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, and continue the conversations in our Facebook group.
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Never Mind The Dambusters
(EARLY ACCESS) Episode 61: The Wooden Wonder - De Havilland Mosquito, with John Lilley
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**Episode on general release on Wednesday 21 January 2026
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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