Never Mind The Dambusters
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.
Never Mind The Dambusters
(PREMIUM) Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton
**Subscriber only episode - on general release Wednesday 9th October 2024.
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 father) and joined Bomber Command at 16, completing a full tour of 34 operations before his 18th birthday. He then went on to do a second tour, serving with the elite Pathfinder group. He was killed on operations over Berlin in August 1943, aged just 19.
Graham shares his journey of discovering Brian's story, and the discussion touches on the emotional impact of war on families, and the legacy of those who served.
Link to Graham's book (available on Kindle and in print).
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
