New exhibition ‘Rats of Tobruk, 1941’ honours 70th anniversary

The Australian War Memorial has brought together a unique collection of photos, artworks, personal mementoes and battlefield relics to mark the 70th anniversary of the famous Siege of Tobruk.

Several of the items, such as the uniform and medals of one of Australia‟s top commanders Lieutenant General Sir Leslie Morshead, are on public display for the first time.

Curated by the Memorial historian and Second World War specialist Dr Karl James, the new exhibition Rats of Tobruk, 1941 pays tribute to a legendary episode in Australia‟s military history.

“The harbour town of Tobruk in north eastern Libya, became the site of one of the most bitterly fought campaigns of the Middle East and Mediterranean fronts and which saw Australia‟s army, navy and airmen in continuous action for most of 1941,” said Dr James

“The year begun with a series of impressive British and Commonwealth successes against the Italians but a rapid German offensive under the command of then Lieutenant General Erwin Rommel quickly reversed these early victories. All that stopped the Germans‟ march on Egypt was the defiant garrison at Tobruk, comprised mostly of Australian troops.

“From April to December 1941 the Australians along with their British, Polish and other allies withstood tank attacks, artillery barrages, and daily bombings from the Italian and German forces. The besieged men lived in dug-outs, caves, and crevasses for months on end, enduring searing heat during the day, bitterly cold nights and hellish dust storms.

“The defenders of Tobruk did not surrender nor 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.

“Among the items on exhibition is the German machine gun captured by Corporal Jack Edmondson VC in the action that saw him awarded posthumously Australia‟s first Victoria Cross of the Second World War. Alongside it is his grieving mother‟s scrapbook of memories and tributes.

“The exhibition also reveals the personal stories behind many of the 'Rats', including that of Corporal John Johnston who left behind in Australia his struggling family including eight children.

“I hope that visitors to this exhibition will come away with a better understanding and appreciation of what their forebears experienced and how this generation of Australian service men and women upheld the legend of the ANZACs,” said Dr James.

The exhibition opens Friday 18 March and runs through to 16 November 2011