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
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
Plaque 49th Fighter Group
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Plaque In frame presented to Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
49th Fighter Group W.M. Bakker Distinguished Guest 1980 3 Cloth Badges
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.
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 - 361184
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
Early experience resulted in this motor being partially dismantled to investigate load knocking when turned over on the starter motor. Subsequently it was discovered that the "noise" was normal, a unique aspect of the 1830 engine. The engine was then re-assembled to an operational state using parts from stock.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engine Number 361184
WWI Flying Goggles
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Airman's Flying Goggles used in WWI
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
F/LT. C.T. Lister qualified as a pilot.on B-24 Liberator aircraft April 1944
Inscriptions & Markings
Form A.18. (Revised April 1937.) (B.A.F. Form 414.) Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book Lister
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
Aero Engine Valve Assembly - Aircraft Radial Engine Valve
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Valve fitted with spring and porcelain valve head.Slight bend in valve stem due to impact damage.
Historical information
Item was found at a Japanese aircraft crash site on Nauru Island 1975
Significance
Indicate Japanese manufacturing level during WW11. The porcelain head on the valve is unusual and difficult to match to steel.
Inscriptions & Markings
None
Helmet and Goggles
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Leather helmet with suede lining, under chin strap, earphone inlets with snap locked flaps. Metal framed goggles with leather surrounds, adjustable rubber strap and split glass lenses.
Significance
These goggles and helmets were issued to flying recruits for learning to fly biplanes.
Inscriptions & Markings
Made in England Patent. R51067 scratched into metal.
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.
Certificate of Merit - Bill Bakker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Certificate of Merit in Frame - Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the Collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
Australian Flying Corps and RAAF Association Certificate of Merit Presented by Federal Council to William M. Bakker as a mark of Appreciation and Recognition of Service to the Association. Federal President Howard, Federal Secretary Peter Alexander. Dated 3 November 1974.
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.
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)
Distinguished Flying Medal (Replica)
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Distinguished Flying Medal M.D. Frecker RAAF
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
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
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
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.
Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book.
Historical information
Flt.Lt.M.D.Frecker qualified as a pilot on B-24 Liberator aircraft, May 1944
Inscriptions & Markings
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE. FLYING LOG BOOK . FORM A.18.(Revised April 1937) (R.A.F. Form 414.)
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
Bomb Release Quadrant- Scale Model
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Quarter circle quadrant with operating levers and security bracket. Body is dark green with two red operating handles.
Historical information
After an eight year international search for a complete bomb quadrant to fit the B24- Liberator fuselage it was decided to create a replica. This scale mode was used to prove the methodology.
Significance
This scale model allowed us to manufacture a full size complete working replica.This replica is now installed in the B24-Liberator and completes the operational system.
Radio Compass Loop LP 21 - Radio Compass Loop
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Loop Antenna for radio compass S.C.R. 269 and AN.ARN7 widely fitted to US Military Aircraft in WWII.
Inscriptions & Markings
Loop used on B-24 Liberator
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.
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')
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
A4 Document - Distinguished Flying Medal Register WWII - The Distinguished Flying Medal Register WWII
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
The Distinguished Flying Medal Register WWII. Flight Lt Frecker, Mason Day. Campaign Stars 1939-45 Star. Aircrew Europe Star. Pacific Star. War Medals - Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45.
Historical information
Frecker carried out 7 sorties before joining the unit and 21 successful sorties with his squadron making a total of 179.4 hours operational flying. He was attacked and badly damaged by a night fighter on 12 April 1942, after attacking Essen. He brought his aircraft home and successfully crash-landed away from base without causing injury to his crew. Throughout his tour of operations he maintained a high degree of courage and skill.
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
