Memorabilia from 1980 Reunion. Part of the collection of "William Anthony THEODORE DSM" PM 2981. Refer Cat No. 7926P.Two x World Reunion 1980 Plaques. Emblem of Rats of Tobruk on a white background and black edges on a clipboard backing. Emblem is big yellow "T" with crown on top with a rat image with Rats of Tobruk written above and Association below. String stapled on back for hanging.Inscribed - "WORLD REUNION 1980", "THE RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION", "VICTORIA".william anthony theodore dsm, tobruk, anniversary

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

A poem written during the Tobruk campaign of WW2.This is an example of the humour displayed by Australian troops during the siege of Tobruk.An A4 photocopy of an article.Nilrats of tobruk, poems, ww2, world war 2, north africa

history of the Siege of Tobruk April to December 1941coloured print, cartography by James Emery & history by Chester Wilmotttobruk, world war 2, maj gen leslie morshead, lt gen erwin romel, jh edmonson vc

"FACES OF THE RATS" VOL 1 AND VOL 2. Produced for the Descendants of the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. Biographical record of many men who served in Tobruk - not complete.1. & 2. Soft cover book. 1. & 2. Cover - light weight cardboard. Block print on front and spine (Vol 1), front (Vol11). Illustrated group photograph - black and white, on front. Pages - cut, plain, glossy white paper. Illustrated with colour or black and white portrait photograph of each serviceman with information on name, service number, unit, where born, where enlisted, areas of service overseas, wounded in battle, did he survive the war, medals received etc. Two servicemen per page.1. Front end paper - handwritten black ink "Luke/ Thanks for all your/ help & support/ R. Windlow 2021". 2.Title page - handwritten black ink "LUKE/ THANKS FOR YOUR HELP, SUPPORT/ & FRIENDSHIP, R WINDLOW 2021"book, rats of tobruk

Item in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.Place mat rectangular shape white background with central in brown colours, centre has "Rats of Tobruk Association" badge followed by drawing of a church surrounds and two soldiers walking, under is a scroll with text.Under drawing, " The Church of St Anthony Tobruk", on scroll, "1941 - 50th Anniversary seige of Tobruk - 1991"place mats, tobruk, souvenirs

Historical. Perspex photo holder.Inscribed " Dug Out in Tobruk ". Inscribed No 1 Bren gunner M.O.Rounds VX45140 waving the Red Cross Flag.

14,000 Australians were in Tobruk during the siege. On return to Australia the veterans looked to maintain the ties created amongst those who were in Tobruk during the siege and to ensure their needs were supported. In 1944, the Rats of Tobruk Association, NSW was established. This was followed by the establishment of the Victorian Branch on 2nd October 1945. Other branches and sub-branches were established across Australia and a Federal Council was established in 1946. With the passing of the survivors of Tobruk, most branches have been wound up with the exception of the Victorian branch. Since 2012 the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc. has opened up affiliate membership to descendants and relatives of the original "Rats" in order to preserve their legacy.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 decorative transfer featuring the Rats of Tobruk Assocation emblem. It has been attached to a piece of cardboard.world war 11, tobruk, rats of tobruk association

Tells the story of the Australian Army's participation in the Siege of Tobruk, 1941. World War II.An unbound proof copy of this book.256p, hard cover, unbound, illus. Possibly a proof copysiege of tobruk, 1941. world war ii, australian army.

Book documents the fighting in & around Tobruk in 1941 & provides a key to understanding the whole North Africa campaign in 1941.Green buckram hard cover, title in gold on spine only. Illustrated front end paper. Part of dust cover loose & placed on title page. Black & white illustrations, 348 pages.books-history, military

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

Coloured map of Tobruk Seige. Lacquered wooden frame, glass front & cardboard backing.Printed top centre: “TOBRUK SEIGE, AUSTRALIAN POSITIONS AS AT 1ST MAY 1941” Donation sticker on bottom LHS. map, tobruk, seige

Tobruk panorama. Black plastic frame, glass front, white cardboard backing, black & white photograph with cream border. Photo in 5 sections showing Tobruk township & surrounding landscape of desert & military vehicles. LHS bottom front: Donation info sticker Centre front: Tobruk sticker Blue sticker on backing: Bendigo City Framersphotograpy - photographs, frame accessories, tobruk

non-fictionThe Siege of Tobruk has become one of the famous sagas of courage against the odds. Much has been written about it. This publication was the first visual record covering the Siege from all points of view. It includes more that 500 photographs, many taken by troops in the forward areas. The compiler of this publication was a Liaison Officer attached to Headquarters, 26 Australian Infantry Brigade and was mentioned in despatches for his part in the withdrawal from Benghai and the Battle of the Salient in Tobruk.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Shield produced for World Reunion of Rats of Tobruk in 1980's. The item was donated by Roy Henry CLEE VX28338 Batt 2/32nd Bn 9th Div. A.I.F. Enlisted 20.6.1940, Served in Tobruk, El Alamein and New Guinea. Discharged 19.8.1945.Red painted wooden shield bearing felt insignia of Rats of Tobruk Assn. Black, yellow & white enamel surrounded by gold & red crown. Written in gold on white bands - 'Rats of Tobruk Association' Written in gold on black band - 'No Surrender'military history, rats of tobruk, associations

Photograph of male soldier while stationed at Tobruk during WWII.Black and white photograph of male soldier in a desert. He is in uniform with arms and pants rolled up. He is also wearing a helmet. Back: "Tobruk / 'ello! / Bunq of ... Inn"tobruk, rats of tobruk, wwi, photograph

Book is part of the Australian War Classics series presented by E E (Weary) Dunlop. Author documents the story of the fighting in & around Tobruk from January to December 1941.Book, soft cover, cardboard, white colour print on front, back & spine, cover illustrations - Troops debussing in a sand storm, Libya by Ivor Hele, purple, black, red & green colour background. Rising Sun badge on front & back covers, 348 cut plain pages, illustrated black & white coloured maps.Handwritten in blue colour ink on front flyleaf: F Fuller In black ink on front title page & page 348 - RSL Stampbooks, military history

This book is from the ‘Pattison Collection’, a collection of books and records that was originally owned by the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute, which was founded in Warrnambool in 1853. By 1886 the Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute (WMI) had grown to have a Library, Museum and Fine Arts Gallery, with a collection of “… choice productions of art, and valuable specimens in almost every branch and many wonderful national curiosities are now to be seen there, including historic relics of the town and district.” It later included a School of Design. Although it was very well patronised, the lack of financial support led the WMI in 1911 to ask the City Council to take it over. In 1935 Ralph Pattison was appointed as City Librarian to establish and organise the Warrnambool Library as it was then called. When the WMI building was pulled down in 1963 a new civic building was erected on the site and the new Warrnambool Library, on behalf of the City Council, took over all the holdings of the WMI. At this time some of the items were separated and identified as the ‘Pattison Collection’, named after Ralph Pattison. Eventually the components of the WMI were distributed from the Warrnambool Library to various places, including the Art Gallery, Historical Society and Flagstaff Hill. Later some were even distributed to other regional branches of Corangamite Regional Library and passed to and fro. It is difficult now to trace just where all of the items have ended up. The books at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village generally display stamps and markings from Pattison as well as a variety of other institutions including the Mechanics’ Institute itself. RALPH ERIC PATTISON Ralph Eric Pattison was born in Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1891. He married Maude Swan from Warrnambool in 1920 and they set up home in Warrnambool. In 1935 Pattison accepted a position as City Librarian for the Warrnambool City Council. His huge challenge was to make a functional library within two rooms of the Mechanics’ Institute. He tirelessly cleaned, cleared and sorted a disarrayed collection of old books, jars of preserved specimens and other items reserved for exhibition in the city’s museum. He developed and updated the library with a wide variety of books for all tastes, including reference books for students; a difficult task to fulfil during the years following the Depression. He converted all of the lower area of the building into a library, reference room and reading room for members and the public. The books were sorted and stored using a cataloguing and card index system that he had developed himself. He also prepared the upper floor of the building and established the Art Gallery and later the Museum, a place to exhibit the many old relics that had been stored for years for this purpose. One of the treasures he found was a beautiful ancient clock, which he repaired, restored and enjoyed using in his office during the years of his service there. Ralph Pattison was described as “a meticulous gentleman whose punctuality, floorless courtesy and distinctive neat dress were hallmarks of his character, and ‘his’ clock controlled his daily routine, and his opening and closing of the library’s large heavy doors to the minute.” Pattison took leave during 1942 to 1945 to serve in the Royal Australian Navy, Volunteer Reserve as Lieutenant. A few years later he converted one of the Museum’s rooms into a Children’s Library, stocking it with suitable books for the younger generation. This was an instant success. In the 1950’s he had the honour of being appointed to the Victorian Library Board and received more inspiration from the monthly conferences in Melbourne. He was sadly retired in 1959 after over 23 years of service, due to the fact that he had gone over the working age of council officers. However he continued to take a very keen interest in the continual development of the Library until his death in 1969. The Pattison Collection, along with other items at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, was originally part of the Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s collection. The Warrnambool Mechanics’ Institute Collection is primarily significant in its totality, rather than for the individual objects it contains. Its contents are highly representative of the development of Mechanics' Institute libraries across Australia, particularly Victoria. A diversity of publications and themes has been amassed, and these provide clues to our understanding of the nature of and changes in the reading habits of Victorians from the 1850s to the middle of the 20th century. The collection also highlights the Warrnambool community’s commitment to the Mechanics’ Institute, reading, literacy and learning in the regions, and proves that access to knowledge was not impeded by distance. These items help to provide a more complete picture of our community’s ideals and aspirations. The Warrnambool Mechanics Institute book collection has historical and social significance for its strong association with the Mechanics Institute movement and the important role it played in the intellectual, cultural and social development of people throughout the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century. The collection of books is a rare example of an early lending library and its significance is enhanced by the survival of an original collection of many volumes. The Warrnambool Mechanics' Institute’s publication collection is of both local and state significance. Australia in the War of 1939-1945 Tobruk and El Alamein This volume's main theme is the 9th Australian Division's contribution in 1941-1942 to the defeat in North Africa of the German and Italian Army commanded by Field Marshal Rommel. Author: Barton Maughan Publisher: Australian War Memorial Date: 1966Label on spine cover with typed text PAT 994.04 AUS Front loose endpaper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Servicewarrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, shipwrecked-artefact, book, pattison collection, warrnambool library, warrnambool mechanics’ institute, ralph eric pattison, corangamite regional library service, warrnambool city librarian, mechanics’ institute library, victorian library board, warrnambool books and records, warrnambool children’s library, great ocean road, australia in the war of 1939-1945 tobruk and el alamein, australia in the war of 1939-1945, australian war memorial, barton maughan

Item in the collection relating to Doug Dean, refer cat No 4575P for his service details.Plaque with clock face, copper in smooth and dimple style, top has crown over “T” for Tobruk with scrolls over, kangaroo centre, place name under, clock has hour and minute hands in black.On top half, “RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION BENDIGO VIC”tobruk, bendigo, association

Refer to Cat 4575PSingle sheet of paper, printed on both sides. Black ink. It has the lyrics for 12 WW2 favorite songs.Nilww2, tobruk, alamein.

Owner and donor details see Cat No. 5836.3.Soft Cover Book. Cover - cardboard, orange and white print on front, spine and back, on grey colour background. Illustrated - black and white photograph from back to front, single column of troops marching across and landscape. 224 pages - cut, plain, off white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs and maps. Owner's signature - front endpaper.Front endpaper - handwritten owner's signature, blue ink, "Don Bollard".book, military history, ww2, tobruk

non-fictionThe Siege of Tobruk lasted for 241 days in 1941. Tobruk was the only harbour between Bengazi and Alexandria and became crucial in preventing Rommel's sweep to the Nile. Tobruk was captured in 1941 and became a beleagured fortress until its garrison was relieved in November 1941. Churchill and his War Cabinet had declared that "Tobruk must be held to the death". The Australians under Major General Morshead fought like tigers . Nazi propaganda radio broadcasts spoke contemptuously of the Tobruk defenders as ‘rats’. In defiance, the soldiers proudly adopted this nickname and have been known by it ever since. During the siege, they designed their own medals, in the shape of a rat, made from the scrap metal of a downed German aeroplane. Anthony Heckstalk-Smith who was himself a Flotilla Officer the "A" Lighters which provided supplies to the garrison, researched evidence from officers of all units involved - Australian, South African, German and British to write this controversial story of men in battle.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, siege of tobruk

Items in collection relating to "Ron BOLLARD" VX 14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.1,2,3. Posters - heavy paper, red, black and blue print on pale blue background. Illustrated, coloured map of Tobruk, three small portraits of military personnel and "HQ SYMBOL OF THE NINTH AUST. DIVISION" in 4 corners. Information and history, documented on the poster. 1. Framed poster - timber, black painted with cardboard backing. 2,3. Laminated with clear plastic.framed accessories, military history

See Cat 4575P Dean.Sing along Booklet. This is made of 3 sheets of A3 paper, when folded provides 12 pages. It is printed in black ink on white paper. The pages are stapled on the fold line. There are lyrics to 55 favourite songs.Nilww2, tobruk, 1991 reunion, songs

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

Refer Cat 4574PSeige of Tobruk WW2. Rats Tobruk Association.`Two sheets of A.4 paper, when folded provides 8 pages. They are stapled together with 2 staples. Print is black ink, The front cover has the emblem of Rats Tobruk Association. At top, banner has 1941-1991 50th Anniversary. Bottom banner has 10.4.41 - 7.12.41. The service was held in Hyde Park, Sydney.Nilthe service was held in hyde park, sydney. sunday 14 april 1991, 11am

See Cat 4575P1. This is a vinyl folded kit. It is held shut with a press stud. It is brown coloured. 2. Inside are various sewing/repair items such as pins, scissors, cottons, needles and buttons.The front cover has , embossed in gold, Rats of Tobruk badge. The words "World Reunion 1983 hosted by Central coast Sub Branch NSW. There are two overlapping world spheres below the Rats badge.sewing kit, rats of tobruk

Items in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.Drink coasters, 2 off in a plastic bag with paper sealer via two staples, coasters are round timber with details central in black on yellow back ground with a map of Tasmania, scroll at top, Rats of Tobruk logo with lettering under.On Coasters, "Rats of Tobruk Association World Convention 1989", Launceston Tasmania Australia"souvenirs, tobruk, coasters

See Dean Cat 4575PGold coloured metal case. The left and right sides are of black curved plastic. All the metal work has a dimpled appearance. The front cover has the enamelled badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association. The right side of the front cover has a oolumn of letters A-Z. There is a pointer to indicate which letter it is set to. On the bottom edge is a button which opens the lid. Inside are small pages with red lines.Nilsouvenir, mini address book

The famous Tobruk Fig Tree was named because it marked the entrance to a network of underground caves used to treat wounded soldiers. It became known as the Fig Tree Hospital. The caves became a place where wounded soldiers could be stabilized before being transferred to the Australian General Hospital. The Fig Tree was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert and an easy target for German artillery who heavily shelled the site for several hours per day. A cutting from the tree was brought back to Australia and planted at Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.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 of four soldiers under large tree - one soldier in dugout under tree watching two stretcher bearers carry out wounded soldierHandwritten on rear - Fig Tree Tobruk 2/24th battalion, fig tree, tobruk