The Rats of Tobruk
Australians on the Tobruk Front Lines.
The Second World War was a time of great conflict and loss. In the early months of its second full year 1941, the Allies faced a significant threat from German forces in Libya. A swift German advance had put them in a position to take Egypt, and the only thing that stood between them and this crucial target was the garrison at Tobruk. What followed from April until December was an eight-month siege that would become known as one of the most significant Australian battles of the war, and a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.[i]
Map of Tobruk during the seige.
Siege of Tobruk, April-December 1941, map, 1943, pen & ink drawing by James Emery, https://www.sl.nsw.gov.au/collection-items/siege-t...
The defenders of Tobruk were mostly Australians, numbering around 14,000 soldiers, commanded by Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead. They were supported by four regiments of British artillery and some Indian troops. For the Allies, the importance of holding Tobruk with its harbour, directly impacted the vital defence of Egypt and specifically the Suez Canal. By holding Tobruk, the enemy was forced to bring most of their supplies overland from the port of Tripoli, across 1500 km of desert, entailing the diversion of troops from their advance.[ii]
The garrison at Tobruk faced constant attack from German and Italian forces, who bombarded them with tanks, artillery, and daily bombings. The men endured the searing heat of the desert days, the bitterly cold nights, and the dust storms that raged through the area. They lived in dug-outs, caves, and crevasses, and faced unimaginable conditions on a daily basis.
Despite these challenges, the defenders of Tobruk did not surrender, nor did they 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. The Australian soldiers, in particular, embraced the nickname given to them by Nazi propagandist William Joyce, known as Lord Haw Haw, calling them the "Rats of Tobruk," and used it as an ironic compliment.[iii]
The Rats of Tobruk Association insignia.
Creative Commons
Author: Bilious
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rats_of_Tobruk_Mosaic,_Mackay,_Queensland,_Australia.jpg
The Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy provided a vital link to the outside world for the garrison, the so-called "Tobruk ferry." This was a lifeline for the soldiers who were surrounded by enemy forces, and it allowed for the delivery of crucial supplies, equipment, and reinforcements. The loss of several ships during this time was significant, with two destroyers, three sloops, and 21 smaller vessels falling prey to enemy attack.[iv]
Troops bunked down in the open on the top deck of the destroyer HMAS Vendetta on one of her voyages to the besieged port city of Tobruk.
https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C272537
In August, half of the Australian garrison was relieved, and the rest followed in September-October. However, the 2nd/13th Battalion was unable to evacuate and remained in Tobruk until the siege was lifted on 10 December. They were the only unit present for the entire siege.
The cost of this battle was high, with Australian casualties numbering 749 killed, 1,996 wounded, and 604 prisoners between April and October 1941. The total losses in the 9th Division and attached troops from March to December amounted to 832 killed, 2,177 wounded, and 941 prisoners.[v]
The Battle of Tobruk was a significant turning point in the Second World War, with the defenders of the town standing firm against overwhelming odds. Their courage, determination, and humour in the face of adversity inspired not only their fellow soldiers but also the entire Allied effort. The Rats of Tobruk will always be remembered for their bravery and for the pivotal role they played in the outcome of the war.
References:
[i] Harrison, Frank, Tobruk: The Great Siege Reassessed, London: Arms and Armour, 1996
[ii] Maughan, B. (1966). Tobruk and El Alamein. Australia in the War of 1939–1945 Series 1 (Army). Vol. III (1st online ed.). Canberra: Australian War Memorial. OCLC 954993.
[iii] Cole, J. A. (1965). Lord Haw-Haw & William Joyce: The Full Story. Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. OCLC 318091.
[iv] Rhoades, Rodney (31 December 1979). "The Tobruk Run". Naval Historical Society of Australia.
[v] Maughan, B. (1966). Tobruk and El Alamein. Australia in the War of 1939–1945 Series 1 (Army). Vol. III (1st online ed.). Canberra: Australian War Memorial. OCLC 954993.