Why is it called Rats of Tobruk?
Nevertheless, morale remained high – the Australians adopting the ironic nickname ‘The Rats of Tobruk’, in response to reports that Nazi radio propagandist ‘Lord Haw Haw’ had described them as being caught ‘like rats in a trap’ in one of his broadcasts.
What did the Rats of Tobruk do?
The Rats of Tobruk were soldiers of the Australian-led Allied garrison that held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 11 April 1941 and was relieved on 10 December.
What regiments fought at Tobruk?
The garrison, commanded by Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, consisted of the 9th Division (20th, 24th, and 26th Brigades), the 18th Brigade of the 7th Division, along with four regiments of British artillery and some Indian troops.
Did Australia fight in Libya?
In 1941, Australians fought in land and air campaigns in Egypt and Libya in North Africa. Three AIF divisions – the 6th, 7th and 9th – fought in those countries.
How many Rats of Tobruk are still alive?
Today, out of 14,000 Aussie Rats that held Tobruk against Rommel’s forces 78 years ago, only around 30 are still alive to tell the story.
Did Australia win the battle of Tobruk?
A garrison, consisting mostly of the 9th Australian Division (Lieutenant-General Leslie Morshead) remained at Tobruk, to deny the port to the Axis, while the WDF reorganised and prepared a counter-offensive….Siege of Tobruk.
| Date | 10 April – 27 November 1941 (7 months, 2 weeks, 3 days) |
|---|---|
| Result | Allied victory |
Did Australia fight in Africa ww2?
In January 1941, Australians fought their first major land battle in the Second World War when men of the 6th Division and other Allied troops, engaged Italian forces at the town of Bardia on the coast of Libya.
How many ww2 veterans are still alive Australia?
The number of living Australian Second World War veterans has halved since 2019. According to a study by family search website Ancestry and YouGov, 7800 remain.
Where did the 8th Army served in ww2?
The Eighth Army, formed in September 1941, was a diverse formation made up of units from all corners of the British Empire, with infantry divisions coming from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. The original core of the army was based on the Western Desert Force, fighting in the North African campaign.
Which regiments made up the 8th army?
Order of battle The Eighth Army was formed from the Western Desert Force in September 1941 and put under the command of Lieutenant-General Alan Cunningham. At its creation, the Eighth Army comprised 7th British Armoured Division and 4th Indian Infantry Division.