Chelsea FC partners with RAF Museum for new war exhibit UK News

The Royal Air Force Museum and the Chelsea Foundation have unveiled new exhibition plans for a Jewish Hidden Heroes project.

The partnership is sponsored by Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea FC, and will support the expansion of the museum project which will feature a new Bomber Command exhibit at the Hendon and Cosford sites, to launch in 2023.

The new exhibits will help the museum continue to educate the public about the untold history of the Jewish personnel of the RAF during World War II and the vital role they played in the defeat of the Luftwaffe in the famous’ battle of ‘England’, preventing the Nazis from invading Britain, the last democratic stronghold in Europe.

These heroes joined the RAF around the world, to fight tyranny, racism and anti-Semitism, fully aware that they risked torture and execution if captured.

The London exhibit already houses an iconic Avro-Lancaster which was ‘adopted’ in 2020 by Roman Abramovich and the Chelsea Foundation to commemorate the many hidden Jewish heroes of Bomber Command. This year the Museum is celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Avro Lancaster’s first test flight.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich. Credit: PA

New additions to the exhibit will include screens in the gallery exploring staff contributions to Bomber Command, a small display of items with links to ‘Hidden Heroes,’ the online display of items commemorating at both the Bomber Command and the Jewish Hidden Heroes, and the Avro-Lancaster will be accompanied by an interactive augmented reality experience, sharing the stories of Jewish RAF personnel.

The partnership will also bring to life the Jewish community outreach program ‘Hidden Heroes’, which will reach out to the whole community through London’s school networks.

Maggie Appleton, Executive Director of the RAF Museum: “More than ever we must combat prejudice in all its ugly forms, and more than ever we must educate young minds about the experiences of previous generations – those who have suffered as well as those who fought back.

“I am incredibly proud of our partnership with the Chelsea Foundation and the Jewish Hidden Heroes Project and hope that it will go some way in helping to counter the rise of anti-Semitism and racism at large in society. These are inspiring stories of courage and human spirit. endure and resonate. ”

Bruck Buck, President of Chelsea FC, RAF World War II veteran Lawrence Seymour ‘Benny Goodman’, and Sir Andy Pulford, President of the RAF Museum

Bruce Buck, President of Chelsea FC, said: “We are delighted to announce a further three-year extension of our partnership with the Royal Airforce Museum. This will allow the continuation of the Hidden Heroes project and allow the Museum to expand it and to present it new educational tools.

“Chelsea FC are committed to fighting anti-Semitism through education and Jewish ‘Hidden Heroes’ tell important stories about the courage of Jewish RAF personnel during the conflict.”

Meanwhile, the RAF Museum has confirmed its reopening on May 17 in accordance with the government’s roadmap.