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
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
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
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
Pratt & Whitney R 1830 Radial Engine - TR 261
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 assembled over a twelve-month period (c.2007) from various components the B-24 Liberator restoration group had stored. It was the first exercise to allow the group to understand the configuration of these motors as well as get experience in general methods of repair. This motor was nicknamed 'The Bitza', referring to how it came to be. While it may not be of a high standard, it is capable of being run on the test rig for visitors.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engine Number TR 261
Suitcase from Mason Day Frecker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Worn dark suitcase belonging to Mason Day Frekker, strong cardboard covered with 'leatherette', metal fasteners on front, with carry handle. Suitcase contains Flying Log Book RAAF, Wedding Photo, National Archives Record Search Mason Day Frecker, Distinguished Flying Medal Register WW2 x 3, Papers on Medals and Victorian Ground Crew Numbers, Files 1 - 2 - 3 - Photographs, Leaflets, Pilots' Notes, Maps - Germany (28 maps), Buttons and badges and other medals.
Historical information
Suitcase issued to aircraft captains or crew by RAAF during World War II. The contents of M D Frecker's suitcase include World War II medals awarded to the owner, photographs, maps, pilots' handbooks, language dictionaries (Malay, Pidgin, Japanese), propaganda leaflets dropped by Japanese.
Significance
Has historical and social significance, also research significance. Provenance known, owner piloted B-24 Liberator bombers and General Blamey's personal aircraft; item was donated by son. Great interpretive potential.
Inscriptions & Markings
"RAAF/402653/Frecker/M.D." on top surface, "M.D.F." on front surface under handle.
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
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 - Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Leather covered Log Book
Significance
Log book was issued to W O Isaacs who qualified as a pilot on Airspeed Oxford, Anson and Liberator aircraft.
Inscriptions & Markings
Royal Australian Air Force. Flying Log Book. Name Isaacs M.G.
RAAF Dress Uniform
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
RAAF Dress Uniform worn on formal occasions by Flight Sergeant Charles Cull.
Historical information
Worn in WWII as Dress Uniform on Formal Occasions.
Manual - Instruction Manual. Power Plant. B-24 D Airplane
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Hardback bound manual
Historical information
Issued to engine mechanics servicing the B-24 Liberator.
Significance
Original WW2 era manual.
Inscriptions & Markings
Instruction manual. Power Plant. B-24 D Airplane. Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation. Asn Diego, California
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
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.
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.
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
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 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
Oral History: Return of Australian POW's 1945, role of B-24 Liberators and crew - B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia Inc.,Return of the Australian POW's 1945
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Approx 25 pp printed on A4 paper in plastic sleeve.
Historical information
B-24 Liberator aircraft and their crews were important in the repatriation of thousands of former prisoners of war at the end of the war in the Pacific in 1945.
Significance
In May 2015 the B-24 Liberator Restoration group organised an exhibition to commemorate the role of B-24 Liberators and their crews in the repatriation of former POWs in 1945 at the end of the Second World War. It was believed that no such exhibition had been organised previously and that the memories of surviving veterans might be lost if no effort were made to record them.This collection includes oral testimonies of 9 surviving veterans who were crew or support staff for Liberators involved in these important missions. It also includes a 7 page summary of the historical context, including statistics of POW numbers, information on Government decisions about repatriation arrangements for South East Asia and the South West Pacific areas, as well as an evaluation of the role of B-24 Liberators in repatriating the former POWs.
Inscriptions & Markings
Black-and-white illustration of B-24 Liberator at top of front cover. B-24 Liberator Memorial Australia Inc. Return of the Australian POWs 1945.Tribute to the Liberator Crews who repatriated World War II POW.'They couldn't get home quick enough'
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
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.
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'
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 Plate
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Round Silver Plate presented to William Bakker, State President, Victoria Chapter, Australian Air Force Association.
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
William Bakker, State President, Victoria Chapter, Australian Air Force Association from 49th Fighter Group San Francisco, Ca. July 1980. Presented by M/G Dr Hutchinson USAF Retired.
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.
Log Book - Obserevers Air Gunners And W/T Operators Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound cover book
Historical information
C. G. Ashcroft qualified as a 1st Engineer on B-24 Liberator aircraft in March 1944
Inscriptions & Markings
G C Ashcroft 32827 Flying Officer
US World War II multi-coloured map on acetate rayon, printed on both sides, AAF Cloth Map - Southwest Pacific Area, Side 1 - No. 23 North Celebes, Side 2 - No. 24 South Celebes
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 Map - Southwest Pacific Area Side 1 - No. 23 North Celebes Side 2 - No. 24 South Celebes
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
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
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
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
