during world war ii the british bomber command was engaged in night time area bombing of germany. in 1942 these operations were resulting in an aircraft loss rate of between 4 and 5 percent and only a third of the aircraft were able to drop their bombs within 5 miles (8 km) of the target. in an effort to improve the accuracy the pathfinder force was created on 15 august 1942, under the leadership of acting group captain don bennet, who was born in toowoomba. the specialised squadrons in the pathfinder force had aircraft that were crewed by experienced crews who would lead the main bomber force to locate the target and mark it with flares. this would give the bomber force coming in behind an improved chance of dropping their bombs in the right place.[11][12] to commemorate the pathfinder force the museum has a large display, which was established and maintained in conjunction with the pathfinder force association of australia. it includes uniforms, memorabilia, models and a reproduction of don bennett's office which contains many of his original possessions. the display is located adjacent to the f-111 strike aircraft which provides a link to the modern air force.
