The Australian War Memorial Collection. Test site
P-40N-15 Kittyhawk aircraft, 'Black Magic', (HU-E), so named by 411271 Flight Lieutenant Denis Russell Baker, DFC, 78 Squadron, RAAF, who initially flew this aircraft. Whilst flying 'Black Magic', Baker, was credited with shooting down the last Japanese aircraft over New Guinea.
'Black Magic' was later flown by 78144 Sergeant (Sgt) (later Warrant Officer) Leonard Victor (Len) Waters, 78 Squadron. Sgt Waters was one of a small number of Aboriginal pilots known to have served in the Second World War. He joined the RAAF on 24 August 1942 and was trained as a flight mechanic. When the RAAF called for aircrew trainees he applied and was accepted for pilot training. He undertook his initial training at No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School (1EFTS), Narrandera, NSW, before graduating as a Sgt pilot from No. 5 Service Flying Training School (5SFTS), Uranquinty, NSW. His training continued at No. 2 Operational Training Unit (2OTU), Mildura, Vic, from where he was posted to No. 78 Squadron on 14 November 1944. He flew 54 operational sorties and 41 strikes with No. 78 Squadron, operating from Noemfoor, Morotai and Tarakan. Sgt Waters was promoted to Flight Sergeant on 1 January 1945 and to Warrant Officer on 1 January 1946. He was discharged from the RAAF on 18 January 1946. Leonard Waters died on 24 August 1993.
1939-45 Star. Unnamed as issued. Medal awarded to 78144 Warrant Officer Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters for his service with 78 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. Waters was born on the Euraba Missi
Wooden shield shaped boxing trophy which has two aluminium pieces attached to it with aircraft rivets. The top piece, in the shape of a scroll is engraved with the words 'MOROTAI. BOXING. CHAMPIONSHIP
British War Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Medal awarded to 78144 Warrant Officer Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters for his service with 78 Squadron, Royal Australian Air F
Dutch War Commemorative Cross, 1940-1945 with bar 'OOST-AZIE-ZUID-PACIFIC 1942-1945'. Unnamed as issued. Dutch War Commemorative Cross awarded to 78144 Warrant Officer Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters fo
Textile map of the Amboina and Halmahera areas, printed on both sides in black, orange and blue. At the top on each side are the words 'AAF CLOTH MAP - SOUTHWEST PACIFIC AREA'. There are several tear
Pair of machine embroidered Royal Australian Air Force pilot's wings. The brevet has white cotton embroidered wings, a king's crown, and the letters 'RAAF' within a pale blue embroidered laurel wreath
Bronze tri-service badge with combined anchor, rising sun and wings surmounted by a king's crown. Underneath is a boomerang with the words 'RETURNED FROM ACTIVE SERVICE'. The reverse is stamped with t
78144 Sergeant (Sgt) Leonard Victor Waters, 78 Squadron, RAAF, sitting in the cockpit of a P40N Kittyhawk, possibly 'Black Magic'. Sgt Waters was one of a small number of Aboriginal pilots known to ha
A P40M Kittyhawk (A29-310) aircraft of 2 Operational Training Unit (2OTU) in flight, believed to be piloted by 78144 Sergeant (Sgt) Leonard Victor (Len) Waters. Sgt Waters was the only known Aborigina
Australia Service Medal. Impressed around edge with recipients details. Medal awarded to 78144 Warrant Officer Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters for his service with 78 Squadron, Royal Australian Air For
British War Medal 1939-45. Impressed around edge with recipient's details. Medal awarded to 78144 Warrant Officer Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters for his service with 78 Squadron, Royal Australian Air F
Portrait of 78144 Aircraftman Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters in full winter flying kit, while a student at No. 2 Initial Flying Training School. After completing his flying training Leonard Waters flew 9
Pacific Star. Unnamed as issued. Medal awarded to 78144 Warrant Officer Leonard Victor 'Len' Waters for his service with 78 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force. Waters was born on the Euraba Missi
