When did the battle take place?

10 April 1941

Why was this an important destination?

Located in a the deserts in north Africa, Tobruk was considered the most important port in Northern Africa, as the deep waters allowed the larger ships to dock in that area. It also had more importance as the control over north Africa would allow for the Allied forces to have a base, which they could use for attacking Europe, across the Mediterranean. It was also beneficial because of the large oil fields in the Middle East, which were fundamental in fueling the tanks, planes and any other form of transport that required fueling.   It was also important due to the steep slopes (escarpments), which allowed them to fight against any oncoming attacks, from the land.

Which countries were involved?

The major countries involved in the Battle of Tobruk, consisted of the following: Italy, Germay, Britain, Australia and America

What weapons were involved?

Handguns

•  

   

  Webley Mk.VI (.455) & Mk.IV (.38/200)

  Enfield revolver

  Browning Hi-Power

   

• Rifles

  Lee-Enfield

  Rifle No. 5 Mk I

  Charlton Automatic Rifle

   

• Submachine Guns

  Owen

  Austen submachine gun

  Thompson M1928A1

  Sten

   

• Machine Guns

  Lewis Gun

  Bren light machine gun

  Vickers machine gun

   

• Anti-Tank Weapons

  PIAT

  Boys anti-tank rifle

   

• Grenades

  Mills bomb

What were the conditions/environment like?

 The conditions for the soldiers was extremely harsh. They had to endure scorching heat, and live underground in caves and dug outs. The water they had access to was limited, and they had to drink brackish, rationed water. The dust would settle over everything, and everything is coated in it. Another struggle that they have to undergo, is the desert flies. The laundry had to be done in seawater, as the resources were limited. Although people didn’t get sick often, but without the right vitamin supplements, would result in desert sores. The only way they could wash themselves was to take a swim. 

What was the food like?

There day began with a breakfast that had been prepared underground. 24,000 people had to be fed so the field bakery made fresh bread that was used to accompany other foods, like bully beef and stew. They made their own “chipati’s” (A form of flatbread), and are also required to clean the dishes. To combat the desert sores, the men would have to take vitamin C pills and salt tablets had to be taken on a daily basis.

Why were they called the 'Rats of Tobruk'?

Lord Haw-Haw (a British Traitor), broadcasting from Britain, had named them this because they “are self-supporting prisoners, caught like rats in a trap.” They were also given this name because they lived mostly underground, similar to rats. After they had taken in the name, in an act of defiance, they carved their medals into rats.

Write a brief summary of what happened.

The Siege of Tobruk, was an event that occurred on the 10th of April, 1941, and continued for 241 days. It is a historic, war event that occurred when the German and Italian troops surrounded Tobruk, and the soldiers located there, to force their capture. This attack had been ordered by General Erwin Rommel. The soldiers who were in Tobruk (those under threat), consisted of a variety of brigades from the 7th and 9th Division (also British and Indian soldiers). It was essential for the “rats of Tobruk,” to control the town and its harbor, so that the enemy had to bring their supplies over the dessert, which was 1500 kilometres long, which would slow down their progression. It also allowed them to get the supplies to their own men, which made it easier for the conditions they were under. Whilst they had been put under this turmoil, they were exposed to multiple bombings, air raids and ground assaults. Eventually, after multiple attacks from both sides, the British counter-attacked the Nazi’s, and as a result got back their ground. As a result of this battle, many soldiers had been injured or killed, with a casualty rate approximately as follows: 832 killed, 2,177 wounded and 941 prisoners

summary of a battle

Darwin Bombing

The Darwin Bombing is an extremely infamous event in Australian (war) history. It was a tragic event, in which 243 people were killed and somewhere between 300 – 400 people were killed, and is considered to be the first and also the largest attack to be executed by a foreign country, on Australia. On February 19th 1941, 242 Japanese aircraft attacked the Darwin shores, the ships banked in the harbor, as well as the airfields. The intention of the attack was to stop the Allies from using the Darwin harbor from being used as a base for those trying to defend their (Japan’s) attack on Indonesia. Their mission was successful, as the area had little defense, and they manage to destroy the area, without much affect to themselves. Civilians were also affected by the air raids, with varying levels of injuries. The deaths inflicted by the attack, had an evident effect on the population at the time. The Darwin bombing, is still one of the most renowned event, still regarded, to this current period of time, as one of the largest air attacks on Australia, with more bombs than those dropped on Pearl Harbor.