Send us a message or question!

In this episode, Jane Gulliford Lowes is joined by author and military historian Sean Feast to examine one of the most strategically important — and morally complex — operations of the bombing war: RAF Bomber Command’s attack on the German V-weapons research centre at Peenemünde in August 1943.

Peenemünde was no ordinary target. As the heart of Germany’s V-1 and V-2 programme, it represented a direct threat to Britain and forced Allied planners to attempt an unprecedented level of precision under combat conditions. The raid, known as Operation Hydra, played a crucial role in the development of the Master Bomber concept and highlighted both the possibilities and limitations of precision bombing in 1943.

Sean draws on decades of research to explore:

• Why the V-weapons programme alarmed Allied leaders
• The intelligence picture behind identifying and targeting Peenemünde
• How Operation Hydra differed from routine bombing operations
• The evolution and operational role of the Master Bomber
• What the raid was like for the aircrews who flew it
• Bomber Command losses and the human cost of the operation
• The raid’s short- and long-term impact on the V-1 and V-2 programmes
• How Peenemünde is remembered today, and what it reveals about the moral complexity of the bombing war

This episode goes beyond operational history to focus on the lived experience of Bomber Command aircrew, the pressures they faced, and the difficult balance between innovation, necessity, and sacrifice.

About the Guest

Sean Feast began his career in journalism in the mid-1980s and is now a highly respected military historian and author of more than twenty books. His works include Master Bombers, Heroic Endeavour, and A Pathfinder’s War. He is a regular contributor to FlyPast and Aeroplane Monthly, and his research has significantly shaped modern understanding of RAF Bomber Command and its aircrews.

Sean is also the co-host of the new aviation history podcast Fighting High, which explores the air war through expert discussion and deep historical insight.
You can find Fighting High here:
👉 https://fightinghighpodcast.com
(or via your usual podcast platforms)

Coming Up Next

In the next episode, Jane will be joined by Professor Alan Allport to discuss his new book Advance Britannia, examining Britain’s war effort from 1943 onwards and how the conflict has been remembered and interpreted.

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!

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/

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!

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