| 380th Bomb Group Association |
NEWSLETTER #2 -- March 2000 |
NEWS FROM AUSTRALIA
Bob Alford, our Australian Historian, reports as follows:
I am presently preparing interpretive signage for the Douglas region here, which will include a sign at the entry to Fenton and one at the remote radio section, about three miles south of Fenton — No 5 American Army Airways System were there from 1944 to the transfer of the 380th to Darwin.
I was recently in Melbourne and visited the B-24 restoration. They have made a great deal of progress with the wings fitted and the outboard wing sections almost ready. Engine mounts are also fitted and the major components have been restored ready for incorporation. The workmanship is excellent and the finished product will be a very significant addition to Australia's aviation and wartime heritage.
The B-24 Restoration Group has also commenced sending out invitations to the planned August 15, 2000 rollout of the aircraft. It looks like it will be a very well attended event and should receive national coverage. A painting of a RAAF B-24 by a well-known artist is also underway and a number of former B-24 group and squadron commanders are being contacted with a view to signing the original —prints will then be available.
Colin Grey, Secretary of the B-24 Memorial Restoration Project and leader of the Restoration Crew, has the following to add to Bob's report above:
We have been working with Air New Zealand to gain the best advantage in pricing the airfare to Australia. There is a group in Los Angeles called "Inta Aussi." They are specialists in travel to Australia out of North America. They can also help with internal travel arrangements in both countries. The number and person to call at Inta Aussi is Johanne, the district sales manager, and her number is 800-531-9222. I understand that she can also include any information you would like re: the 380th on their web site.
The invitation and information about the B-24 Liberator Memorial Restoration Fund Dedication and Roll Out, to be held on 15 August 2000, in Werribee, Victoria, Australia, can be found in our previous issue, Newsletter #1, dated December 1999. [Click here to go there]
RAAF ASSOCIATION (WESTERN AUSTRALIA BRANCH)
B-24 LIBERATOR ANNUAL REUNION 1999
It was called the "Special Sixtieth" — the sixtieth anniversary of the first flight of the B24 Liberator. Ninety-three (93) people sat down to lunch in the club of the RAAF Association, Bull Creek, Western Australia.
All were welcomed and apologies from twenty-two (22) people were read out. It was noted that at least two of last year's attendees had folded their wings. We received donations from Jim and Ruth Harris and Ray Borcher. Thanks were extended to a number of people and the Department of Veterans Affairs, with particular reference to Pauline Weeding of the West Australia offices of Veterans Affairs.
A display of photographs and other memorabilia was viewed with great interest by many people attending.
Prior to the meal the following people laid floral tributes to all who were connected with Liberators, and those who failed to return from missions.
Air Vice-Marshal Peter Nicholson — Guest speaker,
Mrs Eileen Southern — President, RAAF Association (WA Division),
Mrs Nancy Fleay — representing ground crew,
Mr Keith Shilling — representing air crew.
The floral tribute consisted of a rose for all connected with the Liberator and a sprig of rosemary for those who had folded their wings.
All present sang the National Anthem and Mr Galliot of the Salvation Army said Grace before the meal began.
The guest-of-honour and speaker was Air Vice Marshal Peter Nicholson who gave an extremely interesting talk. He compared the work of the B24 Liberator with the current strike bomber of the R.A.A.F., the F111. The talk was illustrated with many projected photographs of the B24 and of course of the F111 and its strike weapons and capacity. It was interesting that the equipment that AVM Nicholson used allowed still and moving images to be projected. AVM Nicholson was inundated with questions and people going up to chat with him.
Mrs Eileen Southern, RAAF Association (WA Division) President, moved a vote of thanks to the speaker and this was supported most enthusiastically with acclamation.
At the end of the meal a roll call of squadrons represented was called. The following resulted:
RAAF: 12, 21,2 3, 24, 25, 99 and 102. Flights 200 and 201. 4 R+SU, R+SU Nadzab, 1 Com, 820 BU, 7 OTU, Quantas, Z Force, Pacific Ferry.
RAF: 8, 34, 37, 53, 70, 86, 159, 178, 358, 462, 481, 614, 69, 148, 215, 160 SEC, 111 OTU, 205 Group, 102, 850 BU, 215.
USAAF: 380 HB Group Sqdns, 528th, 529th, 530th, 531st; Halversons Group, Associated: 12 Air Force, 90th HB Group, 12 HB Group.
RSAF: 34, 40
There were 11 people from states other than Western Australia. Six stayed at the RAAF Assn (WA) motel units. Jim Badgely from Canada specifically asked to be remembered to those who knew him.
The date for the next year's reunion is 24 October 2000.
Thanks to all for a great reunion.
DOT AND DAVE SIEBER