On display until 10 May 2026

The RAF Museum Midlands is proud to present The Forgotten Generations: Lest We Forget Exhibition, ahead of its national UK tour. This landmark exhibition highlights the long overlooked contributions of Black African and Caribbean Royal Air Force veterans, particularly those connected to the West Midlands.

Following its successful debut at the Library of Birmingham, where it garnered significant public and critical acclaim; the Lest We Forget Exhibition continues its national journey with RAF Museum Midlands as its next venue. Through powerful personal testimonies which can be viewed through QR codes and stunning photographs, the exhibition brings to life the remarkable stories of seven Black RAF veterans, whose service has too often been absent from mainstream historical narratives.

Visitors are invited to engage with these compelling personal histories and gain insight into the experiences of African and Caribbean service personnel who played vital roles in Britain’s military history.

Renowned Photographer Vanley Burke

The exhibition shows the powerful portraits by acclaimed photographer Vanley Burke, widely regarded as the “Godfather of Black British photography.” Burke has spent decades documenting the lives, culture, and communities of the Midlands. His distinctive and compassionate lens brings a deep authenticity and emotional resonance to the veterans’ stories, capturing not only their service, but their humanity.

Honouring Service and Legacy

At the core of The Forgotten Generations: Lest We Forget Exhibition are the voices and memories of seven distinguished Black RAF veterans from the West Midlands. Their narratives of courage, resilience, and dedication not only enrich our understanding of RAF history but also ensure these important stories are recognised and remembered for generations to come. These interviews can be viewed through the QR codes next to each portrait.

Paula Kovács, Community Engagement Manager at RAF Museum Midlands explains:
“It was a pleasure to support The Forgotten Generations with their exhibition. The veterans came to the Museum in April last year, and they had their portraits taken by Vanley next to aircraft that had been in service when they were, as well as giving their oral history about their time in the RAF. Our wonderful volunteers assisted the veterans on the day and were able to hear of their experiences in the RAF. To have the exhibition of photographs at the Museum feels a fitting place for them to be.”

Funding and Support
This project has been made possible through the generous support of The National Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, whose commitment to safeguarding Britain’s diverse heritage has enabled these stories to be shared with audiences across the UK.

Further Information
Additional tour venues and dates will be announced in due course. We encourage communities across the Midlands and beyond to join us in celebrating these forgotten generations.

To find out more about The Forgotten Generations and the Lest we Forget exhibition please visit: https://theforgottengenerations.com/lest-we-forget-project/