A new community-led display at the RAF Museum Midlands will explore the human cost of war and conflict.

The Displaced Display will bring together the personal experiences of civilians who endured the Second World War Blitz in West Bromwich and the wider Black Country, alongside the journeys of people displaced from Ukraine to the Midlands, following the 2014 and 2022 Russian invasions.

Told through photographs, archive material, personal testimonies and objects, the display connects these two periods of history through the experiences of Joyce Langford, who lived through the Blitz in the Black Country, and Daria Pyrozhenko, from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, who relocated to the UK in 2023.

Together, Joyce and Daria’s stories show how war can reshape civilian lives, often bringing injury and loss, destroying homes and livelihoods, and disrupting the fabric of communities. Their experience also highlights the endurance, resourcefulness and determination of ordinary people striving to protect their families, identity and community while under attack.

Co-created with community organisations and volunteers, the display explores themes of destruction, communication and community spirit. Visitors will be able to discover how the destruction caused by bombing affected homes and infrastructure in the Black Country, and the impact of attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine. They will also be able to compare how vital communication during times of crisis has evolved over time, from wartime letters and Air Raid Precautions messengers to today's messaging apps and digital networks. The powerful impact of community spirit is also evident with visitors able to discover how civilians have volunteered in essential roles, organising emergency shelter and food, and helping to restore power, clear damaged buildings, while supporting one another.

The Displaced Display was officially opened on 24 August, Ukraine Independence Day, with Daria Pyrozhenko and relatives of Joyce Langford in attendance. It has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and co-created with contributions from the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Shropshire Supports Refugees, Sandwell Archives, the Express & Star and a team of Museum volunteers who contributed more than 100 hours research.

Entry to the museum and viewing the display is free of charge, open daily from 10.00am. For more information visit rafmuseum.org/midlands.

Main image is of Paris Langford, granddaughter of Joyce Langford, with Daria Pyrozhenko whose story features in the Displaced Display.