In memory of ‘The Rats of Tobruk’: As ANZAC Day 2021 looms, it is worthy of reflecting and remembering the service and sacrifice that past generations of Australians made to protect and defend the way of life as we enjoy it today.
2021 also marks the 80th anniversary of Australia’s first major battles of the Second World War. These actions and campaigns were fought in the Middle East and the Mediterranean where the three Australian services were continuously in action throughout 1941.
On the 11th of the April, the legendary Rats of Tobruk were born; soldiers of the Australian-led garrison that held the Libyan Port of Tobruk in World War II.
Between April and August 1941, 35,000 allies, including 14,000 Australian soldiers were besieged in Tobruk by a German/Italian Army commanded by Lt. General Rommel (The Desert Fox).
The soldiers adopted Tobruk’s network of below-ground defensive positions built by the Italian Army before the war.
The propagandist for Germany, William Joyce better known as Lord Haw Haw, began describing the besieged men as ‘living like rats in underground dugouts and caves. He derisively referred to the men as the ‘Rats of Tobruk’.
By the time the Rats were relieved of duty, between August and October of 1941, 3000 had become casualties; 941 taken prisoner.
But the Australians reclaimed the name as a badge of pride, even striking their own unofficial medal bearing the likeness of a rat; and the metal used to make the medals came from a German bomber that the rats had shot down with captured German guns.
Image Source: The Australian War Memorial
For eight long months, surrounded by German and Italian forces, the men of the Tobruk garrison, mostly Australians, withstood tank attacks, artillery barrages, and daily bombings. They endured the desert’s searing heat, the bitterly cold nights, and hellish dust storms.
The defenders of Tobruk did not surrender, they did not retreat. Their determination, bravery, and humour, combined with the aggressive tactics of their commanders, became a source of inspiration during some of the war’s darkest days. In so doing, they achieved lasting fame as the “Rats of Tobruk”.
Today, the Rats of Tobruk hold an important place within the ranks of our returned servicemen.
The memory of the Rats of Tobruk should remain as long as we understand the notions of service and sacrifice.
Visit The Rats Of Tobruk Association Website
There was also a movie made from the story: The Rats of Tobruk
‘Lets We Forget.’
