Tobruk was Australia’s first major battle in the Second World War, which began in January, 1941 when the 6th Australian Division drove the enemy out of Tobruk and towards Bengasi.
When the Germans then came to their allies’ aid and forced the British Allies out of Cirenacia. Only the port of Tobruk held them. General Wavel ordered that Tobruk was to be held at all costs and ordered the 9th Australian Division and 18th Brigade of the 7th Australian Division to reinforce the 6th Division.
On April 11th, 1941 the Germans and Italians took on Tobruk. Their siege lasted 242 days. During the battle Hitler’s army suffered its first defeat, with their defeat died the myth of German invincibility.
Australia’s first Victoria Cross was also won in this battle by Corporal J.H. Edmondson.
A British traitor who broadcasted from Berlin gave the Australians their name. He stated that they are self-supporting prisoners caught like rats in a trap.
On December 10th 1941, the German Italians are in full retreat and the battle has been won. The siege of Tobruk took 3,200 Australian lives.
When the Germans then came to their allies’ aid and forced the British Allies out of Cirenacia. Only the port of Tobruk held them. General Wavel ordered that Tobruk was to be held at all costs and ordered the 9th Australian Division and 18th Brigade of the 7th Australian Division to reinforce the 6th Division.
On April 11th, 1941 the Germans and Italians took on Tobruk. Their siege lasted 242 days. During the battle Hitler’s army suffered its first defeat, with their defeat died the myth of German invincibility.
Australia’s first Victoria Cross was also won in this battle by Corporal J.H. Edmondson.
A British traitor who broadcasted from Berlin gave the Australians their name. He stated that they are self-supporting prisoners caught like rats in a trap.
On December 10th 1941, the German Italians are in full retreat and the battle has been won. The siege of Tobruk took 3,200 Australian lives.
Where & when did the battle take place?
The siege started in January 1941, in Tobruk, Libya and ended on December the 10th 1941, the German and Italian army in full retreat.
Why was this an important destination?
It was important that the Australians, British and Indians held Tobruk as the Port of Tobruk was the best port in northern Africa and winning this battle held the key to Hitler’s army not attacking Egypt.
Which countries were involved?
In the battle of Tobruk Australians from the 9th Australian Division, 18th Brigade of the 7th Australian Division and the 6th Division fought alongside with four regiments of the British artillery and some Indian and American troops. These countries fought against the Italian and German army, who were commanded by General Erwin Rommel.
The siege started in January 1941, in Tobruk, Libya and ended on December the 10th 1941, the German and Italian army in full retreat.
Why was this an important destination?
It was important that the Australians, British and Indians held Tobruk as the Port of Tobruk was the best port in northern Africa and winning this battle held the key to Hitler’s army not attacking Egypt.
Which countries were involved?
In the battle of Tobruk Australians from the 9th Australian Division, 18th Brigade of the 7th Australian Division and the 6th Division fought alongside with four regiments of the British artillery and some Indian and American troops. These countries fought against the Italian and German army, who were commanded by General Erwin Rommel.
What weapons were used?
The in the siege of Tobruk many weapons were used by both sides of the battle. There were tanks (German, Italian, British, Indian), both sides would shoot with rifles, small machine guns, anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns. The German-Italian air force commonly bombed the Allies as well.
The in the siege of Tobruk many weapons were used by both sides of the battle. There were tanks (German, Italian, British, Indian), both sides would shoot with rifles, small machine guns, anti-tank and anti-aircraft guns. The German-Italian air force commonly bombed the Allies as well.
What were the conditions/environment like?
Tobruk in Libya is a desert. The battlefields were very hot, dusty and flat. There were very little hills to use as vantage points and lookouts so lookouts were man made. The Australian soldiers had to sleep in caves dug out of the ground to protect them from German Fighter Plane attacks.
What was the food like?
The food provided for the rats of Tobruk was very basic. There were scarce food and water rations and vitamin c and salt tablets were to be taken every day. The Australian soldiers were mostly fed fresh bread, bully beef and M & P stew. Although the Indians made their own chapattis.
Why were they called the 'Rats of Tobruk'?
The soldiers who fought in the Siege of Tobruk are called the rats of Tobruk because a British traitor who broadcasted from Berlin gave the Australians, British and Indians the title “Rats of Tobruk”. He stated that they are self-supporting prisoners, caught like rats in a trap.
References
"Siege of Tobruk." History Wars Weapons. History Wars Weapons, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. <http://historywarsweapons.com/siege-of-tobruk/>.
"Rats Of Tobruk." Australians In WW2. ANZAC, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://www.rats-of-tobruk.anzac-day.net/>.
"Rats of Tobruk 1941." Australian War Memorial. Australian War Memorial, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/tobruk/>
"Siege of Tobruk." Australian War Memorial. Australian War Memorial, n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. <http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/tobruk/>
Tobruk in Libya is a desert. The battlefields were very hot, dusty and flat. There were very little hills to use as vantage points and lookouts so lookouts were man made. The Australian soldiers had to sleep in caves dug out of the ground to protect them from German Fighter Plane attacks.
What was the food like?
The food provided for the rats of Tobruk was very basic. There were scarce food and water rations and vitamin c and salt tablets were to be taken every day. The Australian soldiers were mostly fed fresh bread, bully beef and M & P stew. Although the Indians made their own chapattis.
Why were they called the 'Rats of Tobruk'?
The soldiers who fought in the Siege of Tobruk are called the rats of Tobruk because a British traitor who broadcasted from Berlin gave the Australians, British and Indians the title “Rats of Tobruk”. He stated that they are self-supporting prisoners, caught like rats in a trap.
References
"Siege of Tobruk." History Wars Weapons. History Wars Weapons, n.d. Web. 20 Apr. 2014. <http://historywarsweapons.com/siege-of-tobruk/>.
"Rats Of Tobruk." Australians In WW2. ANZAC, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://www.rats-of-tobruk.anzac-day.net/>.
"Rats of Tobruk 1941." Australian War Memorial. Australian War Memorial, n.d. Web. 17 Apr. 2014. <http://www.awm.gov.au/exhibitions/tobruk/>
"Siege of Tobruk." Australian War Memorial. Australian War Memorial, n.d. Web. 19 Apr. 2014. <http://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/tobruk/>