B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc Werribee, Victoria

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

Leaflets dropped to the civil population of Japanese occupied territories by RAAF 24 Squadron B-24 Liberators

Historical information

Used in WWII

Seven-cylinder air cooled radial engine produced by Armstrong Siddeley (UK). Widely used in Airspeed Oxford and Avro Anson aircraft of WWII era. This example is in running order after having been rebuilt by team members from a very neglected state.

Historical information

Some 37,200 of these engines were built, major application was in the Airspeed Oxford aircraft.

Inscriptions & Markings

A9600 8739D 790 S

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

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.

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')

Small bakelite Japanese "NICK" aircraft model. 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 aircrew and ground crew and defence activities

Inscriptions & Markings

"NICK" E9-3811 D^D D/LtdC

Photocopies of Bill Bakker's Flying Log Sheets - June, September, October, September, September.

Significance

Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF

War Office Courses offered by University Correspondence College

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.

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

Red hand knitted woollen poppy, with black ringed green centre mounted on attaching pin. Copy of surrender certificate attached.

Historical information

Presented at the surrender at Morotai 9 September 1945.

Significance

Connection to the surrender at Morotai

An oblong, cream colour, single-sided map printed in black and white with brown contours, Banda Sea

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

Banda Sea (with Insets 'A' to 'E')

Black and White photograph of Mason Day Frecker's wedding.

Significance

Photograph showing wedding of M D Frecker who was a B-24 Liberator pilot during WWII.

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

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

Leather helmet with suede lining, under chin strap, earphone inlets with snap locked flaps. Metal framed goggles with leather surrounds, adjustable rubber strap and split glass lenses.

Significance

These goggles and helmets were issued to flying recruits for learning to fly biplanes.

Inscriptions & Markings

Made in England Patent. R51067 scratched into metal.

Historical information

The Liberator Pilot's Notes was issued for the information and guidance of all concerned.

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.

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.

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

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.

Distinguished Flying Medal M.D. Frecker RAAF

Wedding photograph of Capt. Frank Seales, USAF 380th Bomb Group and wife Hazel.

Historical information

Letters written to Hazel during WWII, including one about having a B-24 Liberator named after her.

Inscriptions & Markings

Letters written to Hazel by her husband during WWII. In one Frank asks Hazel if she would like him to name his aircraft after her.

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 Side 1 - No. C-47 South Borneo Side 2 - No. C.48 West Java

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

Replica Pacific Star, Campaign Stars and War Medals 1939-45. Aircrew Europe Star. Defence Medal 1939-45. Awarded to Mason Day Frecker.

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