The Walrus outside and complete for the first time in many years at the RAAF Museum. Photo by Geoff Matthews

It is freezing.

We are crammed into the RAAF Museum's restoration facility, about a hundred of us, perhaps for extra body warmth, or perhaps because this is where all the action has been for the last few years.

Despite the dismal weather, this is an occasion many have been waiting for - the rollout of HD874, the Museum's Walrus amphibian, following nearly nine years of restoration. The Walrus will go on permanent display inside the Museum, taking its place alongside 20 other restored and historically significant aircraft.

If the Walrus could think, would this weather bring back memories of Antarctica? It was after all, a resting place for the huge amphibian for 40 years.

The aircraft was wrecked in a storm at Heard Island, following just one flight with the Australian National Antarctic Research Expedition (ANARE) and stayed there until retrieved by the Museum in 1980.

Further memories are sparked during the ceremony, when a man gets to his feet as he is named as one of the aircraft's crew members. He looks to the crowd, nods at the television cameras and waves, wearing an expression of pure excitement.

Everyone feels the momentum of the occasion, as though the imposing stature of the amphibian makes it all the more important. The aircraft seems to be looking over the shoulder of Project Manager, Ron Gretton, as he gives a detailed account of the Walrus in Australian service and the history of HD874.

Mr Gretton recalls the many nicknames used for the Walrus, including the 'flying gas ring', the 'flying steam pigeon' and the 'ugly duckling', while one aircraft magazine even described it as looking like 'a pregnant duck waddling down the runway'.

But, he says, if you were one of 7000 Allied airmen and sailors rescued in World War II, the Walrus was the most beautiful amphibious biplane ever built.

Museum curator Brad Owen mentions there are only four complete examples of Walruses remaining in the world and points out that this was the last of the Walruses operated by the Royal Australian Air Force.

He also accounts for the difficulties of completing such large restoration projects, and thanks all associated with the task.

At the conclusion of the formal proceedings, the audience makes the most of the opportunity to investigate the aircraft up close. Appreciation is at its peak as people mill around the aircraft. Some hop in, telling tales and reminiscing over old times.

If the Walrus could talk, would she have a few stories to tell too?

Eventually, after everyone leaves, the sun appears in typical Point Cook fashion and we scramble to tow the amphibian onto the airfield for a few photos.

If the Walrus had a sense of humour, she would surely be laughing at us.



The RAAF Museum's Walrus is now on permanent display. The Museum is open from 10am-3pm Tuesday-Friday and 10am-5pm weekends and public holidays.

By Teena Cardillo