ELTHAM LIBRARY DISPLAY

The Nillumbik Shire Council approached the MERSL with a suggestion of a small memorabilia display in a glass cabinet beneath the Roll of Honour which has been located on a wall in the library since June 2023 (see a photo and explanation on the Previous Activities page). The Council generously offered to purchased the cabinet and we will have a small number of items on display there, with changes to the collection occurring before Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.

The current display (from April 2026 to November 2026) includes the following items which show the development of RAAF aircraft from WW1 to WW11 and an RAAF cadet cap.

The individual models are:

(1) WW1 Sopwith Camel F.1

The Sopwith Camel F.1 was used by the No.4 Squadron of the Australian Flying Corps on the Western Front during 1918.

(2) WW11 Bristol Beaufighter Mk21

The Bristol Beaufighter was built the Australian Department of Aircraft Production located at Fishermans Bend in 1944.

(3) WW11 P40E-1 Kittyhawk

This model of the Kitty hawk has been painted to represent the 75 Squadron Royal Australian Air force in New Guinea in 1942. This plane was assigned the code letter "N" with the nickname "Stardust". This aircraft was often flown by Flying Officer Bruce Watson of the 75 Squadron RAAF.

(4) This cap is for a pilot in training RAAF cadet. The hat was used during the 1930's.