40 - The Invisible Campaign: Bomber Command Gardening Operations (Part 1) 53:44

5M ago53:44

53:44

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', w…

1
Episode 39 - Night Fighter Offensive, with Stuart Burbridge 50:33

5M ago50:33

50:33

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 inno…

1
Episode 38 - A German Jew in Bomber Command: Escape, Evasion & Revenge, with Marc Stevens 50:55

5M ago50:55

50:55

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 …

7M ago8:38

8:38

1
Episode 31 A Coastal Command Base in WW2: RAF Bircham Newton, with Jamie Heffer 55:40

7M ago55:40

55:40

Send us a message or question! This episode has it all... Bombers in WW1, Coastal Command in WW2, Air-Sea rescue, anti-shipping operations, Balfour, Portal, Blenheims, Hudsons, Ansons, Kestrels, lifeboats and even flying naked over Norfolk in a bi-plane... Tune in for a fantastic discussion with Jamie Heffer, Chairman of the RAF Bircham Newton Heri…

1
Episode 30 - Building The Bombers, with Andrew Rawson 42:01

7M ago42:01

42:01

Send us a message or question! Welcome back - Series 2 is here! In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies welcome historian Andrew Rawson to discuss the design and manufacture of bomber aircraft during World War II. The conversation covers the evolution of the aircraft industry from pre-war rearmam…

1
Episode 29 Christmas on a Bomber Station 1943 - with Dr Dan Ellin 36:35

8M ago36:35

36:35

Send us a message or question! 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄 In this final episode of the series, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes are joined by Dr Dan Ellin to reflect on the significance of Christmas during the Second World War, particularly for RAF Bomber Command crews during the winter of 1943. They discuss personal stories, listener cont…

1
Episode 28 - The Auschwitz Debate, with Dr Waitman Beorn 44:00

8M ago44:00

44:00

Send us a message or question! WARNING: This episode includes discussion of issues surrounding the Holocaust and genocide which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode, the hosts engage in a profound discussion with Dr. Waitman Beorn about the controversial topic of whether the Allies could and should have bombed Auschwitz during World…

1
WW1 CHRISTMAS TRUCE | 1914 Trench Football Match between England and Germany on No Man’s Land 6:18

9M ago6:18

6:18

By Steve Lee

1
KING ALFRED THE GREAT defeats VIKING KING GUTHRUM and the Viking invasion | Battle of Edington 3:36

9M ago3:36

3:36

By Steve Lee

1
A BRIDGE TOO FAR | Disastrous OPERATION MARKET GARDEN in WW2 and the Angel of Arnhem 3:31

9M ago3:31

3:31

By Steve Lee

1
WW2 MASSACRE AT ORADOUR SUR GLANE 1944 | French village exterminated by German SS troops after D-Day 6:00

9M ago6:00

6:00

By Steve Lee

1
TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR WW1 | Remembrance Day in Westminster Abbey 1920 7:06

9M ago7:06

7:06

By Steve Lee

1
Episode 27 The Men in the Bomber: Models, Memorials, 158 Sqn & More - with Luke Turner 54:01

9M ago54:01

54:01

Send us a message or question! In this episode, James Jefferies and Jane Gulliford Lowes engage in a lively discussion with author Luke Turner about the complexities of Bomber Command's history, model-making, the legacy of the Dambusters film, his fascination with 158 Squadron, and the personal stories of individuals like Bertram Warr. They explore…

1
Episode 26 - A Canadian Bomber Crew in Training/ Your Questions Answered 46:30

9M ago46:30

46:30

Send us a message or question! This week, Jane and James explore the training of bomber crews, and the perilous nature of life at the OTUs and HCUs. They discuss the training structure, the tragic story of a training flight that ended in disaster for the Canadian crew, and the importance of memorializing those who lost their lives in training. Jane…

1
Episode 25 - Coastal Command, with Andy Bird 38:28

9M ago38:28

38:28

Send us a message or question! In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, hosts Jane Gulliford-Lowes and James Jefferies engage with historian Andrew Bird to explore the often-overlooked role of Coastal Command in the RAF during World War II. The conversation covers the origins and structure of Coastal Command, its critical role in the Battle of…

1
Episode 24 - The African and Caribbean Airmen of Bomber Command, with John Concagh 42:46

9M ago42:46

42:46

Send us a message or question! 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 …

1
Episode 23 - Did Bomber Command Succeed? 56:15

10M ago56:15

56:15

Send us a message or question! 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 sh…

1
Episode 22 Bomber Command in Video Games, with Ethan Adato 49:15

10M ago49:15

49:15

Send us a message or question! 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 portrayi…

1
Episode 21 - Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain Part 2 29:18

10M ago29:18

29:18

Send us a message or question! Battle of Britain Part 2 This week Jane and James continue their discussion on the role of Bomber Command during the Battle of Britain. They discuss the 'Battle of the Barges', the heroic actions of Sergeant John Hanna VC, and the daring Dortmund-Ems Canal raid. The conversation also highlights Winston Churchill's rec…

1
Episode 20 - Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain Part 1 29:53

10M ago29:53

29:53

Send us a message or question! At last! We finally got around to talking about Bomber Command's often overlooked role in the Battle of Britain. In the first of two episodes on this topic, we chat about the run up to the Battle, and highlight the significant contribution of Bomber Command, particularly in attacking Luftwaffe airfields and attacking …

1
Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton 47:29

10M ago47:29

47:29

Send us a message or question! 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 fathe…

1
Episode 18 - Random Chat & Your Questions! 38:40

11M ago38:40

38:40

Send us a message or question! We're delighted to have James back on the show and in good form... This week we're having a random chat about all sorts of stuff, from books and films to 'dream flight' scenarios. We answer listeners' questions, and debate whether the USAAF could've carried out Operation Chastise, and whether more targeted bombing cou…

1
Episode 17 - Masters of the Air, with Abby Whitlock 41:47

11M ago41:47

41:47

Send us a message or question! 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 represen…

1
Episode 16 - The Memory Minefield: Veteran's Stories & Tall Tales, with Ally Campbell-Grieve 39:51

11M ago39:51

39:51

Send us a message or question! 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 conversati…

1
Episode 15- ARNHEM : Glider Pilots and Bomber Tugs, with Matt Yates. 55:13

11M ago55:13

55:13

Send us a message or question! This week we discuss the role of RAF bomber aircraft as glider tugs in the Arnhem airlift and airborne operations. We're joined by Matt Yates, the Chief Operations Officer for the Vickers Machine Gun Collection and Research Association, and owner of the Chalk Glider Pilot Regiment Collection. Matt provides insight int…

1
Episode 14 - Bomber Command in the Norwegian Campaign, 1940 24:02

12M ago24:02

24:02

Send us a message or question! Jane is flying solo again this week so this is quite a short one! In this episode she discusses the Norwegian campaign from April to June 1940, which is often overlooked in the history of Bomber Command and World War II. Bomber Command's role in the campaign included bombing German air bases, attacking Kriegsmarine sh…

1
Episode 13 Combat Stress, Psychological Casualties, & 'Lack of Moral Fibre' - Dr Dan Ellin & Mary Brazier 50:13

12M ago50:13

50:13

Send us a message or question! ‘Even heroes have a breakdown point. Honour and moral fibre are variables. Like pain, the threshold is different in each of us.’ - Phillip Gray, Bomber Pilot. This week, Jane discusses the issue of psychiatric casualties in Bomber Command, with Dr. Dan Ellin (University of Lincoln and International Bomber Command Cent…

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