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 35 Restoring a Lancaster: the N611 "Just Jane" Story, with Andrew Panton
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!
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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
