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
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
A4 sheet of War Office Courses - War Office Courses
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
War Office Courses offered by University Correspondence College
Oral History - RAAF Service History of Sqn. Ldr. Richard F. Overheu DFC & Bar
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Paper printed transcript with plastic cover
Historical information
R. Overheu was in the RAAF from August 1940 until October 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot between March 1943 and October 1945 in 380 Sqn. then 24 Sqn.
Significance
This oral history is historical significance because it provides at first hand an account of the individual's experiences during World War II as a member of the RAAF. He trained at Point Cook and in Tasmania and saw active service during the Pacific conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft from Darwin.
Inscriptions & Markings
RAAF SERVICE HISTORY OF SQN. LDR. RICHARD F. OVERHEU DFC AND BAR U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CITATION RECORDED 1999-2000
Australian World War II silk map of Banda Sea
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
An oblong, cream colour, single-sided map printed in black and white with brown contours, Banda Sea
Historical information
Silk and rayon maps were produced by Australia, Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total) and the United States (c.7.5 million) during World War II. They were issued to Allied military personnel as part of 'escape and evasion' kits.
Significance
This silk map, one of relatively few produced in Australia (most Australian RAAF pilots and crew were issued with British and US maps), is an original map from World War II.
Inscriptions & Markings
Banda Sea (with Insets 'A' to 'E')
Blue - Pilot's Notes. Green - Pilot's Notes.
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Blue - Bristol Aircooled Radial Engines Pilot's Notes, Pegasus CVIII. Green - Rotol Pilot's Notes.
Historical information
Used by pilots during WWII
US World War II multi-coloured map on acetate rayon, printed on both sides, AAF Cloth Chart - Philippine Series, Side 1 - No. C-43 Mindanao Series, Side 2 - No. C-44 North Borneo
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 - Philippine Series Side 1 - No. C-43 Mindanao Series Side 2 - No. C.44 North Borneo
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.
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small bakelite P38 Lightning aircraft model, coloured black including hole for suspension and mobility.
Historical information
Created to supply recognition of friendly/enemy aircraft.
Significance
Expanded the skills of recognition for air crew,ground crew and defence activities.
Inscriptions & Markings
P-38, US July 42
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
Distinguished Flying Medal (Replica)
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Distinguished Flying Medal M.D. Frecker RAAF
Australian World War II silk map of Celebes
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
An oblong, cream colour, single-sided map printed in black and white with brown contours, Celebes
Historical information
Silk and rayon maps were produced by Australia, Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total) and the United States (c.7.5 million) during World War II. They were issued to Allied military personnel as part of 'escape and evasion' kits.
Significance
This silk map, one of relatively few produced in Australia (most Australian RAAF pilots and crew were issued with British and US maps), is an original map from World War II.
Inscriptions & Markings
'Prepared under the direction of RAAF Headquarters' Celebes (with Insets 'A' to 'E')
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniform
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniforms
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
Leaflets
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Leaflets dropped to the civil population of Japanese occupied territories by RAAF 24 Squadron B-24 Liberators
Historical information
Used in WWII
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
Book on B-24 Liberators - Leyburn's Liberators
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Softback book.
Historical information
A history of RAAF 200 Flight at Leyburn Airfield.
Significance
A little known story of secret operations.
Inscriptions & Markings
Inscribed inside 'Mr C Chapman, 41 Bay Road, Oatley, 2223'
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
Special Flying Ration Pack
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Olive drab tin containing rations for two aircrew
Inscriptions & Markings
Department of Defence Packed by MacROBERTSONS SPECIAL FLYING RATION To be consumed by Air Crew carrying out flights of 4 hours' duration or longer Sufficient for 2 men KEEP PACK INTACT RAAF A Gadsden Container
Oral History - A Navigator's War
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A4 Paper printed transcript in plastic cover
Historical information
I. Edmiston was in the RAAF from March 1942 until December 1945 and was a navigator on a B-24 Liberator between Early 1943 and June 1945 with Coastal Command and 160 Squadron.
Significance
This oral history of Ian Edmiston 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 Cootamundra, Evans Head, Parkes, Prince Edward Island and the Bahamas Islands.He saw active service as navigator in a B-24 Liberator aircraft in the South East Asian Islands.
Inscriptions & Markings
A Navigator's War. By Ian Edmiston
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
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small bakelite North American "0-47A"
Historical information
Created to supply training and recognition of friendly/enemy aircraft
Significance
Expanded the skills of recognition for aircrew and ground crew and defence activities
Inscriptions & Markings
North American "0-47A" E9-2327 D^D D/LtdC
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.
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.
Radar Antenna
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Radar Antenna (Dish), forms part of the S.C.R. 717c search radar fitted to RAAF Liberators. It is an early microwave airborne pulse radar.
Historical information
Airborne radar was developed as WWII progressed; it only started to become really useful nearing the war's end.
Inscriptions & Markings
The antenna designation is RC266
Load Adjuster - Bomb Load Adjuster No. 31629
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Brown Leather Case with 'Slide Rule' inner.
Historical information
1945 Slide Rule US Army Air Force from Prof. Allan Bromley.
Significance
Works by adding Angular moments together to find centre of gravity (COG) of a plane (adds bombs, ammunition and crew on board).
Inscriptions & Markings
Load Adjuster, Property of US Government. 102630 on case. 81629. Airplane serial No. 44-4-1195, Model B-24J
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
Emergency Drinking Water
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small (about .5 litre) can, containing drinking water. A spike, to punch a small hole in the can, is affixed to the lid. These cans were standard equipment in B-24 Liberator life rafts
Inscriptions & Markings
Water (Drinking)
Pratt & Whitney R 1830 Radial Engine - 490571
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 motor was purchased from New Zealand (2bx c2008). This motor came with a log book showing it had operated for a total of 1577 hours and was removed from service because it was approaching the deadline of 1600 hours which required it to be overhauled or replaced. No starter motor came with it, so the B-24 Liberator restoration group reconditioned one from stock, After a thorough health check, and basic adjustments, this engine was first run in May 2009 and has been cycled through regular engine run schedule ever since.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engine Number 490571