B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc Werribee, Victoria

Small bakelite British Airspeed Oxford aircraft, coloured black matt, uncluding hole for suspension and mobility.

Historical information

Created to supply training & recognition of friendly/enemy aircraft.

Significance

Expanded the skills of recognition for air crew, ground crew and defence activities.

Inscriptions & Markings

Airspeed Oxford E9-2189 D^D DLTDC

Small bakelite Curtiss "Helldiver" 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 air crew, ground crew and defence activities.

Inscriptions & Markings

Curtiss SB2C-1 E9-2349 D^D DLTDC.

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 Map - Southwest Pacific Area Side 1 - No. 22 Southwestern and No. 26 East Java Side 2 - No. 25 Timor

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.

Metal wheel hub and leg minus tyre.

Historical information

These wheels were fitted to the B-24 Liberator

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.

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

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.

Full-sized replica of an Airspeed Oxford aircraft. This type of aircraft was described as a multi-engine three-seat advanced military trainer monoplane. It was a wooden construction using plywood and fabric covering and powered by two 375 HP Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah 10 engines.

Historical information

This type first flew in 1937 and by the start of WWII it was the preferred aircraft in all Empire Air Training Schemes for multi-engine pilot training.

Significance

By the beginning of WWII the Airspeed Oxford was the preferred aircraft in all Empire Air Training Schemes for multi-engine pilot training. As of April 2014, no Airspeed Oxfords remain in the world in airworthy condition and there are very few complete air frames. There are reportedly some restoration-to-fly projects underway, one in New Zealand.

Inscriptions & Markings

Parts originally used a base for this reconstruction were reckoned to be from an Oxford Mk 2 with registration A25 LX181 which was based at Point Cook and used extensively in training from the Werribee Aerodrome.

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

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.

Medium bakelite German Junkers 88 aircraft model, 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

German Junkers 88. 9.42

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

Dutch Air Force Officer's Cap

Historical information

Worn by Wilhelmius (Bill) Bakker during WWII.

Significance

Mr Bakker was in the Dutch Air Force and was stationed at Darwin working with the RAAF.

War Office Courses offered by University Correspondence College

Brown Leather Document Holder (poor condition) belonging to Bill Bakker

Significance

Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF

Inscriptions & Markings

Imprint of Horse

Colour photograph of William (Bill) Bakker in frame.

Significance

Included in the Collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF

Round lidded metal dixie with folding handle

Historical information

Part of kit issued to T.E. Price RAAF No11928

Inscriptions & Markings

11928, RAAF, Scratched on lid

Certificate of Merit in Frame - Bill Bakker

Significance

Included in the Collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF

Inscriptions & Markings

Australian Flying Corps and RAAF Association Certificate of Merit Presented by Federal Council to William M. Bakker as a mark of Appreciation and Recognition of Service to the Association. Federal President Howard, Federal Secretary Peter Alexander. Dated 3 November 1974.

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

American Flag wrapped in triangular shape and contained within a red felt covered box with a certificate and covering letter

Inscriptions & Markings

Refer to certificate and covering letter

Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book

Historical information

R.Carty 418344 qualified as pilot on Airspeed Oxford.17.4.43

Inscriptions & Markings

Form A.18 (Revised April1937) (R.A.F. Form 414)Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book. Richard Carty 418344

Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book

Historical information

Aust. 41349 LAC Farnes R.R. qualified as Wireless Operator 6 Oct.1944.

Inscriptions & Markings

R.C.A.F.R.95 M-12-?3(2887) H.Q.588-R-98 Royal Canadian Air Force Flying Log Book for Aircrew other than Pilot Farnes R.R.Aus-41349

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'

Perspex side and top covered metal round gun turret with 1 inch steel plate

Rectangular mirror with see through cross in centre on front. Instructions for use printed on rear. Cord threaded through corner hole. Contained in original cardboard container.

Historical information

A.J.Abicair was C/O of 486 Maintenance Squadron from 22/08/1946 having been promoted to A/W.Cdr in May 1944 , then T/OT/W/Cdr. January 1945. .

Significance

Part of the collection of Wing Commander A.J.Abicair issued equipment.

Inscriptions & Markings

One Emergency Signalling Mirror ESM/1. "Spec. 40653" Open this end and pull lanyard. This package contains 1 emergency signalling mirror with which the attention of persons in the distance (in ships, aircraft, etc) may be attracted by a beam of reflected sunlight. A positive means of aiming the reflected beam of light is provided.Instructions are printed on the other side of this package and on mirror. General Electric company. Instruction for use are written on the rear. From collection of Wing/Com A.J. Abicair

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.

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.

Airman's Flying Goggles used in WWI

Blue and Gold Air Force Association Badge (Bill Bakker)

Significance

Included in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF

Inscriptions & Markings

Air Force Association

A multi-coloured, contoured, double-sided map printed on rayon, 1944 Series South West Pacific Area (SWPA) and Asia

Historical information

Silk and rayon maps were produced by Great Britain (some 1.75 million in total), the United States (c.7.5 million) 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 rayon, is an original British 'escape and evasion' kit map from World War II.

Inscriptions & Markings

Sheet G Sumatra (South) and Java (Extreme North West) and, on the reverse, Sheet H Borneo (South West), Java and Sumatra (Extreme South)

2 black discs printed with luminous paint with plastic indicator, used for calculating true air speed.

Historical information

Standard crew issue for pilots and flight engineers

Significance

Equipment supplied crew with a computer to calculate true airspeed.

Inscriptions & Markings

COMPUTER. TRUE AIRSPEED. A.C. TYPE G-1 A list of 4 instructions for use. Spec. No. 27367-A, MFG.DWG. No. 42D531, Order No.42-18049-P GENERAL LUMINESCENT CORPORATION, CHICAGO

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

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

RAAF Dress Uniform worn on formal occasions by Flight Sergeant Charles Cull.

Historical information

Worn in WWII as Dress Uniform on Formal Occasions.

A Pocket Vocabulary of Malay, Pidgin English and Japanese Phrases for the use of U.S. Troops in the Southwest Pacific Area. Second printing for Australian Military Forces. Malay Course for Beginners. Far Eastern Liaison Office. Used by Military Forces.

Silver Gillette Shaver in plastic container used by Bill Bakker

Significance

Includeed in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF

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.

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

Blue - Bristol Aircooled Radial Engines Pilot's Notes, Pegasus CVIII. Green - Rotol Pilot's Notes.

Historical information

Used by pilots during WWII

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

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

Distinguished Flying Medal M.D. Frecker RAAF