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
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
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.
Link Trainer
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
The instrument Flying Trainer Type D4 MK1 (Link Trainer c1950) is an electrical, mechanical and vacuum operated motion simulator. It was used by the RAAF as ground equipment in teaching all phases of elementary and advanced instrument flying.
Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book
Historical information
Flying information starts 4/09/1951 for F/O Jackson
Inscriptions & Markings
Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book Jackson N.C. 026387
Map of Stalags in Germany
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Map of Germany showing Stalags
Historical information
Used in WWII
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
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
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
Log Book - Observer's, Air Gunner's and W/T Operators Flying Log Book
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Rectangular light blue linen covered hard bound book
Historical information
F/SGT. M.L.Jones 122186, qualified as Air Gunner on B24 Liberators November 1944
Inscriptions & Markings
Form A.73.(June1938) . Royal Australian Air Force Observer's Air Gunner's and W/T Operators Flying Log Book. Jones M.L.
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 - Momograoh of Activities 1944/1945 Russell (Buck) Rogers.
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A4 paper printed transcript in plastic cover.
Historical information
R. Rogers was in the RAAF from 1944 until December 1945 and was a B-24 Liberator Ball Turret Gunner between July 1944 and December 1945 with 23 Squadron RAAF.
Significance
This oral history of Russell Rogers 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 he saw active service in the Pacific conflict in a B-24 Liberator aircraft from Leyburn,Fenton,Morotai and Balikpapan.
Inscriptions & Markings
B.24 Liberator R.A.A.F. 23 Squadron Heavy Bomber. Monograph of Activities 1944/1945, Russell (Buck) Rogers. Warrant Officer 58413. Ball Turret Gunner
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
S.C.R 522 VHF Radio
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Also know as T.R 5043 in RAF and RAAF usage. Very widely used Very High Frequency Transmitter/Receiver operating in the 100 to 150 MHz range. This equipment is very heavy for the low power output (8 to 9 watts) weighing in at 22 kg and another 16 kg for the associated Dynamotor power supply. Physical size 2bx
Photograph of Japanese Surrender on Morotai
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
During WWII Vern Roberts was an LAC Fitter 2A (airframe) in RAAF 24 Squadron. He was stationed on Morotai at the time of the Japanese surrender. All personnel on Morotai at the time were required to attend the parade to witness the signing of the Peace Document. Vern had with him the camera his mother had given him when he left Australia to serve in the RAAF. He carried that camera and used it throughout his war service in the Northern Territory and on Morotai. Vern took the pictures of the ceremony, now on display with his camera. General Sir Thomas Blamey signed the Surrender Document on behalf of the Allied Forces.
Historical information
Witnessing the Japanese surrender and signing of Peace Document on Morotai 1945.
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
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
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
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniform
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniforms
Gun Turret - Rear Gun Turret
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Perspex side and top covered metal round gun turret with 1 inch steel plate
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Medium bakelite Japanese Nakajima Kate aircraft, coloured 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
NAKA T-97 NTB June '42.
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
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
Oral History - Alan Scarlett Story
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
A4 paper hand written transcript of 5 pages
Historical information
Alan Scarlett was in the RAAF from 18/08/1943 until February 1946 and was a B-24 Liberator gunner between the end of 1943 and September 1945 with 21 Squadron.
Significance
The oral history of Alan Scarlett 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 Tocumwal, Nhill and Leyburn. He saw active service in the Pacific conflict from Fenton and Morotai as a gunner on a B-24 Liberator. He was also air-crew during the repatriation of former World War II prisoners or war in 1945.
Inscriptions & Markings
Black and white print of a B-24 Liberator at the top of the page. Werribee Liberator Restoration Visit. Neerim Men's Shed. Sunday 16th March 2014.
Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Small bakelite Spitfire Mk 5 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
"Spitfire" Mk.V. Trop. E9-2275 D^D DC LTD
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.
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.
WWI Flying Goggles
B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee
Airman's Flying Goggles used in WWI
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
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
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.