Best Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies Podcasts (2025)

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

2M 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…

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

2M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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…

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

3M 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 …

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Episode 37 - Operations Manna and Exodus, with Dr Sarah-Louise Miller 36:42

4M ago36:42

36:42

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 experie…

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Episode 36 - A Question and Answer Fest! 44:52

4M ago44:52

44:52

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 E…

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Episode 35 Restoring a Lancaster: The NX611 "Just Jane" Story, with Andrew Panton 55:31

4M ago55:31

55:31

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 …

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Episode 34 Writing the Bomber War - The Official Histories Controversy, with Professor Alan Allport 44:39

4M ago44:39

44:39

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 N…

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Episode 33 Bomber Command: The Chaplain's Story 53:35

5M ago53:35

53:35

Send us a message or question! In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, we welcome Reverend Eleanor Rance, the first female Church of England Chaplain in the Royal Air Force. Eleanor shares her personal experiences from her time on deployment with the RAF in Iraq, and insights into the crucial role chaplains played during the Second World War,…

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Episode 32 - Bomber Command VCs (pt 1) - Gray and Garland 34:24

5M ago34:24

34:24

Send us a message or question! In a change to our usual format, this episode focuses on the Victoria Cross winners from RAF Bomber Command, specifically Sergeant Thomas Gray and Flying Officer Donald Garland. Over the course of the current series, we'll be telling the stories of the men who received the British Military's highest award for gallantr…

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

5M 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…

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

5M 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…

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

6M 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…

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

6M 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…

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

7M 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…

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

7M 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…

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

7M 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

7M 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 …

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Episode 23 - Did Bomber Command Succeed? 56:15

8M 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…

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

8M 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…

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

8M 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…

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

8M 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 …

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

8M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

9M 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…

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

10M 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…

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

10M 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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(Premium) Episode 13 Combat Stress, Psychiatric Casualties, & 'Lack of Moral Fibre' - Dr Dan Ellin & Mary Brazier 50:13

10M ago50:13

50:13

Send us a message or question! **Episode on public release 28 August 2024 ‘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 Li…

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Episode 12 Cultural Memory and Moral Debate, with Daniel Knowles 36:04

10M ago36:04

36:04

Send us a message or question! Jane and James are joined by writer and historian Daniel Knowles to discuss the cultural memory and evolving opinions of RAF Bomber Command. They explore topics such as the role of Bomber Command in the defeat of Germany, the influence of the Dresden raids, and the moral debate surrounding area bombing. The historiogr…

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Episode 11 Your Bomber Command Questions Answered! 43:42

10M ago43:42

43:42

Send us a message or question! In this episode, Jane and James have a good old chinwag about We Have Ways Fest and their own research projects. Jane chats about her upcoming book on the Lofoten Commando raids, while James reveals his exciting news of writing a book on the Augsburg Raid. In the second half of the show, the team answer listeners' que…

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Episode 10 Researching Your Bomber Command Ancestor 59:17

11M ago59:17

59:17

Send us a message or question! We answer the question we get asked most frequently - "How do I go about researching someone who served with RAF Bomber Command?" In this episode, we discuss how to research ancestors or family members who served with RAF Bomber Command during World War II. We provide a guide to tackling this topic and share own own e…

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Episode 9 Behind the Scenes at the RAF Museum 48:51

11M ago48:51

48:51

Send us a message or question! Jane and James discuss their upcoming talks at the We Have Ways of Making You Talk Second World War History Festival in July, and introduce their guests, Dr. Megan Kelleher and Rab Cooper, from the RAF Midlands Museum. Megan and Rab discuss the challenges of presenting the Air War to modern audiences, including the et…

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Episode 8 - Arthur Harris and Area Bombing, with Professor Alan Allport 47:16

12M ago47:16

47:16

Send us a message or question! In this conversation, Jane and James chat to historian and author Professor Alan Allport about the decision of the British cabinet to allow the RAF to start bombing Germany's Ruhr Valley. He explains that this decision, made in May 1940, was a watershed moment in the war and really marked the beginning of the bombing …

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Episode 7 - The Avro Lancaster, with Dr Sarah-Louise Miller 33:18

1y ago33:18

33:18

Send us a message or question! Jane and James interview Dr. Sarah Louise Miller about her new book on the Avro Lancaster, The Lancaster Story. They discuss the significance of the Lancaster in RAF Bomber Command during World War II and its cultural impact. They also explore the personal stories and experiences of those involved with the Lancaster, …

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Episode 6 Bomber Command and D-Day (extended episode) 1:05:27

1y ago1:05:27

1:05:27

Send us a message or question! In this episode, Jane and James discuss RAF Bomber Command's role in Operations Neptune and Overlord, initially focusing on the preparations for the invasion, particularly the mine-laying element known as MAPLE. They explore the complexities, challenges, and successes of the mine-laying operations, highlighting the in…

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Episode 5 The Wuppertal Raid Pt 2 - Firestorm 36:27

1y ago36:27

36:27

Send us a message or question! WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of war, death and injury which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode, Jane and James continue their discussion about the Wuppertal raid of May 1943, focusing on the experiences of two crews from 10 Squadron, Penny's Prangers and the Clarke crew, each t…

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Episode 4 Planning a Bombing Operation: Wuppertal 1943 (Pt.1) 41:28

1y ago41:28

41:28

Send us a message or question! In this episode, Jane and James discuss the planning of the raid on Wuppertal on 29/30 May 1943. They explore the reasons why Bomber Command targeted the Ruhr Valley and how targets were selected and operations were planned. They also focus on two rookie crews from 10 Squadron who took part in the raid, the Pennicott …

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Episode 3 Handley Page Halifax - A Flight Engineer's Story 38:13

1y ago38:13

38:13

Send us a message or question! 100 year old RAF veteran Tom Davidson shares his experiences of flying on a Halifax in 1944-1945. In this episode of Never Mind the Dam Busters, Jane and James discuss the Handley Page Halifax, an unsung hero of Bomber Command. They delve into the evolution of the Halifax, from the 'death-trap' early Marks to the magn…

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Episode 2 - Erks, Chop Girls and Gremlins 46:51

1y ago46:51

46:51

Send us a message or question! In this episode, the James and Jane are joined by Dr. Dan Ellin to discuss the role of ground crew, ground personnel (there's a difference!) and Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War II. The conversation touches on the concept of the 'chop girl' and the superstitions surrounding dating aircrew. The hosts…

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Episode 1 - Bomber Command Begins 44:22

1y ago44:22

44:22

Send us a message or question! Welcome to the first episode of Never Mind The Dambusters! In this episode James and Jane discuss the origins of their mutual interest in RAF Bomber Command, and talk about the evolution of Strategic Bombing Theory from the Great War to the late 1930s. What did it take to build a strategic bomber force and why was it …

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Trailer 4:25

1y ago4:25

4:25

Send us a message or question! Welcome to Never Mind The Dambusters, a brand new podcast dedicated to RAF Bomber Command's wartime history. The Dams raids were perhaps amongst the most famous and daring of the Second World War, but there's so much more to Bomber Command's history. Join historians Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies fortnightly…

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