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
Episode 51 - Aircrew Flying Kit, with Daniel Richards
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In this episode of Never Mind the Dambusters, I take a deep dive into the fascinating and often overlooked world of RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War—through the lens of the airmen's personal flying kit. I'm joined by Daniel Richards an RAF Living History enthusiast, and together we explore the evolution of aircrew equipment, from flying jackets to survival kits, and even the surprising use of pigeons for communication.
Using the original clothing card issued to 10 Sqn wireless operator Jack Clyde (Jane's great Uncle) (linked below) , we look at the kit issued to Jack through the course of the war, from boots to parachutes to dinghys!
It’s a conversation that goes beyond the gear itself, shedding light on the human stories behind the uniforms and the importance of keeping these memories alive for generations to come.
Flight Sgt John (Jack) Clyde's RAF Clothing Card
Jack in flying suit, boots and gauntlets, early 1943
The Pennicott crew, endex photo 8 March 1944.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to RAF Bomber Command History
01:16 Exploring Personal Flying Kit and Clothing
05:30 The Evolution of Aircrew Kit During the War
10:17 Detailed Examination of Aircrew Equipment
14:33 Insights from Jack's Clothing Card
19:29 Understanding the Practicalities of Aircrew Gear
23:32 The Importance of Survival Equipment
27:08 Understanding the Escape Kit
30:22 The Role of Pigeons in Bomber Operations
36:34 Living History and Community Engagement
43:07 Show intro.wav
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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
