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
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
Camera
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Camera used by Vern Roberts, RAAF 24 Squadron during 1943-1944.
Significance
Camera was used during 1943-1944 by Vern Roberts, RAAF 24 Squadron.
Inscriptions & Markings
Soho Myna Model SK12
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
Norden M9 Bombsight
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Black covered Electro Mechanical analogue computer with small indicator dials with two divisional connected boxes. Mounts on Minneapolis Honeywell 'stabilizer' unit.
Historical information
Used in Pacific War during WWII
Inscriptions & Markings
Minneapolis Type G1029 A3CAZ HZ 26 Volts DC CV. Serial No. C-24825 B3430
Graviscope - Graviscope for Liberator
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
2 Circular plastic manual computing discs with black print on a white background with areas for calculating Centre of gravity, Armament, Bomb loadings,Fuel, oil,Crew, Miscel., Oxygen and Camera. Clear plastic protractor with string attached. Enclosed in a leather envelope.
Historical information
Standard crew issue for pilots and flight engineers.
Significance
The equipment supplied air crew with a computer to calculate individual aircraft's weight and balance.
Inscriptions & Markings
GRAVISCOPE FOR LIBERATOR. MODEL B24J, L AND M. MANUFACTURED BY MELB. >W&G< AUST. R.A.A.F IDENT NO G6B/2396
Brown Leather Business Card Holder
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Brown Leather Business Card Holder belonging to Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
Royal Australian Air Force 1939-1945 Europe
Plaque
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
RAAF Plaque presented to Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
1921-1981 Aircraft Depot RAAF Providemus, Queen's Colour Presentation 6 November 1981
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.
Computer Navigational MkIII D
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Black metal box with SS flap-top cover, moulding and straps for knee attachment.
Historical information
RAAF Manual navigation aircraft calculator(early computer)
Significance
General issue to allied pilots and navigators for airspeed,altitude,air temperature and drift calculations.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engraving No. 19, Ident.No. G6B/145. I.C.A.N. Serial No. WG/1716*. Computer Navigational Mk.IIID
Memorial Poppy
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Red hand knitted woollen poppy, with black ringed green centre mounted on attaching pin. Copy of surrender certificate attached.
Historical information
Presented at the surrender at Morotai 9 September 1945.
Significance
Connection to the surrender at Morotai
WWII Japanese Aircraft Compass
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Compass believed to be from a 'Betty' or 'Dinah' Japanese Aircraft.
Inscriptions & Markings
Model 9 - 2 magnetic type compass for aircraft YOKOGAWA Electric Company. Made in August 1942. Serial No. 8305411
Bubble sextant
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
This bubble sextant, complete with original wooden storage case with leather strap, was manufactured c.1930s. Black and metallic, it has a mirror in the middle, various knobs on the sides and a cylindrical handle on each side.
Historical information
These instruments were used on aircraft to obtain the altitude of the sun or other celestial body to aid navigation. This particular one came from a former RAAF pilot.
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Large bakelite B17 Flying Fortress aircraft, coloured matt 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
"Flying Fortress" Boeing B17E.E9-2324 DS^D DLTDC
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
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
Dutch Air Force Officer's Cap
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Dutch Air Force Officer's Cap
Historical information
Worn by Wilhelmius (Bill) Bakker during WWII.
Significance
Mr Bakker was in the Dutch Air Force and was stationed at Darwin working with the RAAF.
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.
Link Trainer
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
The instrument Flying Trainer Type D4 MK1 (Link Trainer c1950) is an electrical, mechanical and vacuum operated motion simulator. It was used by the RAAF as ground equipment in teaching all phases of elementary and advanced instrument flying.
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
Computer True Air Speed
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
2 black discs printed with luminous paint with plastic indicator, used for calculating true air speed.
Historical information
Standard crew issue for pilots and flight engineers
Significance
Equipment supplied crew with a computer to calculate true airspeed.
Inscriptions & Markings
COMPUTER. TRUE AIRSPEED. A.C. TYPE G-1 A list of 4 instructions for use. Spec. No. 27367-A, MFG.DWG. No. 42D531, Order No.42-18049-P GENERAL LUMINESCENT CORPORATION, CHICAGO
Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book
Historical information
R.Carty 418344 qualified as pilot on Airspeed Oxford.17.4.43
Inscriptions & Markings
Form A.18 (Revised April1937) (R.A.F. Form 414)Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book. Richard Carty 418344
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small bakelite Spitfire Mk 5 aircraft, coloured matt 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
"Spitfire" Mk.V. Trop. E9-2275 D^D DC LTD
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
Pratt & Whitney R 1830 Radial Engine - 722
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
The Pratt & Whitney R 1830 is a double row 14 cylinder air cooled radial engine with a capacity of 1830 cubic inches, (30 litres), developing some 1200 horsepower at a maximum 2700 rpm.
Historical information
This engine was used by RAAF 21 Squadron personnel to manufacture and fit up exhaust systems and had been left standing for a long time without any preservation treatment. Much effort was put in to free up the motor and after it had been made to turn, checks by borescope showed some fretting had occurred in the cylinder bores. This was deemed not serious enough to warrant a strip down. It did need repairs to the ignition looms and various other adjustments but first started on the 16 July 2009. Various fuel problems were evident and repairs have been done and it now runs very well. All parts used in getting this motor to run successfully came from the fund's own stock or parts included in other purchases.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engine Number 722
Airspeed Oxford aircraft (Replica under construction)
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Full-sized replica of an Airspeed Oxford aircraft. This type of aircraft was described as a multi-engine three-seat advanced military trainer monoplane. It was a wooden construction using plywood and fabric covering and powered by two 375 HP Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah 10 engines.
Historical information
This type first flew in 1937 and by the start of WWII it was the preferred aircraft in all Empire Air Training Schemes for multi-engine pilot training.
Significance
By the beginning of WWII the Airspeed Oxford was the preferred aircraft in all Empire Air Training Schemes for multi-engine pilot training. As of April 2014, no Airspeed Oxfords remain in the world in airworthy condition and there are very few complete air frames. There are reportedly some restoration-to-fly projects underway, one in New Zealand.
Inscriptions & Markings
Parts originally used a base for this reconstruction were reckoned to be from an Oxford Mk 2 with registration A25 LX181 which was based at Point Cook and used extensively in training from the Werribee Aerodrome.
Pratt & Whitney R 1830 Radial Engine - 54828 (CAC)
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
The Pratt & Whitney R 1830 is a double row 14 cylinder air cooled radial engine with a capacity of 1830 cubic inches, (30 litres), developing some 1200 horsepower at a maximum 2700 rpm.
Historical information
This engine was a Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) build, and had been upgraded to 92 specification at some time. This engine as acquired, was completely seized and great difficulty was encountered in dismantling it. The pistons in Nos 1, 13, 3, 2 and 5 had "grown" into the cylinder bores requiring some unorthodox methods to remove them. The cylinder barrels have been brought up to a reasonable standard, those beyond repair were replaced from stock. After getting various parts from the US, this engine was eventually brought up to running order.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engine Number 54828
S.C.R 522 VHF Radio
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Also know as T.R 5043 in RAF and RAAF usage. Very widely used Very High Frequency Transmitter/Receiver operating in the 100 to 150 MHz range. This equipment is very heavy for the low power output (8 to 9 watts) weighing in at 22 kg and another 16 kg for the associated Dynamotor power supply. Physical size 2bx
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
Photograph of Japanese Surrender on Morotai
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
During WWII Vern Roberts was an LAC Fitter 2A (airframe) in RAAF 24 Squadron. He was stationed on Morotai at the time of the Japanese surrender. All personnel on Morotai at the time were required to attend the parade to witness the signing of the Peace Document. Vern had with him the camera his mother had given him when he left Australia to serve in the RAAF. He carried that camera and used it throughout his war service in the Northern Territory and on Morotai. Vern took the pictures of the ceremony, now on display with his camera. General Sir Thomas Blamey signed the Surrender Document on behalf of the Allied Forces.
Historical information
Witnessing the Japanese surrender and signing of Peace Document on Morotai 1945.