Black cotton cap with peak, front above peak embroidered in white, brown and gold thread anniversary logo.Embroidered Anniversary logo, white, brown and gold thread. "The Siege of Tobruk/ 80/ 80th Anniversary/ 10 Apr 1941 - 7 Dec 1941".headwear, rats of tobruk, association anniversary

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph of camel train on dirt track with white tents on right and small buildings and tents on left."Dimra Camp" handwritten on note adhered to rear.2/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

"THE RATS REMAIN" The Siege of Tobruk, 1941. Item in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.Hard cover book. Cover - cardboard with adhered paper cover. red print on front and spine on yellow colour background. Illustrated - sepia toned photographs from back through to front cover - armoury in battle scene. 256 pages - cut, plain, glossy white. Illustrated black and white photographs. End papers - front and back illustrated in colour - map of "Tobruk Defences (12 Jan 1941). This is a pictorial book.books, military history, ww2, tobruk

The Tobruk Siege Medal known as the "T" medal was issued to Australian, British, Indian, New Zealand & Polish troops who were in action during the Siege of Tobruk between April & December 1941. The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977.Heart shaped wooden plaque with Tobruk medal attached tobruk, seige, world war two, wwii

VX 32652 Doug Dean was in the 7 Div. A.A.S.C. in the siege of Tobruk, He was also in the Bendigo Branch of the Rats of Tobruk Assocition. Refer Cat No 4575PThis was a white cylindrical canvas bag. It is hemmed at the top with a piece of manila rope as a draw cord. The base is of similar material. There is a small piece of soft red leather glued near the base. On two sides and the base are "VX32652 D. Dean".ww2, rats of tobruk,

The Rats of Tobruk Association, Inc, Victoria was formed in September, 1945. The Association was open for those Servicemen who had Served at, and during, the Longest Siege in British Military History - the Siege of Tobruk - 240 Days, between April10th and December 10th 1941 in WW2 and who were fortunate enough to return to Australia at the end of hostilities. Of approximately 14,000 Australians involved in the Siege of Tobruk, 559 were KIA, 2450 were WIA and 941 became a POW. Brown wooden lacquered shield with the Rats of Tobruk Association symbol (brown rat on gold circle with white ad gold scrolls surrounding with the name of the association printed upon) overlaying a yellow T below a crown. Below the symbol is the motto 'no surrender'.THE RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION NO SURRENDER

The Bendigo Rats of Tobruk Association donated a memorial window to the St John's Presbyterian Church, Bendigo. 12 April 1987.1. Single A4 size sheet, printed on one side only. At top there is the Rats of Tobruk Association crest. Title as above. A grainy picture of two soldiers walking in a town with a palm tree. Caption states St. Anthony's Church Tobruk 1941. Bottom half is a summary title "Siege of Tobruk April-Dec 1941" 2. Single A4 size sheet, printed on one side only. At top there is the Rats of Tobruk Association crest. Title as above. A grainy picture of two soldiers walking in a town with a palm tree. Caption states St. Anthony's Church Tobruk 1941. Bottom half is a summary title "Siege of Tobruk April-Dec 1941" 3. Single A4 size sheet, printed on one side only. At top there is the Rats of Tobruk Association crest. Title as above. A grainy picture of two soldiers walking in a town with a palm tree. Caption states St. Anthony's Church Tobruk 1941. Bottom half is a summary title "Siege of Tobruk April-Dec 1941"Nilww2, tobruk, bendigo

On December 16 1940 the 2/24th Battalion arrived at Dimra Camp in Palestine where they were based prior to and following the Siege of Tobruk in 1941. Whilst in camp the band entertained the troops.The 2/24th Battalion was an infantry battalion of the Australian Army, which served during World War II .A unit of all-volunteers, it was formed in July 1940 from primarily Victorian volunteers and was known as "Wangaratta's Own" because of the time the battalion spent in the town during its formative period prior to deployment overseas. It served in North Africa in 1941–1942 as part of the 26th Brigade, which was assigned to the 7th Division, before being reassigned to the 9th Division. In early 1943, the battalion returned to Australia and later took part in campaigns against the Japanese in New Guinea in 1943–1944 and Borneo in 1945, before being disbanded in 1946. The 2/24th suffered the highest number of casualties of any 2nd AIF infantry battalion. The Unit was granted the Freedom of the City by the Rural City of Wangaratta in 1996 and one of the first, if not the first, to receive this type of honour. Reproduced black and white photograph depicts soldiers playing brass instruments seated in two rows in a semi circle facing conductor in the open.Handwritten on rear 2/24 Band"Dimra Camp" prior to Tobruk 19412/24th battalion, ww2, middle east, palestine

Anniversary souvenir for survivors of Tobruk. Items part of the collection of "William Anthony THEODORE", DSM, PM2981. Refer Cat No. 7926P.White canvas shopping bag with two short straps held by studs and emblem on front of Rats of Tobruk Association and identifying 50th year Anniversary from 1941 to 1991.Label says "1941 - 50th Anniversary - 1991". "The Rats of Tobruk Association". 10-4-41 - 17-12-41 Siege of Tobruk". Inside in pen "Jean THEODORE BENDIGO".william anthony theodore dsm, tobruk, 50th anniversary

This is the original colour patch of 2/23 Rd Battalion based on the 23rd Battalion 1st AIF colour patch. After the siege of Tobruk, the patch was changed to a 'T' shape. See Catalogue No. 7835.3. Part of the Cooper Collection.1. - 4. Diamond shaped colour patch on grey cloth background. Colour patch consists of brown over red.cooper collection, colour patch, 2/23rd battalion.

VX35204 NORMAN THOMAS CALLAHAN Enlisted 1940 - Returned to Australia 1945. 2/24 AIF 9th Div AIF. Served in Siege of Tobruk, Tel El Eisa, El Alamein, South West Pacific, Lae, Finchhafen, Wareo-Lakona, Borneo, Tarakan.Photograph - sepia portrait of a soldier with plastic cover.passchendaele barracks trust, ww2, norman thomas callahan, 2/24 aif

Part of the Cooper Collection. This patch for 2/23 Australian Infantry Battalion was created in 1942 replacing an earlier patch adopted from the First World War. The design is a reference to the siege of Tobruk and was chosen to recognise the bravery that the soldiers displayed during the siege. See Catalogue No. 7836.4.1. - 3. Three battalion colour patches in the shape of a 'T'. Three layers of colour - black on blue on khaki.cooper collection, colour patch, 2/23 battalion

Items were discovered in the Rats of Tobruk case in the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Compliments card was discovered inside the front cover of the Bendigo's Own Rats of Tobruk book in museum library. D.H Gray is identified as Douglas Haig Gray, VX45356, 2/24th Infantry Battalion who served in the Siege of Tobruk in 1941..1) Cardboard dinner invitation. Yellow coloured, black ink. It has the name and badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Decorative jagged edges, painted gold. .2) Cardboard cover booklet. Rats of Tobruk Association name and badge. 24 pages. Yellow cover. .3) Compliments card, white, gold printing with Rats of Tobruk Association badge and name..3) Compliments card has written in blue pen, “P121.2 150-1” and signed “D.H. Gray President”bylaws, compliments, rats of tobruk

This memorial commemorates the historic siege of Tobruk. The memorial is based on the one in the Tobruk War Cemetery, built by Royal Australian Engineers during the siege. That memorial has since been destroyed. The original marble inscription stone was brought back to Australia after the war and is incorporated in the obelisk in Canberra. The memorial was unveiled on 13 April 1983 by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ninian StephenThis item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A group of 3 coasters produced to commemorate the unveiling of the Tobruk Memorial in Canberra on 13 April 1983. In top left "CANBERRA TOBRUK/MEMORIAL/UNVEILED 13 APRIL 1983"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977 to troops who were in action during the Siege of Tobruk between April and December 1941. Medal issued posthumously to Corporal Percy Angus KIELY VX48300 Born 30/1/1906 at Wangaratta who served with 2/23 Battalion in the MIddle East and New Guinea. Percy died on 25/4/44 from a fractured skull and brain haemorrhage when struck by a falling limb of a tree on 21/4/44 at Whitfield. The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977. The Tobruk Siege medal known as the T medal was issued to Australian, British, Indian, New Zealand and Polish troops who were in action during the Siege of Tobruk between April and December 1941. T shape medal in silver metal with cream coloured ribbon with red and light blue strip Tobruk Seige 1941tobruk, t medal, ww2, percy kiely, 2/23rd battalion

The photo is Douglas Niven Dean VX32652 2nd AIF, enlisted 15/7/1940, age 23 years, posted 7th Div A.A.S.Corp, served in siege of Tobruk, Middle East, New Guinea and Borneo, discharged on 7.12.1945. He was a member of the Bendigo Rats of Tobruk Association, served as secretary 1978 - 87 incl, Jnr V Pres 1992 - 95 and was a life Member of the Association.Postcard photo, portrait, B & W, shows a soldier in uniform, slouch hat, Rising sun collar badges, diamond shape colour patch showing on left arm, rear re post card has space for stamp, address and correspondence, faint makers stamp.On rear in blue ink, “Doug Dean”tobruk, 7th div, aasc,

Italian grenade, one of a number slightly different, mostly aluminium and all called Mod 35. Outside components missing. Nicknamed Red Devils by the Allies. This one was souvenired by William Humphrey Robert Jeffers No VX52782, enlisted 5.4.1941. Served in the 2/24th Batt 9th Div and served in the Siege of Tobruk and Middle East Campaigns. He was discharged from the 2nd AIF on 19.10.1945.Main section two piece aluminium case/container; rectangular slot on sides of top half. Small knob, 7mm in diam. mounted on side of top section.Red case, empty.ordnance, weapons, red devil

Refer to Dean Cat 4575PColoured photo . It shows a stained glass window in St Johns Church. The center of the window has a picture of Christ, with Tobruk Harbour in background. One aircraft can be seen in the frame. At the foot of JC are two soldiers wearing British patterned steel helmets. On top of the frame are the flags of Poland, UK, Australia and Czech. A white dove sur5mounts the lot. Words in the frame are: - To the Glory of God and to the Memory of Those Who Served in the Siege of Tobruk. Pray the Peace and Freedom they defended, be reflected in the light of the World.On Rear: Memorial windows of Rats of Tobruk in St. Johns Church in Forest Street Bendigo.photo, rats of tobruk, stained glass window

This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.This shaving brush was part of standard supplies and personal items issued to members of the Australian Defence Forces during World War 2.Standard Defence issue shaving brush issued to Australian personnel during the World War 2 era. It has a pine timber handle with black bristles and string reinforcement bindin at the top of the handle. On base of brush "H. OLDFIELD/& SON/ SYDNEY/1941world war 11, rats of tobruk, soldiers kit

Soft cover book. Soft cover - cardboard, black print on front and spine. Illustrated background, colour (light) picture of a landscape. Front below title - colour photograph of group of men marching on parade. Two men at front holding banner. Back cover in colour - "Rats of Tobruk" emblem. 172 pages, cut, plain white, illustrated black and white photographs, many portraits. End papers - colour copy. Extra paper - one, colour illustration of Siege of Tobruk" . Colour patches. Title page - donation information.Biography of Bendigo's Rats of Tobruk"books, military, ww2, local history

1. RECTANGULAR, YELLOW, CARDBOARD DRINK COASTER. IN THE CENTRE IS THE BADGE OF RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION. THE BANNER AT THE TOP SHOWS 1941 50TH ANNIVERSARY - 1991, BOTTOM BANNER SHOWS 10.4.41 SIEGE OF TOBRUK 7.12.41. 2. SQUARE, WHITE CARDBOARD, DRINK COASTER. IT HAS THE COLOURED BADGE OF THE RATS OF TOBRUK ASSN. BOTTOM WORDS ARE 1980 VICTORIA. 3. WHITE, CARDBOARD DRINK COASTER. IT HAS THE BLACK AND GOLD BADGE OF RATS OF TOBRUK ASSN OVER TWIN SPHERES OF THE WORLD. WORDS PRINTED ON COASTER WERE:- "WORLD REUNION AND 42nd COMMEMORATION SERVICE AND DINNER". "GOSFORD ON THE CENTRAL COAST, NSW 7 - 11th APRIL 1983.NILsouvenir, drink coasters

The Rats of Tobruk were soldiers of the Australian-led Allied garrison that held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 11 April 1941 and was relieved on 10 December. The port continued to be held by the Allies until its surrender on 21 June 1942. HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970'sMervyn Hutchins owned this jacket. He was both a RAT of Toburk and a patient at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Navy blue woolen jacket pocket with embroideryLarge letter T with red crown. Overlay of the RATS of Tobruk logo with Victoria embroidered across the bottomrats of tobruk, wwii, world war two, second world war, uniforms, mervyn hutchins collection

It provides a backdrop to the Tobruk siege and how the "rats" got their name.It particularly outlines the events leading up to the death of Corporal Jack Edmondson and his actions that were recognised by the awarding of a posthumous Victoria Cross to him.A 4 page typed article extracted from a book called "Diggers made Tobruk Invincible".nilvictoria cross, jack edmondson, rats of tobruk, tobruk siege

Colin George ODLUM No VX45898 enlisted In the 2nd AIF on 1.7.1940 age 22 years. Colin was then posted to the 2/23rd Bn on 16.10.1940 at Bonegilla, embarked on 16.11.40 for the Middle East and disembarked on 17.12.1940. He was then graded group 2 Signaller. He went through the siege of Tobruk. Colin was KIA on 12.7.1942 at El Alamein. He is listed as buried 13.7.1942 grave No 11 map ref El Alamein 1/50000 87703021. He was required later at El Alamein cemetery grave 10, plot 8 row H 4.12.1942. As per the diary in case of his death he allotted any personnel affects to Miss Bettie Bird, refer 136.2P. The original diary was held by William (Billy) Bird, Betties brother, refer 1601. Billy and Colin rode bikes together. Also refer 128.2, 135.2, 137.3PPhotocopy of an extensive 56 page diary written by Colin ODLUM.Private Odlum C.G VX45898 HQ Coy 2/23 Batt AIF Abroad, Age 24, A2, Mdocuments, diaries, copies, military history

Arthur Lock was born in Newport, England and migrated to Australia with his widowed mother in 1924. After spending time in Queensland, he moved to Victoria where he enlisted in the Australian Army at Royal Park, Melbourne on 17 Jun 1940. His service number was VX31240. After basic training, Arthur was enlisted into the 2/23rd Battalion which was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. The battalion was moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, and 2/23rd Battalion became known as "Albury's Own". Arthur saw service in the Middle East and Africa where he was involved in the siege at Tobruk, becoming one of the Rats of Tobruk. He also served in El Alamein, New Guinea, Borneo and Tarakan. In his post war life, Arthur dedicated much time and energy to the Scouting movement and in 1972 was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to young people and the community in Wodonga, Victoria.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region.A black and white photo of Private Arthur Lock taken whilst on service in the Middle East.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Gladys Elva Mole No VFX17199 enlisted in the Australian Army Nursing Service on 9.5.1940 age 26 years 5 months. Embarked for the Middle East on 13.9.1940 as part of 4th AGH. During the Middle East time Gladys served with 2/4th AGH in the Siege of Tobruk. Embarked for Ceylon 12.3.1942, 2/4th continued duties there until finally disembarking in Australia 3 MD 4.8.1942, detached for duty QLD 26.9.1943. Embarked for Morotai 21.5.1945, embark for Singapore from Labuan 7.9.1945, embark from Singapore 2.11.1945, disembark 3 MD 20.11.1945. Appointment terminated 27.2.1946 at 106 AGH Bonegilla. Gladys was classed S/Nurse on enlistment, Sister GP1 on 1.12.1941, Lieutenant 23.3.1943 and Captain 16.8.1943. She served in 6 different hospitals. Active Service outside Aust 875 days, Active service in Australia 1091 days, total 1960 days out of a total service of 2043 Days. .2) &.3) Ribbons make a full set as in .1) & .4) Refer 1899, 1900.2..1) Medals, court mounted, set of (6) re G.E.Mole. 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. The Africa Star. 3. The Pacific Star. 4. Defence Medal. 5. War Medal 1939-45. 6. Australian Service Medal. .2) Service Ribbons, set of (3) re G.E Mole 1. 1939-45 Star. 2. Africa Star. 3. Pacific Star. .3) Service Ribbons, set of (3) re G.E.Mole. 1. Defence Medal. 2. War Medal 1939-45 3. Australian Service Medal. .4) Medals, court mounted, set of (6) miniatures re G.E.Mole. The set is as per .1). .1) "VFX17199"medals, ribbons, military

Andrew Edwardson Gates was born on the 30th December 1915 in Carlton, Victoria. He enlisted in South Melbourne on the 4th November 1939 whilst living in East Brunswick, Victoria. Discharged on the 5th October 1945 with the rank of Private.Full set as follows: 1939-1945 Star The Africa Star with 8th Army Bar The Pacific Star 1939-1945 Defence Medal 1939-1945 War Medal 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal 1941 Tobruk Siege Medal with Miniatures The recipients name and service number are impressed on the bottom edge of the 1939-1945 Defence, 1939-1945 War and 1939-1945 Australia Service medals - VX2151, A. E. Gates. A Gates is engraved on the back of the 1941 Tobruk Siege Medal.

Andrew Edwardson Gates was born on the 30th December 1915 in Carlton, Victoria. He enlisted in South Melbourne on the 4th November 1939 whilst living in East Brunswick, Victoria. Discharged on the 5th October 1945 with the rank of Private.Full set as follows: 1939-1945 Star The Africa Star with 8th Army Bar The Pacific Star 1939-1945 Defence Medal 1939-1945 War Medal 1939-1945 Australia Service Medal 1941 Tobruk Siege Medal with Miniatures The recipients name and service number are impressed on the bottom edge of the 1939-1945 Defence, 1939-1945 War and 1939-1945 Australia Service medals - VX2151, A. E. Gates. A Gates is engraved on the back of the 1941 Tobruk Siege Medal.

During World War 2, more than 14,000 Australians fought at Tobruk (Libya), during the historic 242 day siege. These men became famously known as the Rats of Tobruk. After returning to Australia, the Tobruk siege servicemen looking for comradeship, established the Rats of Tobruk Association. Around 1944, active branches and sub-branches were started in every state. In more recent times, these branches and subbranches have been wound up owing to the declining numbers of surviving veteran members. The only exception has been the Victorian Branch, which has now operated for over 70 years.Large blue cloth banner housed between two timber poles. In the centre of the banner there is a crown above a grey,black and yellow T shape overlaid by a crest with a kangaroo in a yellow circleRats of Tobruk Assoc GV & NE Sub Branchrats of tobruk, ww2

Why the name 'Rats of Tobruk'? A former British citizen William Joyce, better known as Lord Haw-Haw, broadcast Nazi propaganda World War II. His announcement ‘Germany calling, Germany calling’ was a familiar sound across the airwaves, broadcasting misinformation Hamburg. During the Tobruk siege, he often referred to the men defending the garrison at Tobruk as “poor desert rats of Tobruk, who live like rats and will die like rats. The Australian soldiers loved the term ‘Rats of Tobruk’ and adopted it as a badge of honour. Calling themselves the ‘Rats of Tobruk’, they turned the derogatory comments back against the Germans. William Joyce was eventually captured and returned to Britain, where he was later hanged for treason in January 1946. This item is part of a collection of items owned by Arthur Lock, a member of the 2/23rd Battalion, an all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force which served as part of the garrison during the Siege of Tobruk, then at El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo. It has particular local significance as the battalion was know as "Albury's Own" because a large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region. A plastic and enamel badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association mounted on a wood base. The logo appears to be one of only a small number to use the acronym R.O.T.A above the more common Association Logo.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk