Author | Lightnews

James Jefferies

@jamesjhistory.bsky.social

3.1K followers 3.1K following 880 posts

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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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Nov 14

PINNED POST:

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.

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · 11d

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...

October 2025 Update

British Politics, RAF Personnel, and the Second World War

open.substack.com

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · 16d

Waddington! I really need to pay a visit

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · 25d

Always!

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · 25d

Can confirm. I'm exhausted and need to catch up with a lot of work! We'll be back soon 😊

NEVER MIND THE DAMBUSTERS @nmtdambusters.bsky.social · 25d

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 ❤️

James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · 25d

You're welcome, Rachel! We'll be back soon don't worry with so much planned already! 😊

Reposted by James Jefferies

Rachel Mann @revrachelmann.bsky.social · 25d

Another terrific series from @nmtdambusters.bsky.social … can’t believe the latest season is over. Thanks @lydiajane13.bsky.social & @jamesjhistory.bsky.social

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · 29d

Well the wings are on now

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Sep 25

Long overdue.

I'm back to working on the 1:48 scale Airfix Bristol Blenheim.

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Sep 24

Absolutely love this thread. Hendon played such an important part in me initially learning about these aircraft and wanting to learn more about their crews and roles they played.

Reposted by James Jefferies

Nick Blacow @manonthefence.bsky.social · Sep 21

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

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Reposted by James Jefferies

NEVER MIND THE DAMBUSTERS @nmtdambusters.bsky.social · Sep 17

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...

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

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Sep 8

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.

Rachel Mann @revrachelmann.bsky.social · Sep 6

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

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Reposted by James Jefferies

NEVER MIND THE DAMBUSTERS @nmtdambusters.bsky.social · Sep 3

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...

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Sep 1

Worth it 🚶

James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Sep 1

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:

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 31

Only the one in the whole world. Based at Duxford.

James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 31

It's wonderful to see isn't it!

James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 31

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!

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 31

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!?

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 30

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.

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 27

Thank you 😊

James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 27

I'm not sure what I'm more upset about: Reform dealing out this abhorrent sewerage lack of humanity or everyone else not protesting about it.

James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 27

*pretty much answered.

Sorry I'm still suffering with COVID and just about functioning.

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 27

I think we like it answered the same. Continuation of the oil and transportation campaign. It's a great question but a tough one!

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James Jefferies @jamesjhistory.bsky.social · Aug 27

Excellent point