A restored former RAAF B-24 Liberator and a new hangar will be unveiled at the Werribee Satellite Aerodrome on July 13.
The Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia organisation has been recognised by Engineers Australia under their Heritage Recognition Program for the restoration project on the aircraft and the hangar.
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“Both the Liberator and the Werribee Satellite Aerodrome Hangars are last of their kind in Australia and hold historical significance for Australians,” Engineering Heritage Victoria Chair Owen Peake said in a statement. “The Liberator aircraft was pivotal in defending Australia against Japanese forces assembled to our north in World War II, and the American-designed hangars represented a solidification of the relationship between newly allied Australian and American forces. Engineers Australia is proud to recognise these two excellent examples of Australian history and engineering ingenuity.”
The ceremony will be held at the B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Australia on the corner of Princes Highway and Farm Road, Werribee in Victoria, on July 13 at 2.00pm.
My Uncle flew in a Liberator in WW2. He was killed when the plane plunged into the sea . I am so pleased that a Liberator has been restored. I wish I could see it so hopefully one day you will bring it to NSW
Michele Johansen
says:
I am glad you have one at Werribee
Dee
says:
I recently visited “Beautiful Betsy” a B-24 Liberator of the 380th Bomber Group, lost in Febuary 1945 in the Kroombit National Park about 80 klm’s West of Gladstone. She was discovered by a Park Ranger in August 1994, and still lies at the crash site as a memorial to the crew, who all perished in the impact. A very moving experience, so it is great news that another B-24 has been preserved for future generations to see.
Bob Livingstone
says:
Sorry Michele, you’ll have to go to it; the Werribee Liberator is a static restoration, not a flyer. Go to it though – it’s well worth the trip.
Where has this liberator come from? Did she serve with the RAAF? What squadron?
It would be so cool if she was serving with 21 City of Melbourne Sqn during WW2 – coming (almost) home to Werribee – very close to the home of 21 Sqn at RAAF Williams.
David Dunn.
says:
I followed the restoration for many years and when having a Museum at Mildura supplied some hydraulics. dishpans and cowls etc. It is a tribute to the group.
Grant McHerron
says:
Way back in 2010 we did an entire episode on the B24 restoration project including a chat with John Temby (then president of the association) and Ed Crabtree (ex B24 pilot).
iscover
Michele Johansen
says:My Uncle flew in a Liberator in WW2. He was killed when the plane plunged into the sea . I am so pleased that a Liberator has been restored. I wish I could see it so hopefully one day you will bring it to NSW
Michele Johansen
says:I am glad you have one at Werribee
Dee
says:I recently visited “Beautiful Betsy” a B-24 Liberator of the 380th Bomber Group, lost in Febuary 1945 in the Kroombit National Park about 80 klm’s West of Gladstone. She was discovered by a Park Ranger in August 1994, and still lies at the crash site as a memorial to the crew, who all perished in the impact. A very moving experience, so it is great news that another B-24 has been preserved for future generations to see.
Bob Livingstone
says:Sorry Michele, you’ll have to go to it; the Werribee Liberator is a static restoration, not a flyer. Go to it though – it’s well worth the trip.
Go to the website at http://b24australia.org.au/home.html.
Andrew
says:Where has this liberator come from? Did she serve with the RAAF? What squadron?
It would be so cool if she was serving with 21 City of Melbourne Sqn during WW2 – coming (almost) home to Werribee – very close to the home of 21 Sqn at RAAF Williams.
David Dunn.
says:I followed the restoration for many years and when having a Museum at Mildura supplied some hydraulics. dishpans and cowls etc. It is a tribute to the group.
Grant McHerron
says:Way back in 2010 we did an entire episode on the B24 restoration project including a chat with John Temby (then president of the association) and Ed Crabtree (ex B24 pilot).
You can find the episode on our site at http://www.planecrazydownunder.com/2010/03/28/episode-28-save-the-liberator/
I’ve dropped by a couple of times since to get updates from them. Will have to plan a return on Sunday to cover the unveiling.
Boris
says:Ok, so are there any updates? What happened on the 13th of July, 2014? 🙂