28 August 1998

Dear Mr Fielder-Gill

I am sorry that I was unable to catch up with you during your recent visit to the Memorial. Mark Whitmore and Marylou Pooley have briefed me on your discussions. It sounds as though the plans are shaping up very well for the unveiling of the Radar Association plaque in the sculpture garden, and I am delighted to hear that you have received such a enthusiastic response from members of the association. It shows all the signs of being a most memorable event.

I understand that you feel that a substantial number of members of the association may be interested in donating funds to assist in the restoration of the LW/AW radar. This is a most welcome suggestion and I can confirm that any funds that could be raised to assist the project would be greatly appreciated.

I am pleased to be able to confirm that planning for the new exhibition in Bradbury Aircraft Hall has now reached a stage where I can state with confidence that the LW/AW radar will be included in the new exhibition on "Air power in the Pacific". I have enclosed a copy of the most recent exhibition concept plan which shows the intended location of the radar, in a very prominent position. The LW/AW radar unit is intended to be the focus of the Exhibition Element entitled "Echoes Across the Pacific". It should tell the story of the significant national effort involved in the research and development of radar technology in Australia and the associated national production effort. The emphasis is on the role played by CSIRO, Sydney University, NSW Railways Department and Australian industries, such as AWA. It is envisaged that this will be enhanced by focusing on some of the personalities involved. As support there will be a simple explanation of how radar works.

The exhibit's intended central theme however, will be to tell the story of the RAAF personnel who operated the equipment both overseas and within Australia , often in remote areas under harsh and dangerous conditions. Of course this would not be complete without including a treatment of the strategic importance of radar to the Pacific campaigns. As you can appreciate it would be impossible to be comprehensive in this treatment but emphasis will be placed on a representative number of personal stories.

The design includes a number of graphic panels consisting of text, maps and photographs. A small number of collection items and art works are also included, together with an "audio" component by which the audience can hear short stories and reminisces from those "who were there"

The radar unit itself can be evocatively lit to create a typical working environment and to highlight some of the more interesting internal workings.

The Memorial's current redevelopment of the galleries would not have been possible without the invaluable support of a wide range of individuals and organisations, and I hope that the Radar Association members will be able to join this important group of supporters by providing financial assistance to support the restoration of the radar. I understand that you would be willing to put an appeal forward to your members through your newsletter, and we would be able to receive and receipt all donations. I can confirm that all donations to the Memorial are tax deductible, and that all funds received would be directed towards the radar restoration.

I would therefore ask that all donations be directed to:-

Radar Restoration Appeal
C/o Australian War Memorial
GPO Box 345
Canberra ACT 2601

Please let me know if you need any further information on our plans for the radar at this stage.

I look forward to seeing you the next time you are in Canberra and wish you well with your planning for the
event in March. Please contact me if you wish to discuss any of the matters raised in my letter, particularly in
relation to the proposed fund raising.



Yours sincerely

S. N. Gower.
Director AWM.