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
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
Jaeger Disk Speed Indicator - Tachometer
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Tachometer for calibrating Norden Bombsight Rate Motor in a black box.
Historical information
Was used with Norden Bombsights on aircraft during WWII.
Inscriptions & Markings
B.S. Mk XV Disk Speed Indicator Jaeger
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Large bakelite B17 Flying Fortress 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
"Flying Fortress" Boeing B17E.E9-2324 DS^D DLTDC
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
Sperry Gunsight - K4 Computing Gunsight for lower Ball Turret
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Crackle black single unit. Supplies Gunner with range and ballistic 'drop' information. (Three units held.)
Inscriptions & Markings
Serial No. 4740 (Sperry) S/No. 410380 (N>C>R> under Licence) S/No. 411901 (N>C>R>)
Oral History - 356 Wings Over Salbani
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Paper printed transcript booklet with central staples.
Historical information
G. Piper was in the RAAF from December 1941 until March 1946 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot between May 1944 and July 1945 with 356 Squadron.
Significance
This oral history of Geoffrey Piper 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 Benalla, Deniliquin,Essendon,Mallala,Long Newnton,Harwell and Kolar.He saw active service in the ACSEA Theatre flying B-24 Liberator aircraft.
Inscriptions & Markings
356 Wings Over Salbani. Pilot Officer Geoffrey Charles Piper 410373. Royal Australian Air Force Date of Enlistment: 6 December 1941 Melbourne Per Ardua Ad Astra " Through Difficulties to the Stars" on a Printed map background.
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
Oral History - My RAAF Experience by Keith R.E. Johnston
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A4 paper printed transcript, stapled in corner
Historical information
K. Johnston was in the RAAF from September 1941 until December 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator pilot between 1942 and December 1945. He was attached to Fifth Bomber Command USAF the 12 Squadron RAAF.
Significance
This oral history of Keith Johnston is of historical significance because it provides a first hand account of this individual's experiences during World War II as a member of the RAAF who trained at Bradfield Park Sydney and Bundaberg and saw active service during the Pacific conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft in New Guinea and Darwin.
Inscriptions & Markings
My RAAF Experience by R.E.Johnston, photo of 12 Squadron RAAF badge, Flight Lieutenant 12 Squadron RAAF
Letter from Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Air to M.D. Frecker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Letter from Commonwealth of Australia, Department of Air to M.D. Frecker. Re: awarded medals during services with the Armed Forces during WWII 1939/45
Significance
Includedin the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
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
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.
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.
Plaque presented to Bill Bakker
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Wooden Plaque presented to Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
Air Force Association, Victorian Division. Life Member, Mr. W.M. Bakker - 1976
Japanese leather pilot's cap
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Brown leather cap
Historical information
Leather cap worn by Japanese aircrew during World War 2.
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 - 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
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.
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
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniform
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniforms
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
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.
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.
Turbocharger - General ElectricModel B-22
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Round metal supercharger with inlet and outlet.
Significance
General Electric turbocharger model B-22 was fitted externally to a Pratt & Whitney R1930 14 cylinder twin wasp radial air-cooled engine for the supply of air at an increased pressure to the carburetor intake. This enabled the B-24 Liberator to maintain a maximum 1300HP at takeoff from sea level to 30,000 ft. ceiling and at high altitude.
Inscriptions & Markings
General Electric turbo super charger. GE Ser. No. 872144 FW, A Setting 6, Assembly OD WW 8456556, Model 75-B22-A6 AF Contract or Purchase Order W33-038AC-1699, Spec. H-285022-22 Schenectady Made in US
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.
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 (Informational Entry)
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
Between Pratt & Whitney and numerous licensed companies, there were over 180,000 of these engines manufactured in a number of specifications. The B-24 Liberator would have been their major recipient but other famous aircraft using the same engine were the Consolidated Catalina flying boat and the Douglas DC3/C47/Dakota. Refer Wikipedia link for other aircraft that used this engine.
Significance
As a result of the significant and ongoing usage of these engines in civil aircraft such as the Douglas DC3, they are by no means rare. Many parts can still be sourced new and there are several companies that have the capacity to rebuild these engines to an airworthy standard.
Oral History - Memories Of My Years in the RAAF and RAF 1942-1945 Ian Middleton
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A4 paper printed transcript in bound plastic cover.
Historical information
I.Middleton was in the RAAF from October 1942 until December 1945. He was a B-24 Liberator pilot between December 1944 and August 1945 with 70 Squadron
Significance
This oral history of Ian Middleton 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 Somers, Tasmania and Point Cook. He saw active service in the Mediterranean conflict flying B-24 Liberator aircraft from Italy.
Inscriptions & Markings
Print of an RAAF flying wings badge. In printed silhouette clear roundel,Memories of My Years in the R.A.A.F. and R.A.F. 1942-1945 Underneath this a copy of a photo of a B-24 Liberator, Ian Middleton.
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
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.
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.