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
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
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.
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
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
Wheel Hub and Leg
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Metal wheel hub and leg minus tyre.
Historical information
These wheels were fitted to the B-24 Liberator
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.
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
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
Pratt & Whitney R 1830 Radial Engine - 54828 (CAC)
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 a Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) build, and had been upgraded to 92 specification at some time. This engine as acquired, was completely seized and great difficulty was encountered in dismantling it. The pistons in Nos 1, 13, 3, 2 and 5 had "grown" into the cylinder bores requiring some unorthodox methods to remove them. The cylinder barrels have been brought up to a reasonable standard, those beyond repair were replaced from stock. After getting various parts from the US, this engine was eventually brought up to running order.
Inscriptions & Markings
Engine Number 54828
Log Book - Royal Australian Air Force Observer's, Air Gunner's and W/T Operator's Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book.
Historical information
Flying log book for E A Obst 5724 qualified as Flight Engineer 16 March 1945
Inscriptions & Markings
Obst E.A.
Leaflets
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Leaflets dropped to the civil population of Japanese occupied territories by RAAF 24 Squadron B-24 Liberators
Historical information
Used in WWII
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.
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.
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
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
Norden M9 Bombsight
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Black covered Electro Mechanical analogue computer with small indicator dials with two divisional connected boxes. Mounts on Minneapolis Honeywell 'stabilizer' unit.
Historical information
Used in Pacific War during WWII
Inscriptions & Markings
Minneapolis Type G1029 A3CAZ HZ 26 Volts DC CV. Serial No. C-24825 B3430
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
Pilot's Seat - B24 Liberator Pilot's Seat
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Green painted metal shell of a B24 Liberator aircraft pilot's seat including all fittings.
Historical information
This pilot's seat was part of the B24 Liberator 's fittings.
Significance
The seat although not part of the aircraft's air frame, was bolted to the cockpit floor as a permanent fixture.
Inscriptions & Markings
None
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.
Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book
Historical information
Poynter A. 431028 qualified as a pilot on Airspeed Oxford 22-3-44
Inscriptions & Markings
Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book. Poynter A. 431028
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.
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
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
AN-APR 4 Auto Scanning Radar Counter Measures Receiver
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
This equipment was used to detect and analyse enemy radar transmissions. A piece of radio equipment very typical of the time, aluminium with circular glass display screen.
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small bakelite CAC Boomerang aircraft model, coloured black.
Historical information
Created to supply training and recognition of friendly/enemy aircraft.
Significance
Expanded the skills of recognition for ground crew, air crew and defence activities.
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
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
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