Best RAF Royal Air Force Podcasts (2024)

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 20 - Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain Part 1 29:53

3h ago29:53

29:53

Subscriber-only episode *** Episode on general release on Wednesday 16th October 2024. At last! We finally got around to talking about Bomber Command's often overlooked role in the Battle of Britain. In the first of two episodes on this topic, we chat about the run up to the Battle, and highlight the significant contribution of Bomber Command, part…

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 21 - Bomber Command in the Battle of Britain Part 2 29:18

3h ago29:18

29:18

Subscriber-only episode ***This episode is on general release from 23 October 2024 Battle of Britain Part 2 This week Jane and James continue their discussion on the role of Bomber Command during the Battle of Britain. They discuss the 'Battle of the Barges', the heroic actions of Sergeant John Hanna VC, and the daring Dortmund-Ems Canal raid. The …

1
Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton 47:29

11h ago47:29

47:29

This week we welcome Graham Waterton, author of 'The RAF's Youngest Bomber Pilot of World War II'. The conversation delves into the life of Flight Lieutenant Brian Slade DFC, Graham's uncle, who served as a Wellington and Lancaster pilot (and Pathfinder) . Brian Slade lied about his age to enlist (abetted by his father) and joined Bomber Command at…

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 19 - Boy Slade: Bomber Command's Youngest Pilot, with Graham Waterton 47:29

4d ago47:29

47:29

Subscriber-only episode **Subscriber only episode - on general release Wednesday 9th October 2024. This week we welcome Graham Waterton, author of 'The RAF's Youngest Bomber Pilot of World War II'. The conversation delves into the life of Flight Lieutenant Brian Slade DFC, Graham's uncle, who served as a Wellington and Lancaster pilot (and Pathfind…

1
Episode 18 - Random Chat & Your Questions! 38:40

7d ago38:40

38:40

We're delighted to have James back on the show and in good form... This week we're having a random chat about all sorts of stuff, from books and films to 'dream flight' scenarios. We answer listeners' questions, and debate whether the USAAF could've carried out Operation Chastise, and whether more targeted bombing could've ended the war sooner. On …

1
Ep 100: 100th Episode Special with CAS - People, Technology and Operations 48:01

8d ago48:01

48:01

In this 100th episode special, Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton joins Squadron Leader Peter Lisney to look back at some of the significant events and achievements that have happened for the RAF, its people, technology and operations, since InsideAIR’s first episode in January 2021. They also look ahead to what we can expect in the RAF b…

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 18 - Random Chat & Your Questions! 38:40

17d ago38:40

38:40

Subscriber-only episode ** This episode will be on general release on Wednesday 2nd October 2024. We're delighted to have James back on the show and in good form... This week we're having a random chat about all sorts of stuff, from books and films to 'dream flight' scenarios. We debate whether the USAAF could've carried out Operation Chastise, and…

1
Episode 17 - Masters of the Air, with Abby Whitlock 41:47

15d ago41:47

41:47

This week, host Jane Gulliford Lowes engages with American historian Abby Whitlock to explore the portrayal of the bombing campaigns during World War II in the series 'Masters of the Air'. They discuss Abby's personal journey into military aviation history, the cultural perceptions of RAF and USAAF crews, the representation of German civilians, and…

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 17 - Masters of the Air, with Abby Whitlock 41:47

19d ago41:47

41:47

Subscriber-only episode *This episode will be publicly available on Wednesday 25 September 2024 This week, host Jane Gulliford Lowes engages with American historian Abby Whitlock to explore the portrayal of the bombing campaigns during World War II in the series 'Masters of the Air'. They discuss Abby's personal journey into military aviation histo…

1
Episode 16 - The Memory Minefield: Veteran's Stories & Tall Tales, with Ally Campbell-Grieve 39:51

24d ago39:51

39:51

Jane is joined by Ally Campbell-Grieve ( James isn't available this week) to debate the thorny topic of how we should deal with veteran's accounts as historical sources. They explore the challenges historians face when analysing accounts from veterans, particularly those from Bomber Command during WWII. The conversation delves into the background o…

1
Ep 99: Poseidon in the Pacific 41:10

22d ago41:10

41:10

This summer, two Poseidon MRA.1 (P-8A) Maritime Reconnaissance Attack aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth flew to Hawaii for the world’s largest international maritime exercise. Called Exercise Rim of the Pacific, or RIMPAC for short, it involved 29 nations, 40 surface ships, three submarines, 14 national land forces, more than 150 aircraft and 25,000 pe…

1
🔒 (PREMIUM) Episode 16 - The Memory Minefield: Veteran's Stories & Tall Tales, with Ally Campbell-Grieve 39:51

28d ago39:51

39:51

Subscriber-only episode * Episode publicly available on Wednesday 18th September. Jane is joined by Ally Campbell-Grieve ( James isn't available this week) to debate the thorny topic of how we should deal with veteran's accounts as historical sources. They explore the challenges historians face when analysing accounts from veterans, particularly th…

1
Episode 15- ARNHEM : Glider Pilots and Bomber Tugs, with Matt Yates. 55:13

1M ago55:13

55:13

This week we discuss the role of RAF bomber aircraft as glider tugs in the Arnhem airlift and airborne operations. We're joined by Matt Yates, the Chief Operations Officer for the Vickers Machine Gun Collection and Research Association, and owner of the Chalk Glider Pilot Regiment Collection. Matt provides insight into the formation of the Glider P…

1
🔒 (Premium) Episode 15 - ARNHEM: Glider Pilots and Bomber Tugs, with Matt Yates 55:13

1M ago55:13

55:13

Subscriber-only episode * PUBLIC RELEASE ON 11 SEPTEMBER 2024 This week we discuss the role of RAF bomber aircraft as glider tugs in the Arnhem airlift and airborne operations. We're joined by Matt Yates, the Chief Operations Officer for the Vickers Machine Gun Collection and Research Association, and owner of the Chalk Glider Pilot Regiment Collec…

1
Episode 14 - Bomber Command in the Norwegian Campaign, 1940 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Jane is flying solo again this week so this is quite a short one! In this episode she discusses the Norwegian campaign from April to June 1940, which is often overlooked in the history of Bomber Command and World War II. Bomber Command's role in the campaign included bombing German air bases, attacking Kriegsmarine shipping, and mine laying. Howeve…

1
Ep 98: 617 Squadron on QRA in Iceland 45:02

1M ago45:02

45:02

The RAF normally employs its Typhoon jet fighters for land-based NATO Air Policing missions. However, this year, 617 Squadron’s F-35 B Lightnings took on the job for the first time. InsideAIR’s Flt Lt Amy Casey went to Iceland to see how they got on. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Servi…

1
🔒 (Premium) Episode 14 - Bomber Command in the Norwegian Campaign, 1940 24:02

1M ago24:02

24:02

Subscriber-only episode Jane is flying solo again this week so this is quite a short one! In this episode she discusses the Norwegian campaign from April to June 1940, which is often overlooked in the history of Bomber Command and World War II. Bomber Command's role in the campaign included bombing German air bases, attacking Kriegsmarine shipping,…

1
Episode 13 Combat Stress, Psychological Casualties, & 'Lack of Moral Fibre' - Dr Dan Ellin & Mary Brazier 50:13

1M ago50:13

50:13

‘Even heroes have a breakdown point. Honour and moral fibre are variables. Like pain, the threshold is different in each of us.’ - Phillip Gray, Bomber Pilot. This week, Jane discusses the issue of psychiatric casualties in Bomber Command, with Dr. Dan Ellin (University of Lincoln and International Bomber Command Centre) and Mary Brazier (mental he…

1
(Premium) Episode 13 Combat Stress, Psychiatric Casualties, & 'Lack of Moral Fibre' - Dr Dan Ellin & Mary Brazier 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

**Episode on public release 28 August 2024 ‘Even heroes have a breakdown point. Honour and moral fibre are variables. Like pain, the threshold is different in each of us.’ - Phillip Gray, Bomber Pilot. This week, Jane discusses the issue of psychiatric casualties in Bomber Command, with Dr. Dan Ellin (University of Lincoln and International Bomber …

1
Episode 12 Cultural Memory and Moral Debate, with Daniel Knowles 36:04

2M ago36:04

36:04

Jane and James are joined by writer and historian Daniel Knowles to discuss the cultural memory and evolving opinions of RAF Bomber Command. They explore topics such as the role of Bomber Command in the defeat of Germany, the influence of the Dresden raids, and the moral debate surrounding area bombing. The historiography of Bomber Command is also …

1
Ep 97: The Red Arrows to Canada 41:47

2M ago41:47

41:47

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, have set off to help the Royal Canadian Air Force celebrate its centenary. What does it take to move the aircraft, pilots, engineers, ground and support crew along with several tonnes of equipment across the Atlantic? InsideAIR's Flt Lt Mark McKinstry caught up with them as they prepared to depart…

1
Episode 11 Your Bomber Command Questions Answered! 43:42

2M ago43:42

43:42

In this episode, Jane and James have a good old chinwag about We Have Ways Fest and their own research projects. Jane chats about her upcoming book on the Lofoten Commando raids, while James reveals his exciting news of writing a book on the Augsburg Raid. In the second half of the show, the team answer listeners' questions about the fate of crews …

1
Ep 96: NATO Air and Space Power and the RAF's Contribution 46:15

2M ago46:15

46:15

Speaking about the RAF's contribution to NATO air and space power, Air Marshal Johnny Stringer says, “There’s no point in having an air show air force; you’ve got to be ready to turn up and do the difficult stuff”. Listen to the full interview with the Deputy Commander of NATO's Allied Air Command. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by R…

1
Episode 10 Researching Your Bomber Command Ancestor 59:17

2M ago59:17

59:17

We answer the question we get asked most frequently - "How do I go about researching someone who served with RAF Bomber Command?" In this episode, we discuss how to research ancestors or family members who served with RAF Bomber Command during World War II. We provide a guide to tackling this topic and share own own experiences. We'll cover topics …

1
Ep 95: NATO Enhanced Air Policing with the RAF and Finnish Air Force 47:52

3M ago47:52

47:52

The Finnish Air Force has deployed to Romania on its first NATO Enhanced Air Policing Mission, operating alongside the RAF’s 140 Expeditionary Air Wing. InsideAIR sent Air Specialist 1, Victoria Andrews to find out how the operation has been going. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Service…

1
Episode 9 Behind the Scenes at the RAF Museum 48:51

3M ago48:51

48:51

Jane and James discuss their upcoming talks at the We Have Ways of Making You Talk Second World War History Festival in July, and introduce their guests, Dr. Megan Kelleher and Rab Cooper, from the RAF Midlands Museum. Megan and Rab discuss the challenges of presenting the Air War to modern audiences, including the ethical questions surrounding str…

1
Ep 94: "Ready to Fly and Fight" Chief of the Air Staff 33:05

3M ago33:05

33:05

What does it mean to be ready to fly and fight? Where will that fight be? And why is the RAF changing the way it operates? Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton gives InsideAIR the answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.…

1
Episode 8 - Arthur Harris and Area Bombing, with Professor Alan Allport 47:16

3M ago47:16

47:16

In this conversation, Jane and James chat to historian and author Professor Alan Allport about the decision of the British cabinet to allow the RAF to start bombing Germany's Ruhr Valley. He explains that this decision, made in May 1940, was a watershed moment in the war and really marked the beginning of the bombing campaign 'proper'. Allport also…

1
Ep 93: Air Intelligence Out of the Shadows 39:52

4M ago39:52

39:52

We hear a lot about RAF and general military intelligence, but what do we actually mean when we talk about it? Who’s involved, what do they do, how do they do it and what happens to all the information they gather? Sqn Ldr Peter Lisney lifts the veil to get the answers. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme musi…

1
Episode 7 - The Avro Lancaster, with Dr Sarah-Louise Miller 33:18

4M ago33:18

33:18

Jane and James interview Dr. Sarah Louise Miller about her new book on the Avro Lancaster, The Lancaster Story. They discuss the significance of the Lancaster in RAF Bomber Command during World War II and its cultural impact. They also explore the personal stories and experiences of those involved with the Lancaster, including ground crew and WAAFs…

1
Ep 92: NATO School Oberammergau 25:15

4M ago25:15

25:15

For more than 70 years, the small Bavarian town of Oberammergau has been host to a NATO School. With 115 courses attended by 11,000 students annually, InsideAIR spoke with an RAF officer currently serving there to find out what the School delivers for both NATO and the Royal Air Force. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Rese…

1
Ep 91: Cyberspace Profession in the RAF 34:19

4M ago34:19

34:19

Cyberspace is a domain we’re hearing more and more about and its importance to every aspect of what we do, day-in and day-out is growing. But when we talk about Cyberspace, what exactly do we mean, how far does it reach into our lives, who are the people who can help us navigate through and, what if you think you might have what it takes to join th…

1
Episode 6 Bomber Command and D-Day (extended episode) 1:05:27

4M ago1:05:27

1:05:27

In this episode, Jane and James discuss RAF Bomber Command's role in Operations Neptune and Overlord, initially focusing on the preparations for the invasion, particularly the mine-laying element known as MAPLE. They explore the complexities, challenges, and successes of the mine-laying operations, highlighting the inter-service cooperation and the…

1
Episode 5 The Wuppertal Raid Pt 2 - Firestorm 36:27

5M ago36:27

36:27

WARNING: This episode contains graphic descriptions of war, death and injury which some listeners may find distressing. In this episode, Jane and James continue their discussion about the Wuppertal raid of May 1943, focusing on the experiences of two crews from 10 Squadron, Penny's Prangers and the Clarke crew, each taking part in their first opera…

1
Ep 90: ENJJPT - RAF Fast Jet Training in Texas 53:31

5M ago53:31

53:31

In this edition of InsideAIR, we're off to Texas for RAF fighter pilot training The RAF sends some of its trainee pilots to the United States to learn to be fighter pilots. InsideAIR's Wing Commander Dylan Eklund headed to the Lone Star State to get the lowdown. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF…

1
Episode 4 Planning a Bombing Operation: Wuppertal 1943 (Pt.1) 41:28

5M ago41:28

41:28

In this episode, Jane and James discuss the planning of the raid on Wuppertal on 29/30 May 1943. They explore the reasons why Bomber Command targeted the Ruhr Valley and how targets were selected and operations were planned. They also focus on two rookie crews from 10 Squadron who took part in the raid, the Pennicott and Clarke crews. The episode h…

1
Ep 89: The Future of Aerospace Medicine 47:21

6M ago47:21

47:21

While scientists and engineers develop the RAF’s sixth generation combat aircraft, a specialist team of aviation and space medicine consultants are working hard to mitigate the effects which flying the aircraft will have on the aircrew’s body. InsideAIR's Medical Correspondent , Wg Cdr Sarah Charters, went to the centrifuge at RAF Cranwell to meet …

1
Episode 3 Handley Page Halifax - A Flight Engineer's Story 38:13

6M ago38:13

38:13

100 year old RAF veteran Tom Davidson shares his experiences of flying on a Halifax in 1944-1945. In this episode of Never Mind the Dam Busters, Jane and James discuss the Handley Page Halifax, an unsung hero of Bomber Command. They delve into the evolution of the Halifax, from the 'death-trap' early Marks to the magnificent Mk III, and its role in…

1
Episode 2 - Erks, Chop Girls and Gremlins 46:51

6M ago46:51

46:51

In this episode, the James and Jane are joined by Dr. Dan Ellin to discuss the role of ground crew, ground personnel (there's a difference!) and Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) during World War II. The conversation touches on the concept of the 'chop girl' and the superstitions surrounding dating aircrew. The hosts also explore the relationships…

1
Ep 88: No Light, No NVG, No Option But Go In 38:33

6M ago38:33

38:33

As the last forces personnel were evacuated from Kabul in August 2021, two German soldiers were accidentally left behind, leading to an incredible rescue mission, led by an RAF Flight Lieutenant. A call from the German Ops centre asked Flt Lt Mark Jenkins to fly back into Kabul. His mission... to rescue the two German soldiers who'd been left behin…

1
Episode 1 - Bomber Command Begins 44:22

6M ago44:22

44:22

Welcome to the first episode of Never Mind The Dambusters! In this episode James and Jane discuss the origins of their mutual interest in RAF Bomber Command, and talk about the evolution of Strategic Bombing Theory from the Great War to the late 1930s. What did it take to build a strategic bomber force and why was it necessary? How do you build a b…

1
Ep 87: Every Reservist a Warfighter 49:01

7M ago49:01

49:01

In 2021, the Government published a list of recommendations in the Reserve Forces Review 2030. Less than a year later Russia invaded Ukraine. What happened to RF30? How will RAF Reservists be affected? And what does it mean for the wider RAF? InsideAIR spoke with Air Vice-Marshal Ranald Munro, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force’s Commandant General, to …

1
Trailer 4:25

7M ago4:25

4:25

Welcome to Never Mind The Dambusters, a brand new podcast dedicated to RAF Bomber Command's wartime history. The Dams raids were perhaps amongst the most famous and daring of the Second World War, but there's so much more to Bomber Command's history. Join historians Jane Gulliford Lowes and James Jefferies fortnightly for a deep dive into Bomber Co…

1
Ep 86: Saving Lives in the Air - The Centre of Aerospace Medicine 1:22:08

7M ago1:22:08

1:22:08

In today’s episode, we take a look around the RAF Centre of Aerospace Medicine at RAF Henlow. Aircraft rapid decompression and loss of oxygen can be life threatening for aircrew. Knowing what to expect, and how to recognise hypoxia are just some the life-saving scenarios aircrew train for at the Centre. We sent InsideAIR’s medical correspondent, Wg…

1
Ep 85: AVM Suraya Marshall “Do the right thing, not the easy thing” 32:43

7M ago32:43

32:43

Change, culture, leadership, and the benefits of a diverse environment. These are just some of the topics Air Vice-Marshal Suraya Marshall considers as she chats with InsideAIR’s Flight Lieutenant Amy Casey about life in the RAF. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media Reserves. Theme music by RAF Music Services.…

1
Ep 84: UK Space Operations 1:03:03

8M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

We hear lots about the space domain, but what does that actually mean and how is the UK using it as part of its defence policy? Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey is the Commander of UK Space Command, based at High Wycombe, and he spoke with Flt Lt Chris Sully to explain what his team does and what it means for the big picture.…

1
Ep 83: LEGAD and POLAD on Ops - Targeting's Check and Balance 48:16

8M ago48:16

48:16

‘Could we hit it?’, ‘Should we hit it?’ Before RAF aircraft can strike a target, these questions must be asked, and it’s down to the targeting team’s Legal Adviser and Policy Adviser to come up with the answers. In this ground-breaking interview for the RAF, we head to the Middle East to speak with 83 Expeditionary Air Group’s LEGAD and POLAD. Insi…

1
Ep 82: Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force 42:14

9M ago42:14

42:14

In the latest episode, we catch up with the Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force, Warrant Officer Murugesvaran Subramaniam. Warrant Officer Subramaniam has been in post as Warrant Officer of the Royal Air Force for the best part of a year now. But what does the role actually mean and what does he hope to achieve?…

1
Ep 81: X Flight - Reserve Aircrew 35:56

9M ago35:56

35:56

Can you take a civilian airline pilot, make them an RAF Reservist and have them operate a state-of-the-art military ISTAR aircraft? Well, if the aircraft has essentially the same flight deck, why not!InsideAIR met with Group Captain ISTAR Reserves who aims to do this at scale with X-Flight. InsideAIR is produced for the Royal Air Force by RAF Media…

1
Ep 80: Top Ten Episodes of 2023 50:41

10M ago50:41

50:41

As InsideAIR reaches its third birthday, our correspondent AS1 Victoria Andrews takes a look back at your top ten favourite episodes from the past 12 months based on the number of downloads in the first seven days after release. From all the RAF Reservist team behind the podcast, have a very happy Christmas and please stay tuned in 2024!…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

RAF Royal Air Force Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide