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
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Large bakelite Consolidated 31 aircraft model coloured black.
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
"Consolidated31" E9-2994 D^D DLtdC
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
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small bakelite Curtiss "Helldiver" aircraft model 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
Curtiss SB2C-1 E9-2349 D^D DLTDC.
Plaque - Dutch
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Wooden Plaque from Holland, presented to Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
Koninkliji Luchtmacht Parvus Numero Magnus Merito
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.
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
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.
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
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
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small bakelite P39 Aircobra Aircraft, coloured black matt 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
P-39 June 42 US
Astro Compass MKII
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Astronomical Compass used by the Navigator in B-24 Liberator aircraft. Complete in original wooden box.
Historical information
Used by the Navigator in a B-24 Liberator bomber
Significance
Air Ministry Compass
Inscriptions & Markings
Compass marked - A.M. Astro compass MKII CA/1174 Box marked - Delicate instrument, to be handled with great care.
Book - Pilot's Notes - M.D. Frecker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Pilot's Notes for Bristol - Hercules V1 Engines in Wellington aircraft.
Historical information
Used by pilots during WWII
Inscriptions & Markings
Issue No. 1 February 1943 (M.D. Frecker) These Notes are applicable only to engines running on 100-octane fuel and are complementary to information given in official publications.
WWI Flying Goggles
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Airman's Flying Goggles used in WWI
Letters from the war zone to Hazel
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Private letters to Hazel from her husband in the war zone 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
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
Pocket Vocabulary of Malay, Pidgin English and Japanese Phrases and Malay Course for Beginners. M.D. Frecker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A Pocket Vocabulary of Malay, Pidgin English and Japanese Phrases for the use of U.S. Troops in the Southwest Pacific Area. Second printing for Australian Military Forces. Malay Course for Beginners. Far Eastern Liaison Office. Used by Military Forces.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
Aviation Compass - Aircraft Compass
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Navigation Compass Type P8.
Historical information
Used on RAAF aircraft in WWII
Significance
Used by RAAF for navigation training primarily in Tiger Moth and Spitfire aircraft.
Inscriptions & Markings
Number 80873.D Brass Plate - King's Crown over RAAF No. G6A/726
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Medium bakelite German Junkers 88 aircraft model, 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
German Junkers 88. 9.42
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
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)
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.
Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book
Historical information
F/Lt Redman J.R.W. 402395 qualified as a pilot on Liberator 23/12/44
Inscriptions & Markings
Royal Air Force Pilot's Flying Log Book. Redman J.R.W.
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
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