Episodes

  • Episode 35 Restoring a Lancaster: The NX611 "Just Jane" Story, with Andrew Panton
    Feb 19 2025

    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 on his family, and the ongoing restoration efforts at the Heritage Centre.

    Andrew shares personal stories about his great uncle Chris, who was lost during a bombing raid on Nuremberg in March 1944, and how this tragedy shaped his family's dedication to preserving aviation history.

    Need a spare part for a Blenheim or a propeller for a Swordfish? Andrew is your man! We debate the vital role of volunteers in maintaining the Heritage Centre and the profound emotional connections visitors have with the aircraft.

    Finally, Andrew shares with us a very personal and emotional piece of family history. This was probably the first time we've had to pause recording, as all three of us were in tears. Hankies at the ready everyone. Look out on our social medial for a photo of Chris, as well as his younger brothers, Fred and Howard, Andrew's grandad and uncle.

    Special thanks to Andrew for sharing his family's legacy with us and our listeners. It was a privilege.

    You can read more about the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre here, including how to book taxi rides on the Avro Lancaster and the De Havilland Mosquito. Please do visit!

    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


    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Episode 34 Writing the Bomber War - The Official Histories Controversy, with Professor Alan Allport
    Feb 12 2025

    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 Noble Frankland. Our conversation delves into the challenges faced during the publication process, the reactions from military figures, including a right old ding-dong with with Sir Arthur Harris, and the "dirty tricks campaign" waged by elements of the British press against Frankland.
    Alan explains how the histories, and the reaction to them, influenced modern interpretations of the bombing campaign.
    This is a must-listen for anyone studying or interested in the historiography of Bomber Command.
    (Apologies for any spaniel barking in the background we didn't manage to edit out!)

    Frankland's book about writing the official history is a thought-provoking read, and highly-recommended. It's called History at War, and you can get it here:

    You can follow Alan on bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/alanallport.bsky.social and read about his work here. Look out for the follow up to the wonderful Britain at Bay , Advance Britannia, later this year.

    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


    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • 🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 35 Restoring a Lancaster: the N611 "Just Jane" Story, with Andrew Panton
    Feb 8 2025

    Subscriber-only episode

    Send us a message or question!

    *** Episode on general release Wednesday 19th February 2025

    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 on his family, and the ongoing restoration efforts at the Heritage Centre.

    Andrew shares personal stories about his great uncle Chris, who was lost during a bombing raid on Nuremberg in March 1944, and how this tragedy shaped his family's dedication to preserving aviation history.

    Need a spare part for a Blenheim or a propeller for a Swordfish? Andrew is your man! We debate the vital role of volunteers in maintaining the Heritage Centre and the profound emotional connections visitors have with the aircraft.

    Finally, Andrew shares with us a very personal and emotional piece of family history. This was probably the first time we've had to pause recording, as all three of us were in tears. Hankies at the ready everyone. Look out on our social medial for a photo of Chris, as well as his younger brothers, Fred and Howard, Andrew's grandad and uncle.

    Special thanks to Andrew for sharing his family's legacy with us and our listeners.

    You can read more about the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre here, including how to book taxi rides on the Avro Lancaster and the De Havilland Mosquito. Please do visit!

    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


    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Episode 33 Bomber Command: The Chaplain's Story
    Feb 5 2025

    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, especially in offering emotional and spiritual support to airmen. We discuss the historical context of RAF chaplaincy, the challenges faced by chaplains like Rev. George Martin of 7 PFF Sqn, and the lasting effects of war on both service members and the chaplains themselves.

    It's fair to say we were emotional wrecks after this one! Many thanks to Eleanor for a wonderful and very moving discussion.

    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


    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Episode 32 - Bomber Command VCs (pt 1) - Gray and Garland
    Jan 29 2025

    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 gallantry "in the presence of the enemy".

    We begin by discussing the history and significance of the Victoria Cross, the profiles of the two airmen, and the context of their bravery during the early days of World War II. The conversation delves into the operations of the Advanced Air Striking Force, the challenges faced during the Phoney War, and the tragic outcomes of a specific mission to destroy bridges in Belgium in May 1940. The episode concludes with reflections on the legacy of the Fairy Battle aircraft and the sacrifices made by the aircrew, emphasizing the importance of remembering their valour and the impact of their actions during the war.

    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


    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • 🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 34 Writing the Bomber War - The Official Histories Controversy, with Professor Alan Allport
    Jan 28 2025

    Subscriber-only episode

    Send us a message or question!

    *** Episode on general release Wednesday 12 February 2025

    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 Noble Frankland. Our conversation delves into the challenges faced during the publication process, the reactions from military figures, including a right old ding-dong with with Sir Arthur Harris, and the "dirty tricks campaign" waged by elements of the British press against Frankland.
    Alan explains how the histories, and the reaction to them, influenced modern interpretations of the bombing campaign.
    This is a must-listen for anyone studying or interested in the historiography of Bomber Command.
    (Apologies for any spaniel barking in the background we didn't manage to edit out!)

    Frankland's book about writing the official history is a thought-provoking read, and highly-recommended. It's called History at War, and you can get it here:

    You can follow Alan on bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/alanallport.bsky.social and read about his work here. Look out for the follow up to the wonderful Britain at Bay , Advance Britannia, later this year.

    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


    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • 🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 33 Bomber Command: The Chaplain's Story
    Jan 26 2025

    Subscriber-only episode

    Send us a message or question!

    ** Episode on general release Wednesday 5 February 2025.

    In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, we welcome 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, especially in offering emotional and spiritual support to airmen. We discuss the historical context of RAF chaplaincy, the challenges faced by chaplains like George Martin, and the lasting effects of war on both service members and the chaplains themselves. It's fair to say we were emotional wrecks after this one! Many thanks to Eleanor for a wonderful and very moving discussion.

    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


    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • 🔒 (PREMIUM) Ep. 32 - Bomber Command VCs (Pt 1) - Gray and Garland
    Jan 25 2025

    Subscriber-only episode

    Send us a message or question!

    ** Episode on general release Wednesday 29 January 2025


    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 other men who received the British Military's highest award for gallantry "in the presence of the enemy".

    We begin by discussing the history and significance of the Victoria Cross, the profiles of the two airmen, and the context of their bravery during the early days of World War II. The conversation delves into the operations of the Advanced Air Striking Force, the challenges faced during the Phoney War, and the tragic outcomes of a specific mission to destroy bridges in Belgium in May 1940. The episode concludes with reflections on the legacy of the Fairy Battle aircraft and the sacrifices made by the aircrew, emphasizing the importance of remembering their valour and the impact of their actions during the war.


    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


    Show More Show Less
    34 mins