James Jefferies
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jamesjhistory.bsky.social
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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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.
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
Waddington! I really need to pay a visit
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 ❤️
You're welcome, Rachel! We'll be back soon don't worry with so much planned already! 😊
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
Long overdue.

I'm back to working on the 1:48 scale Airfix Bristol Blenheim.
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
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
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
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...
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:
Only the one in the whole world. Based at Duxford.
It's wonderful to see isn't it!
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!?
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.
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.
*pretty much answered.

Sorry I'm still suffering with COVID and just about functioning.
I think we like it answered the same. Continuation of the oil and transportation campaign. It's a great question but a tough one!