B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc Werribee, Victoria
The museum is a memorial to the air crew and ground crew who flew and serviced the B-24 Liberator bomber during World War 2 operations in the Pacific area.
A Liberator bomber is being restored and will form the centrepiece of a museum complex including a Memorial Wall and WW2 arefacts.
Links
Contact Information
Opening Hours
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday between 9:30 am and 3:30 pm
Entry Fee
$5.00 adult, children under 16 free
Location
Corner Farm Rd & Princes Highway Werribee Victoria
View on Google MapsThe collection is a memorial to all personnel who served with B-24 Liberator heavy bombers during World War 2, particularly RAAF and USAAF personnel in the Pacific theatre. The collection reflects on the times and experiences of those who gave their time and health, or life, while defending the democratic beliefs of the allies and importantly, the security of Australia. Based upon the B-24 Liberator, the collection recognises specifically joint RAAF and USAAF operations commencing in Australia with the training in the late 1930s of RAAF pilots in conjunction with the Empire Air Training Scheme, through to the joint USAAF operations north of Borneo in 1945 countering Japanese advances into the region and culminating in the end of the war. In particular, the collection concentrates on the period 1943 to 1947. The collection includes the ongoing restoration of one of the RAAF?s last obtained B-24 Liberators (A72-176). This aircraft is significant as the only surviving example of its kind in the southern hemisphere. It is also an important part of Australia?s aviation history. In addition to the B-24 Liberator, the main focus of the collection, there is a range of equipment and artefacts relevant to the training and service of B-24 Liberator air and ground crews; the early stages of building a replica Airspeed Oxford training aircraft; flight simulators, models, books, photographs, uniforms, and memorabilia. The objective of the collection is to be a memorial as well as to give visitors the opportunity to view this aircraft and to understand the training pilots and crews underwent from basic training through to operations against the enemy.
Significance
Iconic aircraft and associated artefacts from an important period of Australia's modern history
142 items
142 items
Bomb Release Quadrant - Partial Bomb Release Quadrant
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
The item has 50% of it's body missing.Quadrant base and operative lever.Quarter circle casting with operating handle attached,base is squared off with rivets attaching both parts.
Historical information
Created for the purpose of bomb delivery from B-24 Liberator aircraft. The item was originally fitted to RAAF Liberator 72-176. During salvage and disposal operations it was damaged losing 50% of the body. The item was used as a reference to manufacture a complete example.
Significance
An example of late 1930's engineering practice in an endeavour to modernise aircraft technology.
Inscriptions & Markings
Bomb doors, 32-F-7523 (part number) three times, closed, open, safe, select.
Silver Gillette Shaver
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Silver Gillette Shaver in plastic container used by Bill Bakker
Significance
Includeed in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF
Gun Turret - Rear Gun Turret
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Perspex side and top covered metal round gun turret with 1 inch steel plate
Emergency Signalling Mirror
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular mirror with see through cross in centre on front. Instructions for use printed on rear. Cord threaded through corner hole. Contained in original cardboard container.
Historical information
A.J.Abicair was C/O of 486 Maintenance Squadron from 22/08/1946 having been promoted to A/W.Cdr in May 1944 , then T/OT/W/Cdr. January 1945. .
Significance
Part of the collection of Wing Commander A.J.Abicair issued equipment.
Inscriptions & Markings
One Emergency Signalling Mirror ESM/1. "Spec. 40653" Open this end and pull lanyard. This package contains 1 emergency signalling mirror with which the attention of persons in the distance (in ships, aircraft, etc) may be attracted by a beam of reflected sunlight. A positive means of aiming the reflected beam of light is provided.Instructions are printed on the other side of this package and on mirror. General Electric company. Instruction for use are written on the rear. From collection of Wing/Com A.J. Abicair
Course and Speed Calculator MKIIA - Course and Speed Calculator
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Course and Speed Calculator MKII - Air speed in MPH and Knots. Wind Speed and direction. In original wooden box. Used on aircraft.
Inscriptions & Markings
RAF Ref. No. 6B/125 - RCAF Ref. No. 6B/52 No. ST2473/40 Anson/Oxford Serial No. 3441S/40 Box Ref. No. GB/120
Plaque
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Wooden Plaque presented to Bill Bakker (RAAF)
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
1935-1983 School of Radio RAAF Readiness Through Training Governor General's Banner Presentation 29 April 1983
Meal dixie
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Round lidded metal dixie with folding handle
Historical information
Part of kit issued to T.E. Price RAAF No11928
Inscriptions & Markings
11928, RAAF, Scratched on lid
Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book
Historical information
Flying information starts 4/09/1951 for F/O Jackson
Inscriptions & Markings
Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book Jackson N.C. 026387
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Medium bakelite Japanese Nakajima Kate aircraft, coloured black including hole for suspension and mobility.
Historical information
Created to supply training and recognition of friendly/enemy aircraft.
Significance
Expanded the skills of recognition for air crew. ground crew and defence activities.
Inscriptions & Markings
NAKA T-97 NTB June '42.
Book - Liberator Pilot's Notes
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Historical information
The Liberator Pilot's Notes was issued for the information and guidance of all concerned.
Photograph of Bill Bakker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Colour photograph of William (Bill) Bakker in frame.
Significance
Included in the Collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
British World War II silk map of Sumatra (South) and Java (Extreme North West) and on reverse Borneo (South West), Java and Sumatra (Extreme South)
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A multi-coloured, contoured, double-sided map printed on rayon, 1944 Series South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and Asia
Historical information
Silk and rayon maps were produced by Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total), the United States (c.7.5 million) and Australia during World War II. They were issued to Allied military personnel as part of 'escape and evasion' kits.
Significance
This map, printed on rayon, is an original British 'escape and evasion' kit map from World War II.
Inscriptions & Markings
Sheet G Sumatra (South) and Java (Extreme North West) and, on the reverse, Sheet H Borneo (South West), Java and Sumatra (Extreme South)
Radio Control Box - BC-450-a
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Black crackle-finish radio control box
Historical information
Part of the radio equipment in B-24 Liberator aircraft.
Significance
This is a good example as it is unused and in its original box.
Inscriptions & Markings
Radio control box/signal corps US Army/s.n. 84472/made by Western Electric New York.
Tail Plane from 'Little Eva' crash
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
The tail plane/fin from the crash site of Liberator 'Little Eva'. This site is registered as Doomadgee Queensland Australia, approximate GPS Co-ordinates: Latitude -17 56 24 Longitude +138 49 47.
Historical information
Commemoration of the crash of USAAF B-24 Liberator #41-23762 'Little Eva' of the 321st Squadron, 90th Bombardment Group based at Iron Range. Crashed near Burriejell waterhole at Moonlight Creek, Escott Station in far north Queensland on 2 December 1942. Two of the ten crewmen were rescued by the manager of Escott Station after 13 days of deprivation.
Significance
2bx
Inscriptions & Markings
Faded USAAF Insignia 41-23762
Manual for B-24 Liberator flight engineers - Handbook for the flight engineer B-24D airplanes
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Loose-leaf manual in three-ring binder. Dark brown with gold lettering. 86 pages.
Historical information
Original 1943 manual. Issued to B-24 Liberator Flight Engineers.
Significance
Issued to RAAF B-24 Liberator flight engineers.
Inscriptions & Markings
Published 1943 by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation. San Diego, California. Printed by Fry & Smith Ltd. San Diego, California.
Log Book - Observer's, Air Gunner's and W/T Operator's Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book
Historical information
F/SGT. P F Thomas qualified as Air Bomber on B24 Liberators 13.11.44
Inscriptions & Markings
Form A.73. (June 1938) Royal Australian Air Force Observer's, Air Gunner's and W/T operator's Flying Log Book No 443350 P F Thomas
Plaque
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Plaque presented to Wilhelm H. Bakker and Mrs Anne Bakker by RAAF Association, Victorian Division.
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
AFA - Presented to Wilhelm H. Bakker, Past President - RAAF Association, Victorian Division and Mrs. Anne Bakker on the occasion of their visit to Florida, USAF Association (Florida State) August 1985.
Map of Stalags in Germany
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Map of Germany showing Stalags
Historical information
Used in WWII
Brown Leather Document Holder
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Brown Leather Document Holder (poor condition) belonging to Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
Imprint of Horse
Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah Engine
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Seven-cylinder air cooled radial engine produced by Armstrong Siddeley (UK). Widely used in Airspeed Oxford and Avro Anson aircraft of WWII era. This example is in running order after having been rebuilt by team members from a very neglected state.
Historical information
Some 37,200 of these engines were built, major application was in the Airspeed Oxford aircraft.
Inscriptions & Markings
A9600 8739D 790 S
Plaque 49th Fighter Group
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular wooden plaque with blue enameled, silver printed plate attached
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
DEDICATED TO THE BRAVE MEN OF THE 49TH FIGHTER GROUP. DEPARTED MORRISON AFB, FLORIDA,4 JANUARY 1942.FIRST EXPEDITIONARY FORCE TO LEAVE THE U.S.AFTER THE DECLARATION OF WAR. LEADING GROUP IN THE PACIFIC THEATRE- 678 ENEMY PLANES SHOT DOWN MAJOR RICHARD I. BONG WITH 40 VICTORIES BECAME AMERICA'S "ACE OF ACES" DEDICATED JULY 20, 1985 1985 REUNION PRESENTED BY 49FTG ASSN.
Frecker's Medals (Replicas)
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Replica Pacific Star, Campaign Stars and War Medals 1939-45. Aircrew Europe Star. Defence Medal 1939-45. Awarded to Mason Day Frecker.
Log Book - Observer's, Air Gunner's and W/T Operators Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular light blue linen covered hard bound book
Historical information
F/SGT. M.L.Jones 122186, qualified as Air Gunner on B24 Liberators November 1944
Inscriptions & Markings
Form A.73.(June1938) . Royal Australian Air Force Observer's Air Gunner's and W/T Operators Flying Log Book. Jones M.L.
Oral History - Alan Scarlett Story
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A4 paper hand written transcript of 5 pages
Historical information
Alan Scarlett was in the RAAF from 18/08/1943 until February 1946 and was a B-24 Liberator gunner between the end of 1943 and September 1945 with 21 Squadron.
Significance
The oral history of Alan Scarlett is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of the individual's experience during World War II as a member of the RAAF who trained at Tocumwal, Nhill and Leyburn. He saw active service in the Pacific conflict from Fenton and Morotai as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator. He was also air-crew during the repatriation of former World War II prisoners or war in 1945.
Inscriptions & Markings
Black and white print of a B-24 Liberator at the top of the page. Werribee Liberator Restoration Visit. Neerim Men's Shed. Sunday 16th March 2014.
US World War II multi-coloured map on acetate rayon, printed on both sides, AAF Cloth Chart, Side 1 - No. C-47 South Borneo, Side 2 - No. C-48 West Java
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A multi-coloured, contoured, double-sided map printed on acetate rayon
Historical information
Silk and rayon maps were produced by the United States (c. 7.5 million in total), Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total) and Australia during World War II. They were issued to Allied military personnel as part of 'escape and evasion' kits.
Significance
This map, printed on acetate rayon, is an original US 'escape and evasion' kit map from World War II.
Inscriptions & Markings
AAF Cloth Chart Side 1 - No. C-47 South Borneo Side 2 - No. C.48 West Java
Pen Nibs
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Pen nibs used during 1939-1945
Historical information
Used by Mason Day Frecker (RAAF) during WWII
Oral History - Ed Crabtree and John Temby War TimeFlying Experiences
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Printed label DVD disc in plastic cover.
Historical information
E. Crabtree was in the RAAF from February 1940 until May 1946 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot and instructor between October 1943 and March 1946.
Significance
This oral history of E.Crabtree is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of the individuals experience during World War II as a member of the RAAF who trained at Benalla and Point Cook. He saw active service in the Pacific conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft from Darwin. He is the second last person to fly B-24 Liberator A72-176 and has been involved in the restoration of the same aircraft since 1986.
Inscriptions & Markings
Three photos. Ed Crabtree and John Temby recount the restoration of Liberator A72-176 and share some of their war time experiences with David Smith. Interview recorded in August 2014. iA imaginACTION
USAF Pacific Air Force Letter - Letter of gratitude
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Letter from Paul V. Hester, General, USAF given with flag expressing gratitude for B-24 restoration project and tour of the hangar.
Polaroid Lenses for 1068 Goggles
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Brown Box containing 4 green, 4 orange and 2 clear replacement lenses for Polaroid 1068 Goggles.
Historical information
Used by airmen in WWII
Inscriptions & Markings
Polaroid Aviation Goggles Kit No. 1068.
Oral History - Arthur Cambell Williams History
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A4 perspex covered, bound typed copy
Historical information
Arthur Williams was in the RAAF from13/10/1940 until April 1946 and was a radar operator between February 1945 and April 1946.
Significance
The oral history of Arthur Williams is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of the individual's experience during WW11 as a member of the RAAF who trained at Tocumwal.He saw active service in the Pacific conflict from Leyburn and Morotai as a radar operator on a B24 Liberator supporting Z Force.
Inscriptions & Markings
Black printed Arthur Cambell Williams History on grey paper with fancy black border