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

Never Mind The Dambusters

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 highlights the constant activity and preparation involved in carrying out a bombing raid, as well as the young age of the crew members and the responsibilities they carried. The role of various trades on the ground is also discussed.
Jane and James take us right into the briefing hall, and consider the reactions of the crews when yet another raid on the Ruhr Valley is announced. What was it like, anticipating your first bombing operation?
The team also answer listeners' questions on cooperation between the RAF and USAAF. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the reality of strategic bombing and the impact on civilians.
More details of the Wuppertal raid and the crews involved can be found in Jane's book (Chapters 12 and 13) https://www.justcuriousjane.com/store-buy-books/ABOVE-US-THE-STARS-p191664106
For more reading on the Battle of the Ruhr, try Alan Cooper's excellent 'Air Battle of the Ruhr', and the novel 'The Happy Valley' by Jules Roy. The greatest (fictional ) work on Bomber Command is still Len Deighton's 'Bomber' ( also available on BBC Sounds)
To see the work involved in preparing and implementing a bombing raid, try Night Bombers
Key words
Bomber Command,

Send us a Text Message.

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 receive invitations to participate in our recording sessions as an audience member.
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

Chapters

1. Episode 4 Planning a Bombing Operation: Wuppertal 1943 (Pt.1) (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] Ambivalent Offenders: Re-Examining History’s Most Questionable Figures (00:10:29)

3. (Cont.) Episode 4 Planning a Bombing Operation: Wuppertal 1943 (Pt.1) (00:11:17)