James Jefferies @jamesjhistory Twitter profile | Pikagi

Pikagi

James Jefferies

@jamesjhistory

9,179

Followers

5,217

Following

4,042

Media

33,499

Statuses

Historian. PhD Candidate @essexhistory . Associate Fellow (AFHEA) and PG Member of @RoyalHistSoc . Co-Presenter @RAFBomber_Pod . Rep: @Pastpreservers

Essex

https://t.co/3d8LBomDRU

Joined December 2009

Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.

Pinned Tweet

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 month

ANNOUNCEMENT: For those that attended my talk today I am delighted to announce that my first book will be published in 2026! This will be on Operation Margin (a.k.a "The Augsburg Raid") and the daylight raid on Augsburg in April 1942 by Avro Lancasters of 44 and 97 Squadrons

Tweet media one

Tweet media two

Tweet media three

Tweet media four

29

24

258

Last Seen Profiles

@ynach_u

@onedoorMT_400

@KasihLudah

@camsosplashyy

@jotslo

@OaklandiaCafe

@tumelomohotji

@harmfoo

@VintnersCompany

@YouthCouncilPK

@jeanpier21cm

@arabdonuts2

@StwDood38499

@LeblancIsaiah

@Bella937487922

@TyYu870018

@turonn5321

@chunkesaurusrex

@bokeplokalmalam

@AJTully21

@silvermonkey104

@StaceyJudith

@combatmedic

@BinorRaja

@Queenie1601

@MuscleBellySize

@retire2038

@LundiVert_fr

@WOSA_ZA

@M2_sado

@nil_elvin

@LowellDKern

@WoWHCMode

@Efpraxia_Z

@Bertha_E4487

@ALegalProcess

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 months

Some absolutely mind-blowing stats here

Tweet media one

122

454

4K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

5 months

Instead of getting on with work James has been binge watching stop motion Lego WW2 battles. He regrets nothing. (via: )

115

1K

4K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

I'm getting a fair few requests for a Merlin engine after the ME109 and FW190 so how does four of them sound?

292

344

3K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

Sound on

120

388

3K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

This is still one of the most heartbreaking moments of any movie.

Tweet media one

226

111

3K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Argue as much as you want but you'll never ever convince me that Jeremy Brett isn't still the greatest Sherlock Holmes.

Tweet media one

390

143

3K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 months

Nerd alert but I love it when productions go to the detail of getting the insignia and medals correct. Lance Corporal Jack Jones' from Dad's Army is a case in point. They've gone through and created a whole backstory here with his medals.

Tweet media one

73

256

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Oh yes...

Tweet media one

64

256

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Yeah... 😬😂

Tweet media one

23

569

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

11 months

Richard Holmes "I'm rather out of practice" then proceeds to absolutely boss it with a .303 Lee Enfield. Legend.

98

200

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

21 days

Powerful stuff here. From BBC's "Tonight" (1961) Alan Whicker joins veterans of the First World War as they return to Flanders over 40 years on.

56

472

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

One of these is the most important and most valuable RAF fighter aircraft of the Battle of Britain. The other is a Spitfire. #howtocauseatwitterspat

Tweet media one

210

96

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

What a sound 👀

111

221

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

Seeing as a fair few of you went nuts over the Messerschmitt 109 yesterday here's a Focke-Wulf 190 taking off.

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

What a sound 👀

111

221

2K

75

160

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 month

There's "cool" but then there's "19 and 616 Squadrons cool".

Tweet media one

47

181

2K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

11 months

As you all seemed to enjoy the last Richard Holmes video here he is again with a Lee Enfield and another favourite moment of mine. From the BBC series War Walks Episode 3 Series 1 "Mons".

98

129

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Holy mackerel!!! 😳 Via:

Tweet media one

60

93

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

9 months

PHOAAAARRR!!! (via WingsTV)

47

233

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Today marks 79 years since the opening of Operation Overlord on 6th June 1944 (know as D-Day). There are so many incredible stories on this day, and I've read so many powerful memories and testimonies, but one that I want to share is Klaus Adam.🧵1/14

Tweet media one

41

258

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Beast

Tweet media one

78

40

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Made this for my girlfriend and she said I should post it on twitter. So here it is...

Tweet media one

52

27

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 months

Best cameo appearance in a movie? (If you know, you know)

Tweet media one

@RealEmirHan

Emir Han

4 months

Best cameo appearance in a movie? I’ll start:

627

3K

47K

62

29

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

"The Hawker Hurricane was the most important fighter aircraft of the Battle of Britain. Don't fall for the pretty Spitfire stuff."

92

75

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

Jack Currie here walking through a Lancaster and describing the crew positions (with stories about his own crew).

52

212

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

Truth!

57

143

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

Is this the finest moment on film for the Hurricane? "Repeat please!" (Okay for the nerds amongst you, of which I include myself, I realise some of these Hurricanes are actually Buchons painted up as Hurricanes and dubbed "Hurrischmitts" but for the purposes of today we'll

81

94

1K

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

Seeing as a few have mentioned/requested it... From Piece of Cake (LWT, 1988) Moggy Cattermole (played by Neil Dudgeon) flies his Spitfire under a bridge (achieved in real life, yes real life, by the great Ray Hanna). Enjoy!

75

161

994

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

Squadron Leader Rex briefs the fighter pilots of 'Hornet Squadron' before they fly to France. From 'Piece of Cake' (LWT, 1988) and one of Tim Woodward's finest moments playing Rex. Followed by a suitable flypast of Spitfires. RIP Tim Woodward (1953-2023). Thoughts with family

74

113

992

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

What an image! 👀

Tweet media one

29

46

985

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Interested to hear what people's thoughts are on the film Memphis Belle?

Tweet media one

294

49

978

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

88th birthday of the Spitfire today so it seems apt to share this again. Probably it's finest and most memorable screen moment.

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

Seeing as a few have mentioned/requested it... From Piece of Cake (LWT, 1988) Moggy Cattermole (played by Neil Dudgeon) flies his Spitfire under a bridge (achieved in real life, yes real life, by the great Ray Hanna). Enjoy!

75

161

994

37

188

978

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 years

It's Friday!

Tweet media one

22

142

954

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

5 months

Captain Kirk isn’t available who is the best captain of all time ?

Tweet media one

@dr_wendym_RN

Dr Wendy Maddocks🇳🇿, DHlthSc, Registered Nurse

5 months

Captain Kirk isn’t available who is the best captain of all time ?

Tweet media one

60

3

125

274

45

957

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

I cooked a Valentines dinner and it's my choice of film tonight. She's said yes to this...

97

24

939

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 years

"So that concludes my talk on the Battle of Britain, any questions?"

Tweet media one

89

115

877

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

It says much about "The Death of Stalin" that whenever I read Zhukov I immediately picture Jason Isaacs

89

58

880

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

I'm sorry but the Blenheim is just a beautiful aircraft. Look at it! 😍

@Sylvia70485099

SYLVIA 🇫🇷 🇺🇦

@Sylvia70485099

1 year

Tweet media one

0

46

462

67

39

827

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 months

I had to share this incredible video of an Avro Lancaster (FM213 affectionately known as "Vera") based at and filmed by @CWHM . Just stunning!

32

149

829

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

8 months

Okay maybe not "a song" but I do have to turn it up if it starts playing... 👀 Enjoy.

@BSkansoul

Cymru/Wales skaNsoul 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

8 months

Tonight's tea time thread 😁 something to think 🤔 about of course. Plenty of great intros out there to choose from, I'm going with an 80s classic The Cult she sells sanctuary . @NewWaveAndPunk

Tweet media one

230

6

155

93

114

816

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

12 days

"Break! Break!"

Tweet media one

12

86

823

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 months

Describe the Vickers Wellington in three words or fewer

Tweet media one

443

53

805

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

9 months

Gf asked why I'm reading about Arnhem so much and what it was all about. Explained it and mentioned how I first found out about it as a teen watching "A Bridge Too Far". She now wants to watch it. I gave her a brief description but haven't said how long the film is...

119

24

759

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

9 months

Adolf Galland on the set of Battle of Britain.

Tweet media one

47

85

752

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 months

Describe the Avro Manchester in 3 or less words

Tweet media one

602

46

754

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

"It seems like an impossible dream...did I really find myself in a front line fighter squadron within ten months of leaving school? Did I fly through and survive the Battle of Britain before I had reached the age of twenty? It appears I must have done.”

Tweet media one

26

52

757

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

"Here lies an unknown English Lieutenant killed in air combat"

Tweet media one

17

53

731

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

25 days

Best cinematic scene ever? Only one winner for me:

62

76

751

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

Mossies 😍

Tweet media one

35

46

722

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 months

The video of the day for me.

@BBCArchive

BBC Archive

3 months

#OnThisDay 1944: Actor Richard Todd took part in Operation Tonga on what is now known as D-Day. 60 years on in 2004, he revisited his landing site in Normandy, returned to Pegasus Bridge and reflected on his experience of war.

36

1K

4K

15

75

719

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

I hold no apologies that my Twitter profile (it is still Twitter and always will be and none of this X rubbish) is filled with images/videos of this incredible aircraft.

@RAF_Cosford

RAF Cosford

10 months

88 years young. Happy birthday to the Hawker Hurricane. First flight 6 November 1935.

27

337

2K

27

51

699

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

9 months

Let's face it, THE depiction of Napoleon was achieved many years ago (this is likely to have been more historically accurate too...)

Tweet media one

53

61

698

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

A classic

Tweet media one

7

59

663

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Incredible image. 12 Lancasters in flight (35 Squadron) during a goodwill tour of the USA in 1946. From the IBCC Digital Archive. ()

Tweet media one

16

48

668

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

Led by Squadron Leader Rex Hornet Squadron gets their first 'kill' followed by a stunning sequence of Spitfires beating up their airfield at Château Saint-Pierre (real location Charlton Park) (From Piece of Cake, LWT , 1988. Before you ask, all episodes available on dvd or on

53

69

665

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

One of my all time favourite historical photographs is of Jackie Moggridge sitting in a Spitfire. How cool does she look too with the shades, thumbs up, and hair blowing in the wind as she's about to take off? If you don't know her story it's incredible and go find out!

Tweet media one

26

86

647

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

this is about as cool as you can look

Tweet media one

@CSMFHT

Classical Studies Memes for Hellenistic Teens

1 year

this is about as cool as you can look

Tweet media one

29

95

2K

29

41

637

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

5 months

Only one choice really for a birthday film...

Tweet media one

83

9

634

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 months

This image reminds me of my grandparents talking about dogfights over London in 1940 and me hanging onto every word. Grandad once saw two Spitfires chasing a BF109 over his parents garden with guns blazing away. Both of their memories of the Blitz have stuck with me too.

Tweet media one

35

50

618

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 months

Someone said this is "pure Britain". Well it's a British design yes but this aircraft is 100% Canadian built and a fine reminder/memorial to Canada's vital role in defeating fascism. This Brit thinks you guys rock and gives a massive thanks 🇨🇦

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 months

I had to share this incredible video of an Avro Lancaster (FM213 affectionately known as "Vera") based at and filmed by @CWHM . Just stunning!

32

149

829

29

69

618

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Spending my evening looking at aircraft for sale I'll never own. This one I had to share...

1938 Messerschmitt Bf109E-1 | Vintage Aircraft Sales

Explore the 1938 Messerschmitt BF109E-1, a rare Legion Condor survivor that served during the Spanish Civil War. Click to learn more.

www.platinumfighters.com

43

44

580

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

The afternoon viewing

Tweet media one

89

11

577

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

5 months

Name a movie you've seen more than 7 times with just a GIF.

@painmike1

Mika Paananen

5 months

Name a movie you've seen more than 7 times with just a GIF. Memphis Belle

29

0

15

342

12

579

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Can't argue with that

Tweet media one

20

76

559

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

As a historian of the Second World War I can confirm that Mr Fox is, once again, talking utter bullshit.

@LozzaFox

Laurence Fox

1 year

Dear @GaryLineker and other schoolchildren. Hitler was not a right wing fascist as you are relentlessly taught. He was a leftist.

3K

933

4K

61

48

558

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

11 months

My response to "which was the best fighter aircraft between the Spitfire and 109 in the Battle of Britain" is pictured below:

Tweet media one

79

26

564

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Da daaaaaa da daaaaaa da der der der der der daaaaaaa da da dum* *This and similar historical insights can be found on this twitter account

Tweet media one

46

22

565

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

8 months

Sticking my neck out here but with the Normandy landings I actually find the period after the landings themselves more interesting than D-Day (as remarkable an achievement as it is). The logistics, establishing the bridgehead, battles, Allied relations, etc... just grabs me more.

157

13

568

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Her: so what are your hobbies? Me: I read, like walks in the countryside, and, I like making airfix kits and I have a model railway. Not too nerdy I hope! Her: that's so cool, what sort of models? You'll be easy to buy presents for! Me (internally): marry me

30

8

560

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Crikey 😳 Well that's one way to mow the grass I guess 😂

Tweet media one

20

34

548

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 years

Question for history peeps but was there a historian that really helped you develop a passion for the subject? For me, it's without doubt Prof. Richard Holmes. Not only incredibly knowleagble and insightful he added a human quality to speaking about history. Still an inpairation.

Tweet media one

149

27

551

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

One of the many individuals was Sir Ken Adam OBE (Flight Sergeant retired) who was a Jewish refugee from Germany. My thoughts today are on him and those many other thousands of incredible individuals from all over the world who fought against Naziism and fascism. END 🧵

Tweet media one

18

25

560

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

Absolutely love this colour footage of Bristol Blenheims! No sound I'm afraid.

25

71

531

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 month

An update: A position has now come up and I have accepted it so I WILL be returning to Essex as an assistant lecturer next year! I honestly couldn't be happier right now!

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 month

Looks like my days as an assistant lecturer at Essex uni is over. I just received the news I didn't get a position this year after 3 years lecturing there ☹️ Too few positions and too many applicants apparently. Feel a bit down tbh ☹️

98

9

344

102

11

522

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

11 months

What movie have you seen more than 25 times? This is mine…

183

10

498

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Looks like I lost followers over saying Churchill wasn't the be all and end all in the eventual allied (clue there) victory over Nazi Germany and the Axis. I'm not saying he wasn't important but there's a dangerous lionising of him that has been allowed to run away with the

112

33

494

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

8 months

Today's little nugget of knowledge 👀

21

69

489

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Morning all!

Tweet media one

12

61

483

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

5 months

Taken during a recent trip to Hendon.

Tweet media one

20

31

490

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

4 months

"I seem 'em, I see 'em. Bloody marvelous!" Goosebumps every time.

35

33

484

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Cats and history. It doesn't get better than this!

Tweet media one

8

56

474

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

1/3 For #PrideMonth I want to give a shout out to Wing Commander Ian Gleed DSO DFC. One of "the few". Gleed was an incredibly brave RAF fighter pilot. The images used here and more information on his service can be found here:

Tweet media one

15

75

477

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

8 months

Tonight it's my turn for the choice of film for film night with the gf and I've gone with this one 👀

Tweet media one

102

20

471

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

9 months

Just watched this in a documentary. Discuss.

40

36

471

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

8 months

Tweet media one

40

54

467

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Perks to being single 🛩️😂

Tweet media one

24

61

456

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

Making this my new cover photo. Any other Vickers Wellington fans?

Tweet media one

38

24

459

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

"Infantry wins battles, logistics wins wars.” General Pershing Discuss...

Tweet media one

110

63

441

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

13 days

Absolutely love this artwork from Wilf Hardy

Tweet media one

19

37

454

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

10 months

His account for winning the Victoria Cross is a segment in the Thames Television/ITV documentary series "World at War" (Episode 12: Whirlwind) from 1973. When I first watched it (very young) I had no idea of the story or the VC and found it a very powerful segment. Here it is:

@JamieMctrusty

Jamie McTrusty

10 months

80 years ago: 3rd November 1943. Victoria Cross action of Flt/Lt William Reid. Pilot of a 61 Squadron Lancaster tasked with bombing Düsseldorf, Reid’s aircraft was attacked by a Bf110 night fighter soon after crossing the Dutch coast. The Perspex in the cockpit was shot away and

Tweet media one

Tweet media two

88

338

2K

22

85

439

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

6 months

The soundtrack for today...

Tweet media one

93

20

444

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

2 years

Possibly my most favourite line from one of my most favourite films

Tweet media one

19

34

428

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

7 months

I hate to have to do this (are we still going over that narrative?) But the fight was over fervent nationalism and it wasn't just England. I'm equally proud of every nation that fought against fascism. Scot, Polish, French, Czech, etc... I'm very proud. Don't make something out

Tweet media one

50

16

426

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

Winston Churchill playing the solo to "We'll Meet Again" during the finale at Glastonbury in 1943 (Colourised)

Tweet media one

31

40

426

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 months

Canada is so underrated as a contributor to the Allied Victory 🇨🇦

@spitfire_boys

SpitfirePilotStories (& Spitfire Elizabeth)

3 months

Exactly 🍁 well said @James1940 And part of the reason I do what I do. Spitfire Elizabeth & her 411 Roaring Boys were known as the aggressive Canucks. Real fighting men with boundless courage & determination. Read their amazing true story #spitfireelizabeth #dday80 #rcaf

9

20

139

38

41

429

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

5 months

The better half has ranked the following war films in this order: Dam Busters Dunkirk (2017) A Bridge Too Far Battle of Britain Yes I will introduce her to the John Mills film. What I find really interesting is the questions she asks me. "Wait the bomb bounced!?" or "Why didn't

302

7

416

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

9 months

Also the Messerschmitt 110. Quite something to see this.

Tweet media one

14

24

412

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

11 months

Avro Anson appreciation post. Any other fans?

Tweet media one

Tweet media two

Tweet media three

Tweet media four

60

14

401

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

1 year

SPITFIRES!?!? 😡

@I_W_M

Imperial War Museums

1 year

Spitfires return from attacking enemy positions in El Alamein, 9 July 1942. The RAF provided essential battlefield support to the often-beleaguered ground forces during the Desert Campaigns of 1941-1942. Read more: © IWM AYY 238/2

113

55

456

84

15

406

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

3 months

"The Officer Class"

16

50

397

@jamesjhistory

James Jefferies

9 months

Me: "So what's this? Clue it is one of my favourites." Girlfriend (with a straight face) "Is it a Spitfire?" She legit thought it was one...

Tweet media one

87

15

387