Never Mind The Dambusters

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Episode Description / Show Notes:
In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, host Jane Gulliford Lowes is joined by John Lilley from the People’s Mosquito Project to explore the extraordinary story of one of the Second World War’s most innovative and versatile aircraft: the de Havilland Mosquito.
Often described as “the wooden wonder,” the Mosquito defied conventional thinking with its largely wooden construction, exceptional speed, and remarkable adaptability. From precision bombing and Pathfinder duties to reconnaissance and special operations, the Mosquito played a unique and vital role within RAF Bomber Command — and far beyond it.
John discusses the origins and development of the Mosquito, its operational use during the bombing campaign, and the experiences of the crews who flew this fast, agile, and demanding aircraft. We also explore some of the Mosquito’s most famous raids, the aircraft’s place in popular memory, and why it continues to capture the imagination more than 80 years on.
The conversation then turns to the People’s Mosquito Project, an ambitious and inspiring effort to restore a Mosquito to flying condition in the UK. John explains how the project began, the challenges of restoring such a unique aircraft, and how listeners can support or get involved.
This episode offers both historical insight and a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving aviation heritage for future generations.
Topics Covered:
The development and design of the de Havilland Mosquito
Why wooden construction was both radical and effective
The Mosquito’s role within RAF Bomber Command
Precision raids and notable Mosquito operations
Life as a Mosquito aircrew member
The aircraft’s legacy and place in popular memory
Inside the People’s Mosquito Project
Restoring a Mosquito to flight in the 21st century
Guest:
John Lilley
Chairman, The People’s Mosquito Project
Links & Further Reading:
The People’s Mosquito Project: https://www.peoplesmosquito.org.uk/

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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

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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, host Jane Gulliford Lowes is joined by Jonathan Falconer, a leading authority on the RAF and the Second World War, to discuss the Short Stirling, Bomber Command's first four-engine heavy bomber. They explore its development, operational history, and the unique challenges it faced. Jonathan shares insights into the aircraft's design, its role in key operations, and its eventual transition to transport and special duties roles. The conversation also touches on the legacy of the Stirling and the men who flew it, highlighting its often overlooked contributions to the war effort.
You can read more about Jonathan's work here
The titles referenced in this episode: 
Short Stirling Owner's Workshop Manual (Haynes)
https://amzn.eu/d/1TFE4JV
Handley Page Halifax Owner's Workshop Manual (Haynes)
https://amzn.eu/d/cyCLs9O
RAF Bomber Command Operations Manual 
https://amzn.eu/d/cyCLs9O
Bomber Command Crewman
https://amzn.eu/d/g3ZyFQ7
Stirling Wings
https://amzn.eu/d/dPwKkse
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

Send us a message or question!
Welcome back and a happy new year ! 
🇨🇦 In this episode of "Never Mind the Dambusters," host Jane Gulliford Lowes is joined by Dr. Dan Ellin and Canadian historian Greg Kopchuk . The team explore the Canadian contribution to RAF Bomber Command, and the formation of 6 Group, from the perspective of 429 Bison Squadron. Greg explains how the Squadron got off to a fairly rocky start, with a CO who wouldn't fly and a very high casualty rate. 
Greg's book on 429 Sqn is available 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

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

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