The Messerschmitt Me163B-1A Komet W/Nr 191907 (which was AM222 after capture) lost its original scheme in an ill-considered repaint many years ago. A project recently started has found some remnant details as can be seen here on the lower fuselage.[Photo Dion Makowski, Aviation Report Down Under]
Dion Makowski of Aviation Report Down Under
On Sunday, September 2, 2023, the Australian War Memorial’s Mitchell Annexe (The Treloar Centre) opened its repurposed industrial buildings to the public, allowing viewing of the reserve collection of airframes, engines, and many, many other artifacts undergoing restoration, or stored, pending future integration into the Memorial’s displays. Dion Makowski of Aviation Report Down Under brings you imagery of this opportunity, a detailed report is also presented on the main Aviation Report page here.
Click on the images for full caption details.
The Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk Mk.1A A29-133 “S / Polly” is a war veteran of the New Guinea campaign, flying with No 75 Squadron RAAF. [Photo Dion Makowski, Aviation Report Down Under]
The Messerschmitt Bf109G-6AS/G-6, W/Nr 163824, seen sans propeller, head-on. This is another of the very original aircraft in the collection, wearing entirely original paint. [Photo Dion Makowski, Aviation Report Down Under]
Many of the illustrated exhibits are airframes removed during the Memorial’s current refurbishment, including the Lancaster and Kittyhawk, while others have been in store for some time. The proximity of some airframes, such as the Bf 109 and Me 163, and the slightly out-of-place civil registered Parer & McIntosh 1919 air race DH-9, as well as unrestored Japanese exhibits illustrate some changes to AWM collections policy over 80 years.
The open days, normally held annually late in the year are definitely worth a visit – future open days will be advertised on the memorial’s website.Dion Makowski
Rolls Royce Merlin and propeller from Canadian-built CanCar Hurricane 5715 of the RCAF, in which Australian pilot R Bellhouse was killed. Engine recovered from Gaspereau Lake, Nova Scotia. [Photo Dion Makowski, Aviation Report Down Under]
James Kightly, from Melbourne, Australia, discovered his passion for aviation at the Moorabbin collection in the late 1960s. With over 30 years of writing experience for aviation magazines in the UK, US, Australia, and France, he is a feature writer for Aeroplane Monthly and an advisor for the RAAF History & Heritage Branch.
James has interviewed aviation professionals worldwide and co-runs the Aviation Cultures conferences. He has flown in historic aircraft like the Canadian Warplane Heritage’s Lancaster. At Vintage Aviation News, he ensures accurate and insightful aviation history articles.
Outside aviation, James has worked extensively in the book trade and museums. He supports the Moorabbin Air Museum and the Shuttleworth Collection. James lives in rural Victoria with his wife and dog.
About James Kightly (Commissioning Editor)
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James Kightly, from Melbourne, Australia, discovered his passion for aviation at the Moorabbin collection in the late 1960s. With over 30 years of writing experience for aviation magazines in the UK, US, Australia, and France, he is a feature writer for Aeroplane Monthly and an advisor for the RAAF History & Heritage Branch.
James has interviewed aviation professionals worldwide and co-runs the Aviation Cultures conferences. He has flown in historic aircraft like the Canadian Warplane Heritage’s Lancaster. At Vintage Aviation News, he ensures accurate and insightful aviation history articles.
Outside aviation, James has worked extensively in the book trade and museums. He supports the Moorabbin Air Museum and the Shuttleworth Collection. James lives in rural Victoria with his wife and dog.
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