March/April 2022 Newsletter
Lest we forget
A reminder of what started our journey.
This is one of the original banners carried at ANZAC day marches. It is now in safe, preserved custody in our archives.
Members matter
Presidents Message
We were very pleased that the annual Commemorative Service could take place again at the Shrine of Remembrance on the 23rd of March. This helps our association regularly to fulfil one of our aims, remembering all those who served with RAAF B-24 Liberators.
We do need to build up our membership of the B-24 Liberator association. Please attend to your membership renewal as it becomes due, and please see if you can persuade others to join. We are also seeking new volunteers to work at the hangar, whether on aircraft restoration or other tasks in the museum or shop. We have sent out calls via several Wyndham City Council channels, and have applied to have a stall at the forthcoming Wyndham Volunteers Expo.
If you think of anyone who might usefully volunteer to assist us, please recommend that they visit the hangar to see how we operate. As war continues to rage in the Ukraine, our hearts go out to the victims there. The Russian invasion and conflict there are sobering reminders of how very fragile is peace, even in the21st century. Lyn Gorman, President.
Hangar 1 relocation progress report as at 6/4/22
It was noticed that ground survey work was in progress in the hangar 1 area as at 1/3/22.
Detailed design activities have been completed with the exception of minor alterations to the car park, tree population and underground storm water tank that have been requested by HV & WCC.
Liberator work in progress
Work on the carburetor to inter cooler flexible joints is progressing. The creation of the flexible joints is by the 3D printing process. This is a lengthy task as it includes material calculations and local experiments to ensure that flexibility is achieved and maintained.
Our Liberator drawing base is currently being amended to align it with current search practices. This elaborate operation is being carried out by Graeme Hore. The end result will be an easier and logical path to access Consolidated original technical data.
Flexible joint locally created by the 3D printing process.
Oxford work in progress
Progress is being made on the manufacture and assembly of the fuselage to the centre section of our Oxford. As we are are still trying to locate usable drawings for this area progress is slow but steady.
It was suggested that if we identify and catalogue metal parts salvaged from the original centre section of LX181, restored and fitted to our replica would enhance the provenance of our project. This is now in progress with relevant parts identified and illustrated in copies of the Oxford “illustrated Parts Book” (IPB). This and other relevant information will be included in a report on the known history of LX181.
Tocumwal visit
The planned visit of our team to participate in the Tocumwal airshow on the weekend of the 9th &10th of April was organized by our Tony Muller with team, Paul Rourke, Joe Sammartino, Margo Muller, Graham Collis and Peter Munday, a member from Falls Creek who came to assist. Thanks Peter.
Our main exhibit was our Liberator working upper gun turret which was very appropriate as Tocumwal was the main training base for Liberator aircrew during wwII.
Sunday was very busy with a great interest shown from visitors far and wide with many questions about our progress and intentions for our B-24.
Donations and shop sales achieved the total of $1062-00.
During this trip we took the opportunity of donating some duplicate B-24 artefacts to the Tocumwal B-24 Museum.
In addition some items have been formally loaned to the museum. We have just received the offer of an oxygen bottle and wwII camera lens to add to our artefact collection.
A successful expedition!!! Thanks to all involved.
Not forgotten
A happy snapper!!!!
Strange, but true
Two job descriptions from Scotland's past.
“Whupper in” and “Chapper up”.
What did they do?. Answers on back page.
Of interest
We have received a series of photographs recording the wartime activities of F/Lt Sgt. K.W. Beale. The photos were donated some time ago by a friend who was entering aged care.
The photos are historically valuable as they have the relevant information written on the reverse side of the print.
The photos indicate he was attached to a RAAF B-24 Squadron but no indication of that Squadron is apparent. It is intended to publish a photo in our newsletter each issue with the relevant information available.
Successful quest
An oldie from the archives.
The search for the artist of the above resulted in the following response.
Long time member Ron Gillis informed us that it was one of John Temby’s creations. John was a talented artist, musician, B-24 Captain and past President of our organization.
Another mystery item
This small item has been part of our artifact collection for a number of years. Despite many inquiries we have been unable to shed light on its significance or origin. If you can help in solving the mystery please advise
Forthcoming event
Celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee combined with our Seniors’ Festival Open Day.
We are currently planning to hold this combined event in the hangar precinct on Thursday 2nd June 2022.
For Gabrielle
Miss Charlene Mason sang “I will not pass this way again.” Giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
Don’t let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
Strange, but true - answers
1. A “Whupper in” was a mythical school truant officer who was rumored to use a whip to return a truant child or children back to school. It used to cause mild panic at the shout of “Quick, here comes the whupper in”.
2. A “Chapper up” was a man employed to go and ensure early start employees were wakened and out of bed in time to start their early shift. This was achieved by banging, (chapping) on the front door until the employee responded. (They were made redundant by cheap wind up alarm clocks available from the 1950s).
