The Tobruk Siege

The Tobruk siege of eight months during the 1941 North African Campaign in World War 2 showed the positive qualities of the ANZAC legend and played a role in making Australia the independent country it is today. The campaign started with the Italian declaration of war on June 1940. The Australian soldiers of the 9th division aligned forces with the United States and Britain to fight in Tobruk, Libyan coast. One of the ANZAC qualities, show in this campaign, was the bravery the Australian soldiers demonstrated when facing dangerous threats to defend Tobruk. The Australian troops adopted the nickname, “Rats of Tobruk,” with pride as they were determined to keep fighting against all odds. Along with their Australian humour used as a method to
The Germans, called Australians the “Rats of Tobruk” as a tease, but the Australian troops adopted it proudly. (Donoghue, 2016) The name given out sarcastically by the Germans as they thought the Australian troops were trapped like rats in the siege. However, they were angry and frustrated as the Australians could withstand the challenges of war for eight months such as a rat can withstand hard conditions in sewers. A picture of “Rats in a Hole” show four “Rats” in a rocky field using vents from wrecked ships to provide ventilation for underground bunkers on the outskirts of Tobruk. (Eshuys, 1995, Page 118) In addition to the resistance against the siege, the holes were clever methods of survival. Erwin Rommel (the Dessert Fox) was a brilliant German field marshal in World War 2, who swept all before him. He respected the “Rats of Tobruk” as he understood the difficult conditions of war, yet he could not force them to surrender. (Eshuys, 1995, Page 117) The representation of rats and the resilience of the soldiers of the garrison contributed to their position in Libyan port of Tobruk. The Tobruk battle was significant in shaping Australia’s identity because of the proud Australian troops as well as surviving the siege with resilience using the Australian