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
122 items with images
122 items with images

Special Flying Ration Pack
Key words
a19
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Pratt & Whitney R 1830 Radial Engine - 54828 (CAC)
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
Small bakelite P38 Lightning aircraft model, coloured black including hole for suspension and mobility.
Historical information
Created to supply recognition of friendly/enemy aircraft.
Significance
Expanded the skills of recognition for air crew,ground crew and defence activities.
Inscriptions & Markings
P-38, US July 42

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Silver Plate
Key words
a23.06
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.

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Camera
Key words
a17
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

US World War II multi-coloured map on acetate rayon, printed on both sides, AAF Cloth Chart - Philippine Series, Side 1 - No. C-43 Mindanao Series, Side 2 - No. C-44 North Borneo
Key words
united states of america
silk and rayon maps
world war ii
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Armstrong Siddeley Cheetah Engine
Key words
radial engine
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Norden M9 Bombsight
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

AN-APR 4 Auto Scanning Radar Counter Measures Receiver
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.

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Aircraft Recognition Model - Model Aircraft
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Airspeed Oxford aircraft (Replica under construction)
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.

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Gun Turrett on B-24 Liberator (named 'Hazel')

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Load Adjuster - Bomb Load Adjuster No. 31629
Key words
bomb load adjuster
a16
Brown Leather Case with 'Slide Rule' inner.
Historical information
1945 Slide Rule US Army Air Force from Prof. Allan Bromley.
Significance
Works by adding Angular moments together to find centre of gravity (COG) of a plane (adds bombs, ammunition and crew on board).
Inscriptions & Markings
Load Adjuster, Property of US Government. 102630 on case. 81629. Airplane serial No. 44-4-1195, Model B-24J

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Flying Log Book
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Manual - Course notes for B-24 Liberator aircraft ground crew - Fitters II.A Carpenter, riggers, flight riggers, Course notes.
Key words
raaf
manual
riggers
carpenters
engineering school
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Dutch Post Card
Key words
a23.13
Dutch Post Card written in Dutch by Bill Bakker
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Helmet and Goggles
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.

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Photocopies of Log Sheets
Key words
a23.09
bakker
Photocopies of Bill Bakker's Flying Log Sheets - June, September, October, September, September.
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker ex RNEIAAF

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Meal dixie
Key words
price collection
raaf issue
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Jaeger Disk Speed Indicator - Tachometer
Key words
a3
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Plaque
Key words
a23.03
bakker
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

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Flying Log Book - Flight Log- Liberator Flights
Plastic covered ring binder,A4 plastic sheet covered photocopied paper.
Historical information
R.M. Beattie qualified as a B24-Liberator pilot on9/05/1944 until he was KIA 2/07/1945.
Inscriptions & Markings
Flight Log Book- Liberator Flights, Flt. Lt. Roy McBeattie 404228 DFM

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Link Trainer
Key words
link trainer
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.

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Pratt & Whitney R 1830 Radial Engine (Informational Entry)
Key words
radial engine
twin wasp
r1830
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.

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Air Force Association Badge
Key words
a23.12
Blue and Gold Air Force Association Badge (Bill Bakker)
Significance
Included in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF
Inscriptions & Markings
Air Force Association

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Gun Turret - Rear Gun Turret
Perspex side and top covered metal round gun turret with 1 inch steel plate

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Course and Speed Calculator MKIIA - Course and Speed Calculator
Key words
a8
Course and Speed Calculator MKII - Air speed in MPH and Knots. Wind Speed and direction. In original wooden box. Used on aircraft.
Inscriptions & Markings
RAF Ref. No. 6B/125 - RCAF Ref. No. 6B/52 No. ST2473/40 Anson/Oxford Serial No. 3441S/40 Box Ref. No. GB/120

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee

Silver Gillette Shaver
Key words
a23.10
Silver Gillette Shaver in plastic container used by Bill Bakker
Significance
Includeed in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF

B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc, Werribee