May/June 2022 Newsletter
Lest we forget
Our pre-Anzac Day lunch was again held in our hangar on 23 April. It was attended by 20 hangar volunteers, 1 member and two veterans. The numbers were reduced this year due to the lingering concern about Covid and the fact that it was a four-day holiday weekend.
The lunch was a very pleasant, relaxed affair, as attendees shared a table, a BBQ and a good few yarns.
Bill celebrated his 100th birthday earlier this year.
The other veteran in attendance was Vern Roberts, Ex-24 Sqdn. Vern is one of our senior hangar volunteers.
The Ode was recited by Bill Mackie, Ex-23 Sqdn
Vern and Bill in front of 176
The visiting member was Peter Munday from Falls Creek, about 5 hours’ drive away. We thanks Tony Muller and the team of ladies for the excellent lunch.
Paul Rourke, our Secretary, paraded the 24 Sqdn banner in the Melbourne march to the Shrine. He was assisted by a team of Air Cadets and joined by families of 24 Sqdn, members who had been spectators at the march.
In addition, a wreath was laid at the Werribee War Memorial.
Members Matter
Please be advised of the following:
When making a direct debit payment of your annual subscription, please include your name on the deposit details; also the renewal form must be returned to our Membership Secretary, thanks.
Norm Morris and Ron Gillis attended the Wyndham City Volunteers Expo on 14 May.
They set up and staffed our explanatory presentation. This activity resulted in two new hangar volunteers and six interested individuals. Well done, and thanks to Norm and Ron.
Seniors’ Festival open day at the hangar
The seniors’ day and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration was held in our hangar on Thursday, 2 June. Seventy-three hardy souls attended on this cold, windy and wet Melbourne day.
Committee Report from May
Due to COVID the April committee meeting was canceled.
An Honour Board was approved for acknowledgement of Life Members.
The Australian Aviation Museums Trail Brochure is now available on our website.
Hangar 1 relocation report 11 June 2022
Car park relocation design is complete and about to be submitted to Heritage Victoria and Wyndham City Council for approval. Discussions indicate that eventually our main entry/exit gate will be located on Farm Road. This will give us the safety advantage of traffic lights at the Princes Highway and Farm Road intersection. Improved hangar direction signs will be installed on both sides of the Princes Highway.
Liberator, work in progress
The realignment of our Liberator engineering drawing data has created a great interest from The 8th Airforce Museum in Savanna. Georgia, USA. Dr Harry Friedman, Head of the B-24 committee for that organization, has contacted us, congratulated Graeme Hore on his work and is keen to utilise the results on a B-24 held by their organisation.
Oxford, work in progress
Three additional frames have been fitted to the fuselage structure located on our centre section. Detail rectification and restoration continue. As the structure on the centre fuselage increases, the Oxford attracts more visitor interest.
Strange, but true
This notation is located in our rear fuselage, indicating the rivets are acceptable at 10/5/44. Also faintly visible in pencil is the name ‘Mary Lou’.
Several blasts from the past
We have recently received a series of old editions of our Newsletter, 1994 -1998. We will publish interesting extracts in future editions of this Newsletter.
Of interest … plus not forgotten
Flt Sgt KW Beale’s story (cont.)
Flt Sgt Beale and crew during training. Flt Sgt Beale is the fourth from the right.
Crew Names
Successful quest
The previous mystery item is linked to the Masons. It was given to Royal Arch Masons. The symbol in the middle represents the Masonic Lodge of which the owner was a member.
Another mystery item
This appears to be a compass of some description with additional information in place. There is a lid that is secured by a screw-on thread. Country of origin? Approximate age? Specific or general purpose?
Forthcoming events
Nothing is currently planned.
President’s message
It is pleasing that we have been able to resume public events at the hangar (e.g., the Seniors’ open day) and participate in others (e.g., the Wyndham Volunteers Expo). It is also good to see more visitors coming to the hangar and our volunteer numbers growing again.
We are concentrating on increasing momentum of the B-24 restoration, ensuring that work teams’ efforts are coordinated and that materials are acquired in good time. The Committee is also doing behind-the-scenes work to ensure various policies are reviewed and updated.
Work on the Hangar 1 relocation project continues. Melbourne Water has had to apply for many approvals and to liaise with various stakeholders, and we are grateful for their continuing commitment to this project.
I hope you stay healthy and warm as we approach mid-winter!
Lyn Gorman, President
For Gabrielle
Two kids were walking down the road when one says to his mate, ‘Look at that dog with one eye.’
His mate covers one of his eyes and says ‘Where?’
A lady from Geelong rang her travel agent and inquired, ‘How long is a flight to Brisbane?’ ‘Just a minute,’ was the response. ‘Thank you,’ said the lady and hung up!
