B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia Inc Werribee, Victoria

The Distinguished Flying Medal Register WWII. Flight Lt Frecker, Mason Day. Campaign Stars 1939-45 Star. Aircrew Europe Star. Pacific Star. War Medals - Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45.

Historical information

Frecker carried out 7 sorties before joining the unit and 21 successful sorties with his squadron making a total of 179.4 hours operational flying. He was attacked and badly damaged by a night fighter on 12 April 1942, after attacking Essen. He brought his aircraft home and successfully crash-landed away from base without causing injury to his crew. Throughout his tour of operations he maintained a high degree of courage and skill.

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'

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

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

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

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.

Small bakelite North American "0-47A"

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

North American "0-47A" E9-2327 D^D D/LtdC

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

Blue and Gold Air Force Association Badge (Bill Bakker)

Significance

Included in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF

Inscriptions & Markings

Air Force Association

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.

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

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.

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

War Office Courses offered by University Correspondence College

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.

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')

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')

Navigation Compass Type P8.

Historical information

Used on RAAF aircraft in WWII

Significance

Used by RAAF for navigation training primarily in Tiger Moth and Spitfire aircraft.

Inscriptions & Markings

Number 80873.D Brass Plate - King's Crown over RAAF No. G6A/726

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

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

Historical information

Used by pilots during WWII

Historical information

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

Softback book.

Historical information

A history of RAAF 200 Flight at Leyburn Airfield.

Significance

A little known story of secret operations.

Inscriptions & Markings

Inscribed inside 'Mr C Chapman, 41 Bay Road, Oatley, 2223'

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.

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)

Brown Leather Business Card Holder belonging to Bill Bakker

Significance

Included in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF

Inscriptions & Markings

Royal Australian Air Force 1939-1945 Europe

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

Buttons and Badges worn on RAAF Uniforms

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

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.

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

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

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

Distinguished Flying Medal M.D. Frecker RAAF

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.

Dutch Post Card written in Dutch by Bill Bakker

Significance

Included in the collection of Bill Bakker RNEIAAF

Small (about .5 litre) can, containing drinking water. A spike, to punch a small hole in the can, is affixed to the lid. These cans were standard equipment in B-24 Liberator life rafts

Inscriptions & Markings

Water (Drinking)

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

Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book

Historical information

F/LT. C.T. Lister qualified as a pilot.on B-24 Liberator aircraft April 1944

Inscriptions & Markings

Form A.18. (Revised April 1937.) (B.A.F. Form 414.) Royal Australian Air Force Flying Log Book Lister

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

Rectangular blue linen bound hard cover book

Historical information

F/Lt Redman J.R.W. 402395 qualified as a pilot on Liberator 23/12/44

Inscriptions & Markings

Royal Air Force Pilot's Flying Log Book. Redman J.R.W.