Unique Operation Jubilee exhibition highlights radar expert's heroics

Monday 15 August 2022: A unique new exhibition at the Battle of Britain Bunker and Visitor Centre celebrates the astonishing exploits of a Jewish radar expert during Operation Jubilee.

Jack Nissenthall
Jack Nissenthall's perilous story is one of six tales of incredible bravery featured in 'Dieppe 80' - currently running at the bunker, in Uxbridge.

Nissenthall was a radar expert with a skillset so refined he was one of only a handful of officers with the technical ability required for a top-secret mission as part of Operation Jubilee - a raid on Dieppe in occupied France, on 19 August, 1942. 

His mission was so clandestine, even his 11 bodyguards knew nothing about it, but had been ordered to shoot him should he fall into enemy hands. 

Dieppe 80 is the first public exhibition featuring Nissenthall's story and the first time artefacts from his story have been placed on display. The exhibition runs from 19 August 2022 until August 2023.

The exhibition also features the amazing stories of five other military personnel:  

Leading Aircraftwoman Amy Mates - A Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) plotter, initially in charge of a watch over Colchester in Essex. She was on duty at the Bunker during Operation Jubilee tracking Allied aircraft en route to France. 

Flight Lieutenant John Brooks - A fighter pilot who was awarded a Distinguished Flying Medal for the leadership of his section during Operation Jubilee.

Pilot Officer Andrzej Kazimierz Malarowski - An experienced pilot who was flying as part of the Polish Wing based at RAF Northolt, during the Dieppe Raid.

Sergeant Lionel Frank Seeley - A Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) fighter pilot, who flew a Hurricane on a bombing raid during Operation Jubilee. He was tragically killed in a training accident three months later. An engine from his Hurricane is proudly displayed in his honour. 

Pilot Officer Maurice Du Fretay - A fighter pilot with the Free French Air Force who escaped his occupied homeland in November 1940 to fight with the RAF. He was killed when attacking a gun emplacement during Operation Jubilee. 

Cllr Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council's Cabinet Member for Residents' Services, said: "The story of Jack Nissenthall and the other military personnel featured in the Dieppe 80 exhibition are utterly fascinating story and tales of genuine bravery and heroism. 

"I'm delighted we're able to host this wonderful exhibition in our venue, which is as unique as the stories it portrays." 

'DIEPPE 80: Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Operation Jubilee' will run until August 2023. Book your tickets at www.battleofbritainbunker.co.uk 

Page last updated: 15 Feb 2024