History
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 operation. The concept of 'the Bomber Stream' is explored, and the team then embark upon a minute by minute account of the operation, both from the point of view of the aircrew, and three citizens from Wuppertal caught up in the raid.
The devastating impact upon the city is analysed, together with the traumatic experiences of the members of the Clarke and Pennicott crews.
Two of the German accounts appear in a book entitled Vor Funfzig Jahren: Bomben Auf Wuppertal, by Herbert Pogt (Born-Verlag, 1993), and were translated by Ian MacNee for Jane's book 'Above Us The Stars: 10 Squadron Bomber Command -The Wireless Operator's Story', which also includes a much more detailed account of the raid. The interview with Heilgard Hacker was also given for Above Us The Stars.
Additional information came from 10 Squadron ORB and diary, the log books of Jack Clyde and Bill Bradshaw, from 10 Squadron Association, and from an interview with Bill Bradshaw conducted in 2019.
The team also refer to the Bomber Command War Diaries, by Martin Middlebrook and Chris Ward (1985, 2014 - Pen & Sword).
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