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The Siege of Tobruk : In 1941 Great Britain had to withdraw most of its ...
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Hi,my Uncle Thomas Malcolm McMartin of the 2/23 Aust inf division was killed at Tobruk on the 17/05/1941.My husband and I are attending the 1st ever Anzac Day dawn service to be held at Tobruk this year.I would appreciate any information such as location of his death and any war service medals that he would have recieved and how I could get miniture versions of same.
Hi my uncle was a ROT as well he told us stories that made your hair stand up I thank them all so much for what they have done he was in the 2/10 battalion he only pasted away on the 5/1/2011 he was 95 he will be missed his name was William M Frears LEST WE FORGET
I am not related to a ‘rat of tobruk’, but my grandfather did fight in WW2. I’d just like to congratulate you on this site, I’m sure your grandfather would be very proud.
Hi, my father Arnold Busby fought in Tobruk with the British Army. Like a lot of war heroes he barely spoke about his war time experiences to me. Recently I obtained his personnel files from the British Army in Glasgow and noted that he arrived in Tobruk 21 October 1941. Could someone please tell me the state of the siege at that point in time and what he would have experienced. My general reading leaves me with tremendous respect for the Aussies no wonder they fight back at cricket when the chips are down!
Thankyou for this site.
Both my partner and I are both in the Military and have served Oversea’s but we have seen and done nothing compaired to these wonderful strong and Brave men.
I want to take this chance to say Thankyou to every person who has gone selflessly over to serve.
Not enough is shown and taught about these wondeful people.
My Nana’s sister’s husband was a RAT and I am PROUD to wear his medal’s this ANZAC day.
Thank You once again
Lucas, my father served with the 2/23rd for most of the siege, but was wounded on a mine stealing raid in August of that year.
His “official” record states only that he was “injured running over own mine”, and was invalided home early in 1942….for a perforated eardrum.
It was only 18 months ago after a lot of research, and a huge stroke of luck that I discovered the truth behind that raid, and most importantly, the full extent of Dad’s injuries. He died in 1969.
I lucked upon the personal diaries of a good mate of Dad’s, which told the true story, and combined with other records, paints an entirely different picture of what happened. I understand your suspicion of the “green machine”.
After the fall of Tobruk the “rats” returned to Australia, were given some leave and then were stationed in the Brisbane Valley Area of Queensland. At the time, I was 19 years old (I am now 88) and working at the post office in Toogoolawah. I dated a young man, one of the rats, whose name was Colin Creswell, I believe he was from Melbourne. They were in the valley for a fairly short time, only from April To December of 1942. They received orders to ship out to New Guinea where they faced the Japanese on the Kokoda Track. Because of the Terrain and Climate the conditions were deplorable.
Would love to hear others experiences.
I remember those who gave their lives so that I could be here today and my thoughts go to those who are out at war now in the Middle East. Maybe some day world peace will come!
Great site, Well done.
My father Charlie Ricketts was a ROT, he was in the 7Div.
Is there a site with all the names of the Rats?
Dear Philip and Edward,
This is a wonderful site on the Rats of Tobruk and a very good tribute to your grandfather and all the other brave men from the siege.
We are making a program on the Siege of Tobruk and would be very interested in hearing any stories that your grandfather told about day to day life and combat there, as well as photos to include in the program, which is being made for the History Channel. Did your grandfather keep a diary? I would also like to hear any interesting stories from any of your contributors and relations of the Rats, who might be interesting in sharing these for the program.
Kind regards and I look forward to hearing from you.
Michelle Fraser
WMR Productions
00 11 44 308 600 7910/7926
I have just come across this site and it will soon be Anzac Day 2011, my father weas a Rat of Tobruk , he was in 2/48th Battalion, and had only turned 18 in October and left for the Middle East in November. He passed away when he was 44years old. I have a wonderful memory corner set up around my computer desk, with photos , memorabilia , aussie flag and a large print taken in Libya with my father and two other soldiers with a prisoner of war. I purchased this from the War Memorial in Canberra, and have all my dad’s army records etc. My brother has his medals and also some memorabilia , shrapnel, currency of middle east areas, stamps etc. Some of my most treasured things are letters , one in particular was sent to my grandparents (my dad’s mum &dad) from Freemantle their 1st stop when they were on their way to Egypt.
There is a Anzac Day ceremony each year at Stewart Place in Ashgrove (Corner Waterworks Road & Stewart Rd) at 8.30 am. It is a big ceremony with a huge amount of local community participation (about 750 + attendees). Every year we choose a special theme – I would like to invite a former Rat of Tobruk to be our guest of honour. It is not necessary to make a speech but the community would wish to honour one of Australia’s Tobruk Rats. We would organise taxi transport from home to waterworks road and then either back home or to the Brisbane City march. Can you help please ?
Hello there I believe that my father was a ‘Rat of Tobruk’. I wonder is there anyway that you can confirm this? Is there some website, etc with the names etc?
I am interested to track down a Rat of Tobruk whom I cared for in Concord Repat Hosp. back in 1981 to 1982. He had a kidney removed when I cared for him at the time. He and I got on very well. My own father was a bren-gunner in the Pacific campaign, and we often compared stories. His (not my dad’s) first name was ERNST, but alas I can’t remember his surname. I would really like to know his fate, if he is still alive or not, and where he is at the present time. Thanks to anyone who can help.
Where can I find out whether soldiers by the name of Bob McFarlane and Bill Kimber were involved with the seige of Tobruk.
I saw the show on TV tonight(3rd april) and it was amaizing whas went on at Tobruk, I would like to find a rat named Allen Bullen as I worked for him in Traralgon Victoria,perhaps he may not be with anymore but I would like to know. Regards Geoffrey Pollard.
10 Row Str
Traralgon,Vic.
3844.
how do i find out the names of ROT??? your tags only bring me back to this website
Really cool site guys, your grandfather would be proud as punch.
My grandfather also served at Tobruk, and he was always proud of the men he served with, as he always said there were no finer more determined men in the world than a dug in aussie, and it was the ANZAC spirit to do so. great work
my father served at Tobruk
james docking was my father and served as WO2 in Tobruk. He was invalided home in the second half of 1941 and escorted POW’s to Australia.
served in airforce and again in the army
I’m trying to arrange to go to Adelaide for the March on Anzac Day, and would love to know if there is a clubroom for the 2/48th Battalion (Rats of Tobruk) where the last of the remaining may meet up. My father and Uncle both served in the 2/48th, as I had mentioned in a previous message. Because of the 70 year Anniversary I was hoping that there may be a special event happening after the March. If anyone knows of one , please contact me .. ..email… valodonoghue@bigpond.com
It’s been great to read stories about our diggers…..
My father Kenneth George Pugh & my uncle Richard George Holmyard both deceased from Tasmania
joined the army together and were Rats of Tobruk
Information needed.
My father, Staff Sergeant Neil Dunne Heelan, QX5747, also known as “Mulga” was a Rat of Tobruk and his CO was Doug Murray. He also served in New Guinea where he was awarded the British Empire Medal. He passed away some years ago and to this day his family does not know the circumstances of this award or any of his experiences in Tobruk, New Guinea and Borneo.
Like most soldiers he was extremely modest and spoke only of the humorous experiences.
Sadly, all of his decorations were stolen.
I am looking for any sources of information or people that may have known him.
rjh@industrialtorches.com.au
HELLO THERE MELVA,
MY UNCLE ALSO WAS A ROT. IF YOU REQUIRE DUPLICATE MEDALS, THEY ARE QUITE COSTLY. YOU WILL REQUIRE AS MUCH INFO AS POSSIBLE. I DID HAVE A FORM HERE, BUT CAN’T FIND IT OFFHAND. YOU CONTACT THE RSL CANBERRA, THEY WILL POINT YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCE AT THE ANZAC DAY CEREMONY IN TOBRUK & PLEASE SAY 1 FOR ME. WE OWE ALL THESE MEN & WOMEN BIG TIME!
HI THERE;
GREAT SITE! WONDERFUL, KIND, HEROES THAT THE RATS OF TOBRUK. MY UNCLE I THINK WAS A ROT, HE WAS IN THE 9TH DIVVY, 2/24TH. HE WORE HIS T PATCH PROUDLY. HE NEVER TO MY KNOWLEDGE SPOKE ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED DURING HIS TIME IN WW11. LIKE MANY OTHERS, HE WAS UNDERAGE WHEN HE SIGNED UP, HE ASKED MY NANNA TO SIGN THE PAPERS, AND IF SHE DIDN’T, HE WOULD. SO SHE SIGNED. LUCKILY HE CAME HOME, WITH SOME SOUVENEERS, (SCHRAPNEL), HE WAS IN AND OUT OF HEIDELBERG REPATRIATION HOSPITAL, MELB. VIC. UP UNTIL THE DAY HE DIED. IF ANYONE HAS HEARD OR KNEW OF HIM (LESLEY ALBERT WILLIAM PATERSON) PLEASE CONTACT ME. EMAIL pam.stevenson@bigpond.com LEST WE FORGET!!!
My Dad was “A Rat of Tobruk”. His name was Ivan (John or Jack) Craddock. He enlisted in Melbourne. He passed away 11/01/1975 due to war caused cancer.
I 7 the rest of the Family are so proud to be able to call him “A Rat of Tobruk”.
RIP Dad !!!!!!
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone out there knows what site to go to, to see the full list of names of each battalion. Thanks. Brad. bmarks08@optusnet.com.au
Just wanted to say what a wonderful site, My Grandad was one of the rats of tobruk and i was looking for info on them to share with my daughter. He was in the 2nd-1st australian battalion and was shot but survived and eventually came home he died later on due to his injuries. I am very proud to tell my kids all about him and what he did for his country. His name was “Arthur Kenneth Smidt” rip grandad. I dont have any pickies of him unfortunatly so am hoping to find him in someone elses photos.
Great web site for the forgotten soldiers,My Father “David” and his brother,”Nazarene”,where from Malta,they joined the British Army and were deployed to Tobruk, they survived the war,had lots of story’s and some pictures as well. My father David immigrated to USA, Nazarene,his older brother went to Australia,. Both have passed on but they have left a legacy that will continue forever,Thank you for the site.
could you please tell me if my grandfather was in the rats of tobruk.His name and service number are: Thomas william davies nx23031
Many of you aren’t aware that twice as many British troops as Australians served at Tobruk, and broke out after the Australians left, British gunners, tank crew, machine gunners, as well as Indian, Czech and Polish troops served at Tobruk.
Why is this concealed?
Also the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force helped supply and defend Tobruk, and evacuated the Australians when they departed.
More British troops than Australians served at Teobruk, and they broke the seige when they attacked the Germans and Italians to join with 8th army. The Royal Air Force helped defend Tobruk, so did the Royal Navy, which evacuated the Australians before the seige ended. Indians, Poles and Czech troops also served at Tobruk. When the legend gets in the way of the truth, print the legend-thats what has happened with Tobruk.
Thank you for this site . My father was a Rat of Tobruk his name was Bertram Veitch(Bert)he was in the 2/5 feild ambulance as a strecher bearer I can’t even imagine what they endured. But I know that I’m very proud of them .I have instilled that pride into our four children. Our seond son Daniel is a Capt. in the reserve army and this ANZAC day he will give the address at the Romsey (Vic) cenataph his topic is on how proud he is of the grandfather he never met and their sacrefice has helped to give us the freedom we have.
Hi,
My dad – Alfred Kemp was a Rat of Tobruk in the 2/23 Battalion. Dad barely spoke about his service in WW2 and like a lot of his mates suffered terribly from post traumatic stress disorder for the rest of his life. He passed away in 2002. His family was very proud of him and despite his trauma, led a productive life and was a wonderful father and husband. Thanks so much for this web site, it is a fitting tribute to a very brave group of men. Lest We Forget.
Hello. Is there actually a list of soldiers who were the ‘Rats of Tobruk?’
I did a google search and this website has plenty of tags as such claiming to have a list of names, but there is no list of soldiers who fought this battle. I’m trying to find a name of a soldier who claims he was a Rat, but his stories seem to be a bit far fetched. His posting on discharge was with the 2/4 COMPANY AASC.
May 4, 2011 will be recorded as the day Australia lost one of the few remaining Rats of Tobruk, 91 years of age, married for 73 years, a man who stood proud and strong and my great uncle, William Jones, may he rest in peace
Hello
I’m seeking information on my Uncle William Pannowitz who fought in Tabruk & The Middle East. We have very little information on his sevrice history. His Service number is VX38325/WW2
Many Thanks
Maureen Clark
34 Poole street
Deer Park
Victoria
3023
i am looking for stories of my father in law who was a rot. he was only 16 when he signed up and was given the tobruk encounter as well as PNG. his name was Ronald Wooderson (known as Fred). I would appreciate any information anyone can supply. he never talked about the experiences other than his sister said because of his age and agility was a runner.
phyllis wooderson
Hi, I would like to see if you have anything re my step grandfather Fredrick Randal ( could be Ranndal or Randall) He served there during the war but I dont know the dates. He was british but he may have become an Australian citisen. Thanks John
Maureen, A quick search reveals that your Uncle Bill was a member of the 2/32 Infantry Battalion, and was listed as being a P.O.W. This most likely occurred during the Battle of El Alamein.
You can get a better idea of the 2/32nd’s history on this link
http://www.awm.gov.au/units/unit_11283.asp
If you wish to look at Bill’s service record, go to this site and request a digital copy. I think it costs about $20, and takes several weeks.
http://www.naa.gov.au/
Hope this is of some help.
Regards, Warrick
Hi Paul, My Dad was also an original member of the 2/23rd. I have a copy of the 2/23rd Roll Call book, and looked up your Dad. My father was also an Alfred. Alf Williams
I’m not sure you are aware that of the original battalion of 920 odd men who were first into Tobruk, that only about 75 of them survived till the end of the war. Your Dad Alf was one of them. He most definately defied the odds. According to the Roll Call, your Dad served in every campaign the 2/23rd took part in, up to and including the final campaign of the 2/23rd, Tarakan.
They were remarkable men.
Regards,
Warrick Williams
Hi,
What a wonderful memorial to our Austrlian boys. My uncle Jack Peno was with the 2/9th. I felt transported into their history from your web page. This web page made me feel very emotional and patriotic. thank you for the memories.
Response for Melva Hawker..
see link attached for your uncles records.. (cut and Paste into browser bar) alternatively.. contact me at McMartin@live.com.au and i will help you..
http://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ListingReports/ItemsListing.aspx
For others searching for relatives war records go to:
http://naa.gov.au/collection/recordsearch/index.aspx
go into record search and put in their name.. there may already be a digital copy or otherwise you will need to apply for its release..
good luck
John
Dear web admin.. can you please pass this and my previous post to melva hawker re: McMartin (her post above)
There is some additional links on this page to stuff related to him..
http://www.awm.gov.au/research/people/roll_of_honour/person.asp?p=530939
thanks,
John
also.. the Wodonga army barracks (Vic) has a museum with some cool 2/23rd and 2/24th memorabilia tobruk related..
Phyllis, As near as I can figure, your Uncle Ron (aka Fred) enlisted on the 1st June 1940, and was court martialled on the 11/6/1945.
His records are available at the Australian National Archives, but you have to pay for them.