James Jefferies
@jamesjhistory.bsky.social
Aviation and Cultural Historian: The memory of the RAF in the Second World War. PhD student and Assistant Lecturer, University of Essex and Wolverhampton. Co-Presenter for @nmtdambusters.bsky.social pod.
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My first book will be published in 2026. This will be on the daylight raid on Augsburg (Operation Margin) in April 1942 by RAF Lancasters of 44 and 97 Squadrons.
Many thanks to @barnthorn.bsky.social for approaching me 😊
Watch this space for updates as and when.
My first book will be published in 2026. This will be on the daylight raid on Augsburg (Operation Margin) in April 1942 by RAF Lancasters of 44 and 97 Squadrons.
Many thanks to @barnthorn.bsky.social for approaching me 😊
Watch this space for updates as and when.
November 9, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Reposted by James Jefferies
And I'm wearing a wizard @nmtdambusters.bsky.social T-shirt!
Never mind the logbooks 📚
The fantastic @danellin.bsky.social talking at the Aviation Cultures conference this morning talking about logbooks in the IBCC digital archive and approaching difficult heritage. Absolutely fascinating stuff!
The fantastic @danellin.bsky.social talking at the Aviation Cultures conference this morning talking about logbooks in the IBCC digital archive and approaching difficult heritage. Absolutely fascinating stuff!
November 8, 2025 at 10:08 AM
And I'm wearing a wizard @nmtdambusters.bsky.social T-shirt!
Never mind the logbooks 📚
The fantastic @danellin.bsky.social talking at the Aviation Cultures conference this morning talking about logbooks in the IBCC digital archive and approaching difficult heritage. Absolutely fascinating stuff!
The fantastic @danellin.bsky.social talking at the Aviation Cultures conference this morning talking about logbooks in the IBCC digital archive and approaching difficult heritage. Absolutely fascinating stuff!
November 8, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Never mind the logbooks 📚
The fantastic @danellin.bsky.social talking at the Aviation Cultures conference this morning talking about logbooks in the IBCC digital archive and approaching difficult heritage. Absolutely fascinating stuff!
The fantastic @danellin.bsky.social talking at the Aviation Cultures conference this morning talking about logbooks in the IBCC digital archive and approaching difficult heritage. Absolutely fascinating stuff!
Conference ready! 👀
November 8, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Conference ready! 👀
I've been a bit silent on social media as I've been busy working on the PhD. To (hopefully) make up for it here's my first substack article sharing some of my research:
open.substack.com/pub/jamesjhi...
open.substack.com/pub/jamesjhi...
October 2025 Update
British Politics, RAF Personnel, and the Second World War
open.substack.com
October 14, 2025 at 8:21 PM
I've been a bit silent on social media as I've been busy working on the PhD. To (hopefully) make up for it here's my first substack article sharing some of my research:
open.substack.com/pub/jamesjhi...
open.substack.com/pub/jamesjhi...
Can confirm. I'm exhausted and need to catch up with a lot of work! We'll be back soon 😊
We're taking a break for a bit. We're both exhausted! James will be working on his PhD & I have a book to write. Series 4 is due in Jan with episodes on Peenemunde, Master Bombers, the Stirling, Cold War Bombers, Battle of Hamburg & so much more! Thank you all for your support, & for listening ❤️
October 1, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Can confirm. I'm exhausted and need to catch up with a lot of work! We'll be back soon 😊
Reposted by James Jefferies
Another terrific series from @nmtdambusters.bsky.social … can’t believe the latest season is over. Thanks @lydiajane13.bsky.social & @jamesjhistory.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Another terrific series from @nmtdambusters.bsky.social … can’t believe the latest season is over. Thanks @lydiajane13.bsky.social & @jamesjhistory.bsky.social
Well the wings are on now
September 26, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Well the wings are on now
Long overdue.
I'm back to working on the 1:48 scale Airfix Bristol Blenheim.
I'm back to working on the 1:48 scale Airfix Bristol Blenheim.
September 25, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Long overdue.
I'm back to working on the 1:48 scale Airfix Bristol Blenheim.
I'm back to working on the 1:48 scale Airfix Bristol Blenheim.
Reposted by James Jefferies
The first in a short series of posts from the RAF Museum in honour of the @nmtdambusters.bsky.social Pod. First the stalwart of the early Gardening operations, the Handley Page Hampden (complete with battle damage) @jamesjhistory.bsky.social @lydiajane13.bsky.social 1/7
September 21, 2025 at 5:01 PM
The first in a short series of posts from the RAF Museum in honour of the @nmtdambusters.bsky.social Pod. First the stalwart of the early Gardening operations, the Handley Page Hampden (complete with battle damage) @jamesjhistory.bsky.social @lydiajane13.bsky.social 1/7
Reposted by James Jefferies
Hello! In this week's episode we talk to Adam Hart about his new book, OPERATION PIMENTO. Adam shares details of his journey from Switzerland to Spain, tracing the steps of his Great-grandfather, a bomber pilot who evaded capture with help from the Resistance.
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
Episode 55 - Operation Pimento: Escape, Evasion and Resolution, with Adam Hart - Never Mind The Dambusters
This week, we're joined by Adam Hart, to discuss his new book about a downed Halifax pilot, who also happens to be his great-grandfather. Operation Pimento is a riveting story of courage, d...
www.buzzsprout.com
September 17, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Hello! In this week's episode we talk to Adam Hart about his new book, OPERATION PIMENTO. Adam shares details of his journey from Switzerland to Spain, tracing the steps of his Great-grandfather, a bomber pilot who evaded capture with help from the Resistance.
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
The two parter on Above Us The Stars is my favourite recording without a guest. I love the fact I get to ask Jane about the book (which is superb) and I'm basically fanboying for 2 hours.
Finally caught up with Part 2 of latest @nmtdambusters.bsky.social podcast. Oh my, you had me in tears, @lydiajane13.bsky.social … but I think the staff of Tesco’s must think me mad: the story of the prayers for Germany just stopped me dead mid-shopping. Thank you. @jamesjhistory.bsky.social
September 8, 2025 at 12:24 PM
The two parter on Above Us The Stars is my favourite recording without a guest. I love the fact I get to ask Jane about the book (which is superb) and I'm basically fanboying for 2 hours.
Reposted by James Jefferies
Episode 53 is now live ... We finally get round to discussing Jane's book, Above Us The Stars, about a 10 Sqn Halifax wireless operator who also happened to be Jane's great uncle, Jack Clyde.
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
September 3, 2025 at 9:20 AM
Episode 53 is now live ... We finally get round to discussing Jane's book, Above Us The Stars, about a 10 Sqn Halifax wireless operator who also happened to be Jane's great uncle, Jack Clyde.
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
Me: "I could walk to the station from the hotel on the way home but it's a few miles and I have a heavy case with me. I guess it might be better getting transport there. Let's just check it."
*Google's route*
"Oh there's a model shop on the route there..."
Me:
*Google's route*
"Oh there's a model shop on the route there..."
Me:
September 1, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Me: "I could walk to the station from the hotel on the way home but it's a few miles and I have a heavy case with me. I guess it might be better getting transport there. Let's just check it."
*Google's route*
"Oh there's a model shop on the route there..."
Me:
*Google's route*
"Oh there's a model shop on the route there..."
Me:
Day 2 has been fantastic at the IWM History Festival at Duxford. It's been so lovely to meet so many people and get to give a talk twice at it. A massive shout out for the staff and folks behind the scenes here. They work so hard and we wouldn't be able to give our talks without you!
August 31, 2025 at 8:43 PM
Day 2 has been fantastic at the IWM History Festival at Duxford. It's been so lovely to meet so many people and get to give a talk twice at it. A massive shout out for the staff and folks behind the scenes here. They work so hard and we wouldn't be able to give our talks without you!
As I turned up to IWM Duxford today a Hawker Hurricane flew over me and then landed. Then as I walk in I see my two favourite aircraft parked next to each other and took this image. Later, just as I'm about to go on stage, second beforehand, the Blenheim took off.
How cool is this!?
How cool is this!?
August 31, 2025 at 8:42 PM
As I turned up to IWM Duxford today a Hawker Hurricane flew over me and then landed. Then as I walk in I see my two favourite aircraft parked next to each other and took this image. Later, just as I'm about to go on stage, second beforehand, the Blenheim took off.
How cool is this!?
How cool is this!?
What a day at IWM Duxford History Festival! Some highlights below.
And it was so great to do a talk with the brilliant Dr. Sarah Miller today and say hi to lots of folks.
Also this is not a permanent gelled hairstyle in picture 1. It was just a really windy day.
And it was so great to do a talk with the brilliant Dr. Sarah Miller today and say hi to lots of folks.
Also this is not a permanent gelled hairstyle in picture 1. It was just a really windy day.
August 30, 2025 at 9:19 PM
What a day at IWM Duxford History Festival! Some highlights below.
And it was so great to do a talk with the brilliant Dr. Sarah Miller today and say hi to lots of folks.
Also this is not a permanent gelled hairstyle in picture 1. It was just a really windy day.
And it was so great to do a talk with the brilliant Dr. Sarah Miller today and say hi to lots of folks.
Also this is not a permanent gelled hairstyle in picture 1. It was just a really windy day.
Reposted by James Jefferies
Morning! Ep 52 is now live. We answer YOUR questions on everything from crewing requirements to B17s. With added contributions from Pippin! www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
Episode 52 - Listeners' Questions - Never Mind The Dambusters
This week on Never Mind the Dambusters, we answer YOUR questions, on a whole host of issues, including: Could a heavy bomber fly without a full crew?What was Operation Dodge?Mosquito v Lanc...
www.buzzsprout.com
August 27, 2025 at 7:59 AM
Morning! Ep 52 is now live. We answer YOUR questions on everything from crewing requirements to B17s. With added contributions from Pippin! www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
Reposted by James Jefferies
Pippin also gains a job as the show's producer and now barks when the episode needs to come to a conclusion.
Latest episode of the pod is available to subscribers where:
- Jane tells us how she shouts the name of vegetables as she crosses the coasts of Europe
- I wait patiently for a Beaufighter in Paris
- we go on huge tangents
- we answer listeners questions
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
- Jane tells us how she shouts the name of vegetables as she crosses the coasts of Europe
- I wait patiently for a Beaufighter in Paris
- we go on huge tangents
- we answer listeners questions
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
(EARLY ACCESS) Episode 52 - Listeners' Questions - Never Mind The Dambusters
This week on Never Mind the Dambusters, we answer YOUR questions, on a whole host of issues, including: Could a heavy bomber fly without a full crew?What was Operation Dodge?Mosquito v Lanc...
www.buzzsprout.com
August 23, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Pippin also gains a job as the show's producer and now barks when the episode needs to come to a conclusion.
Latest episode of the pod is available to subscribers where:
- Jane tells us how she shouts the name of vegetables as she crosses the coasts of Europe
- I wait patiently for a Beaufighter in Paris
- we go on huge tangents
- we answer listeners questions
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
- Jane tells us how she shouts the name of vegetables as she crosses the coasts of Europe
- I wait patiently for a Beaufighter in Paris
- we go on huge tangents
- we answer listeners questions
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
(EARLY ACCESS) Episode 52 - Listeners' Questions - Never Mind The Dambusters
This week on Never Mind the Dambusters, we answer YOUR questions, on a whole host of issues, including: Could a heavy bomber fly without a full crew?What was Operation Dodge?Mosquito v Lanc...
www.buzzsprout.com
August 23, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Latest episode of the pod is available to subscribers where:
- Jane tells us how she shouts the name of vegetables as she crosses the coasts of Europe
- I wait patiently for a Beaufighter in Paris
- we go on huge tangents
- we answer listeners questions
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
- Jane tells us how she shouts the name of vegetables as she crosses the coasts of Europe
- I wait patiently for a Beaufighter in Paris
- we go on huge tangents
- we answer listeners questions
www.buzzsprout.com/2327200/epis...
Yesterday we recorded a Q and A episode for @nmtdambusters.bsky.social and we had some great questions! We've had so many in fact we are planning to do another Q and A soon.
Out this Saturday for subscribers!
Here are a few clues about topics that we covered last night...
Out this Saturday for subscribers!
Here are a few clues about topics that we covered last night...
August 22, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Yesterday we recorded a Q and A episode for @nmtdambusters.bsky.social and we had some great questions! We've had so many in fact we are planning to do another Q and A soon.
Out this Saturday for subscribers!
Here are a few clues about topics that we covered last night...
Out this Saturday for subscribers!
Here are a few clues about topics that we covered last night...
Battle of Britain
Dam Busters
Angels One Five
Dam Busters
Angels One Five
Name 3 Films you've seen 10 times.
August 21, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Battle of Britain
Dam Busters
Angels One Five
Dam Busters
Angels One Five
Mosquito, LR503, "F-for-Freddie" beating up Calgary Airport in Canada on 9th May 1945.
Tragically the next day the Mosquito repeated this flyby but hit an anemometer tower and flag pole at the top of Control Tower and crashed killing both crew
More here: shorturl.at/3VVUO
Tragically the next day the Mosquito repeated this flyby but hit an anemometer tower and flag pole at the top of Control Tower and crashed killing both crew
More here: shorturl.at/3VVUO
August 21, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Mosquito, LR503, "F-for-Freddie" beating up Calgary Airport in Canada on 9th May 1945.
Tragically the next day the Mosquito repeated this flyby but hit an anemometer tower and flag pole at the top of Control Tower and crashed killing both crew
More here: shorturl.at/3VVUO
Tragically the next day the Mosquito repeated this flyby but hit an anemometer tower and flag pole at the top of Control Tower and crashed killing both crew
More here: shorturl.at/3VVUO
Feel free to ask us anything, folks!* We've had questions ranging from favourite films to how crews went to the toilet whilst flying on operations.
*Obviously anything related to RAF Bomber Command...
*Obviously anything related to RAF Bomber Command...
We're recording a Q & A this week... Please submit your questions by replying to this post or by emailing us at [email protected]! Thank you.
August 19, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Feel free to ask us anything, folks!* We've had questions ranging from favourite films to how crews went to the toilet whilst flying on operations.
*Obviously anything related to RAF Bomber Command...
*Obviously anything related to RAF Bomber Command...