WAR-TIME stories of American soldiers in Ballarat kept alive in a small, passionate museum inspired a United States navy veteran to add his mark. Friends of Anson Air Museum curator Alan Penhall could hardly believe when he opened the post on Friday to find an official United States flag - one that had flown over US Capitol as certified by Congressman Ed Perlmutter.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The museum houses an early model Avro Anson that Mr Penhall is rebuilding authentic to its day. This was the main aircraft based at Ballarat Airport in World War II and attracts a wealth of international aviation, history and airplane modelling enthusiasts.
Housed in what was formerly a gym, used by American soldiers, Mr Penhall said the museum proudly told the stories of all on the airfield during the war.
The visiting US serviceman was surprised to find the museum could not afford to purchase an American flag, despite prolonged lobbying for funding, to have proudly on display up high with the British and Australian national flags.
"It's terrific to think the Americans are being recognised here in Ballarat," Mr Penhall said. "This is recognition of their help during the war. We relied on the Americans a lot and a lot of Americans lost their lives fighting in Australia."
American soldiers and marines were based in Ballarat for a short period in early 1942, predominantly to protect the Australian coastline with Japanese reconnaissance aircraft on patrol.
Mr Penhall hoped to have the US flag on display in the museum by Ballarat Heritage Weekend, May 25-26.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.
