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
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.
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
Service Maunuals Case - Service Manuals in officially supplied Case
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Square leather case with 2 handles and metal clasp, with gold inscriptions.
Historical information
Service manuals for the B-24D Liberator aircraft.
Significance
These instruction mauals were officially issued from the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation, San Diego, California USA
Inscriptions & Markings
E. Duplex SUMITON, ALA. CONSOLIDATED VULTEE with an eagle in gold circle. Service Manuals. 01618 i tooled into base of case.
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniform
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniforms
Aircraft, B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
This restored Liberator aircraft was assembled from parts salvaged from B-24M models, manufactured during the 1940s in the USA. Made from aluminium, the plane is 68 feet long, with a wingspan of 110 feet, and is metallic silver with a distinctive blue and white target design on each side. The aircraft is powered by four wing-mounted engines, and is fitted with 10 heavy machine guns.
Historical information
This particular aircraft was modified with a search radar in the lower fuselage to help locate and track targets and was then redesignated as a B-24R model. The RAAF took A72-176 on charge in late 1944 and this saw it issued to 7 OTU (Operational Training Unit) based at Tocumwal, south west NSW. The training saw bomber crews learn how to fly the bomber, operate as a team and work with fighters. Towards the end of the war there were up to 50 aircraft located at Tocumwal along with 5000 personnel. A72-176 was noted as flown on training missions by various aircrew.
Significance
This aircraft is one of the only remaining B-24 bombers in the southern hemisphere and 1 of only 8 remaining B-24 airframes still existing in the world, out of the nearly 19,000 which were originally built. The restoration honours the contribution of one of the RAAF’s main bombers of the WWII era.
Inscriptions & Markings
Registration number on side of fuselage at rear of plane: 'A72-176' Inscription on side of fuselage at front of plane: 'ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE / US ARMY B24-10 CO / AIR FORCES SERIAL NUMBER 44-41956'
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
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
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
Manual - Course notes for B-24 Liberator aircraft ground crew - Fitters II.A Carpenter, riggers, flight riggers, Course notes.
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Loose leaf manual in two-ring binder. Pale green with dark green spine.
Historical information
Issued to RAAF ground crew in WWII.
Significance
Original WWII manual
Inscriptions & Markings
R.A.A.F. serial number 19218. Issue 4 - 1942
WWII Practice Bombs
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Practice bombs could be service bombs, inert loaded with sand, water for chalk/lime solution. Standard practice bombs were painted white overall with two light green bands painted around centre of the tail. Inert service bombs painted black and those containing an exploder had a red band around the body.
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
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.
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.
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')
Log Book - Flying Log Book for Navigators, Air Bombers, Air Gunners, Flight Engineers
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book
Historical information
Sgt. R.Bryson qualified as a Flight Engineer on B24 Liberator.on 16/Aug.1944
Inscriptions & Markings
Form 1767 Royal Air Force Flying Log Book for Navigators Air Bombers Air Gunners Flight Engineers. Robert Bryson
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.
Sperry Ball Turret B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Sperry Ball Turret B-24 Liberator, meant for ventral defence needs on aircraft. Also used on B-17 Flying Fortress.
Black and White Photographs of Bill Bakker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Black and white photograph of a young Bill Bakker. Black and white photograph in a frame of Bill Bakker.
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Distinguished Flying Medal (Replica)
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Distinguished Flying Medal M.D. Frecker RAAF
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
Instructors' Handbook of Advanced Flying Training
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Instructors Handbook of Advanced Flying Training issued by Air Ministry May 1943. Air Publication 1732b, 1st Edition, May 1943.
Historical information
Used by pilot instructors during WWII.
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.
Photocopies of Log Sheets
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Photocopies of Bill Bakker's Flying Log Sheets - June, September, October, September, September.
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
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.
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'
Member's Pay Book RAAF - Mason Day Frecker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
RAAF member's Pay Book (in poor condition)
Inscriptions & Markings
Official No. 402653. Pay Book No. 29946. Surname: Frecker. Christian Names: Mason Day. Royal Australian Air Force Member's Pay Book
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 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
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
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.