The Final Flight of Lancaster PB 848
James Porter SpeakerNet Sponsor
- Regions:
- Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire
- Notice Period:
- Short (maybe less than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Hobby
- Fee:
- Paid: £70 includes travel expenses.
- Category:
- History
- Updated:
- 29th July 2025
- Tagged:
- 1939-45 | Bomber Command | Military History | Royal Air Force
This talk begins by examining the development of aerial bombing during WW2, why night bombing began and the technical difficulties associated with it. I then look at how bombing targets were marked, and the development of bombing strategies from the London Blitz through to 1945. I then describe the state of German flak and night fighter defences in 1945, before examining the planning for and execution of one particular RAF raid agaisnt Karlsruhe in 1945. I introduce the individual crew members of Lancaster bomber PB 848, exploring their backgrounds and what life was like for them on a WW2 RAF Bomber command air base. Then I trace what happened during the raid, using personal accounts of aircrew survivors, leading to the demise of PB 848 and all but one of its crew. The talk lasts about an hour.
Views: 12 | Enquiries: 0About James Porter
I am a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel. I retired in 2011 after 41 years' service. I attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, received a BA (Hons) at Lancaster University, attended the Army Staff College, Camberley. I have commanded an infantry platoon, company and battalion, and served several tours of duty in Northern Ireland. I also served in West Germany, Berlin and the Falkland Islands. I am originally from Guernsey in the Channel Islands. I live in North Dorset. I offer more than 30 different Military History talks, which may be given face-to-face or via Zoom.
Other Talks on SpeakerNet by James Porter
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- The Battle of Crecy 1346
- The Battle of Cannae 216 BC
- The Battle of Poitiers 1356
- Batterie MIRUS
- The Lochnagar Mine 1916
- Camouflage and Deception in War
- Gallipoli 1915
- Attacks on the Vichy French Fleet in North Africa
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