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

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history. .O1P) Captain Morrell is believed to be Francis Gordon Morrell VX48502. Enlisted in the AIF 16.8.1916 age 27 with the rank of WO 2 No 4976 (had 9 years pre service) in14th Reinforcements 32 Bn AIF. Embarked for England 22.12.1917, embark for France 7.4.1918, WIA Shell Wound Buttock 15.5.1918, rejoin unit 18.8.1918, embark for Aust 22.1.1920, discharged 8.4.1920. Stayed in the Permanent Army. Enlisted in the 2nd AIF 1.7.1940 No VX48504. Overseas service listed as Middle East 16.11.1940 - 23.5.1942, New Guinea 8.9.1943 - 9.6.1944, Netherlands East Indies 16.5.1945 - 23.4.1946. He enlists then in the Interim Army No 3/133 on 1.7.1947 until 1.4.1950,, serves in Japan listed as 30.1.1948 - 6.5.1948. Discharged 1.4.1950 with the rank of Major. “Roms Reynard” is not yet identified.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the images are clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history. .07P) CSM Lee. Believed to be Leslie Douglas Lee VX69519, enlisted 23.12.1941, Middle East service listed as 28.2.1942 - 25.2.1943, discharged 27.11.1945. Lt Fallon. Believed to be John Francis Fallon VX48644. Enlisted 31.7.1940, embarked for the Middle East 16.11.1940, WIA Blast perforation injury 30.10.1942, RTA 9.1.1943 Discharged 20.5.1943 with the rank of Capt. Rupert Rattray VX38937, enlisted 21.10.1940, Middle East service listed as 6.11.1940? - 8.8.1942, New Guinea service 21.2.1943 - 14.9.1943, discharged on 4.4.1946 with the rank of Major. Awarded the MC on April 22 when leading a raiding Party in Tobruk 1941, also awarded C In C’s card in 1941. Graham Grantham Anderson VX48780, enlisted 5.8.1940 age 21, DOW’s on 13.7.1942, he held the rank of Captain. Gilbert Ferguson Urquhart VX48258 enlisted 25.7.1940 age 29, KIA 22.7.1942, hel held the rank of Major. He had pre War service in the CMF from 9.1.1939 - 24.7.1940.Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle East.Some photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the images are clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton, cpt ferguson urquhart vx42858

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

Frederick Lloyd Carleton VX1555 served in the 2/23rd Battalion, 9th Division in the Middle East and in the Pacific. The images detail his day to day life at the front and on leave. He served during the siege of Tobruk and at El Alamein, and was a lifelong member of the Bendigo sub-branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Refer Cat No 142.7 for his full service history. .01P) Brigadier R.W. Tovell, CBE, DSO & Bar, ED - MID 5 times. He had 5.5 years pre WW1 service in the Cadets, on discharge he held the rank of Lieutenant. Enlisted in the AIF 28.4.1915 age 29 years, appointed Lt 6.7.1915 in 2nd Reinforcements 29th BN. Embark for Eygpt 29.12.1915, embark for France 4.6.1916. He rose through the Ranks in various Commands to Brigade Major by 19.2.1918. Awarded MID24.10.1918, DSO & MID on 23.5.1919, MID on 30.10.1919. Appointment terminated in the AIF on 12.12.1920. Stayed on in the full time Army to be T/Brigader on 14.10.1939 to Command the 10th INF Brigade. Transfers to the 2nd AIF 1.7.1940 No VX46983and appointed to Command the 26th Brigade. Overseas service listed as Middle East 16.11.1940 - 10.11.1942. New Guinea 17.2.19144 - 21.3.1944 & 10.3.1945 - 23.3.1945, Darwin area 8.9.1944 - 19.9.1944. Awarded Bar to the DSO 30.12.1941, MID 26.6.1942 & 15.12.1942, CBE 15.4.1943. Appointed Deputy Adjutant General 3.5.1944, appointment terminated in the 2nd AIF on 20.12.1945, placed on the Reserve list of Officers with the rank of Colonel & Honorary Brigadier. Lt Col Evans VX478119. Bernard Evans had service going back to 1924. Enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 22.7.1940. His overseas service is listed as Middle East 16.11.1940 - 30.3.1943 - New Guinea 20.7.1943 - 10.11.1943, discharged fro m the AIF on 22.10.1945 with the rank of Colonel, awarded the DSO. .02P) Believed to be Benjamin Thomas Shiels VX58180, enlisted 24.6.1941, embarked for the Middle East 3.9.1941, KIA 29.10.1942. Joe Harrison is not yet identified. Collection of 76 photographs taken during service in 2/23rd in Middle EastSome photographs have inscriptions on the verso, and this information is included in the title information displayed when the image is clicked on.2/23rd battalion, tobruk, el alamein, western desert campain, fred carleton

Why the name 'Rats of Tobruk'? A former British citizen William Joyce, better known as Lord Haw-Haw, broadcast Nazi propaganda during World War II. His announcement ‘Germany calling, Germany calling’ was a familiar sound across the airwaves, broadcasting misinformation from 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

In July 1940 the 2/24th Battalion was formed. They set off from Caulfield for the still-being-built Bonegilla camp, stopping off at Wangaratta where they camped at the showgrounds. They were welcomed with open arms by the local community as they rapidly built up their numbers. The people of Wangaratta adopted the Battalion and they became known as ‘Wangaratta’s Own’. Presented with a 14 foot pennant the Battalion marched through the streets of Wangaratta on 27 September 1940 on the way to Bonegilla. Training continued in Bonegilla until the soldiers sailed on HMT Strathmore for the Middle East on 16 November. The Battalion was eventually attached to the 9th Australian Division, one of the most famous army fighting formations in World War 2. They served in Tobruk (1941) Tel el Eisa (1942), El Alemain (1942), New Guinea (1943) and Tarakan (1945).During the Tobruk siege the 9th Division was called the ‘The Rats of Tobruk’ by William Joyce, the German propagandist. The 2/24th Battalion suffered more casualties than any other 2nd AIF Battalion – 360 killed and 900 wounded. Brown lacquered wood shield with a silver metal 2/24 symbol on it.2/24 AUSTRALIAN INFANTRY BATALLION TOBRUK . THE SALIENT . TEL EL EISA . EL ALAMEIN . LAE . NADZAB . WAREO . TARAKAN I HOLD FAST

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

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

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

Index, ill, maps, p.829.non-fictionThe North African campaigns at the siege of Tobruk and the victory at El Alameinworld war 1939-1945 - campaigns - north africa, world war 1939-1945 - australian involvement

The Tobruk Seige medal - known as the "T'' Medal was issued to Australian, British, Indian, New Zealand and Polish troops who saw action at Tobruk between April and December 1941. T shaped Silver Medal with Tobruk Seige 1941. The ribbon is khaki with light blue and maroon stripes. The medal is issued by the Rats of Tobruk Association. That makes it un-official. It is however recognised. M. Davis (recipient) on rear side of medal.

Australian Positions as at 1 May 1941photo/pictures, ballarat rsl, ballarat

The image on this shield is a representation of the memorial in the middle of the Tobruk War Cemetery. Tobruk War Cemetery incorporates the burial ground used during the siege and the memorial erected there at the time by the Australians has been replaced by a permanent memorial of similar design. Many battlefield graves in the desert have been brought into the cemetery. There are now 2,282 Commonwealth servicemen of the Second World War buried or commemorated in Tobruk War Cemetery. 171 of the burials are unidentified but special memorials commemorate a number of casualties known or believed to be buried among them. 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 small plastic shield that depicts the Tobruk Memorial in the centre and Tobruk written across the top in gold lettering.Across the top "TOBRUK"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, tobruk memorial

This cushion cover was owned by Arthur Lock, a soldier in the 2/23rd Battalion. After initial training in Albury, N.S.W. and Bonegilla, Victoria, they left for overseas service. Embarking in November 1940 on the transport Strathmore at Port Melbourne, the 2/23rd arrived in Egypt in mid-December. From Egypt they were deployed to Tobruk.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur 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 cushion cover embroidered with the insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, egypt

This cushion cover was owned by Arthur Lock, a soldier in the 2/23rd Battalion. After initial training in Albury, N.S.W. and Bonegilla, Victoria, they left for overseas service. Embarking in November 1940 on the transport Strathmore at Port Melbourne, the 2/23rd arrived in Egypt in mid-December. From Egypt they were deployed to Tobruk. The battalion helped defend Tobruk for eight months, manning a series of concrete pillboxes located in a semicircle around the town, called the Red Line. In October the majority of the 9th Division, except the 2/13th Infantry Battalion, was evacuated by sea. The 2/23rd left on 18 October and sailed to Alexandria. The division was transferred to Palestine and then Syria for rest and garrison duties.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur 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 cushion cover embroidered with the insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces 1941. Top 'Souvenir of Palestine" Centre Insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces, Bottom "1941"world war 11, rats of tobruk, palestine

This is one fo 2 Australian Army Driver Licences issuued to Private Arthur Lock (VX31240} during his service on the 2/23rd Batalion from 17 Jun 1940 until 26 Sep 1945. Arthur's service in Tobruk, El Alamein, New Guinea and Tarakan.Significance This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur 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. An Australian Imperial Force - Army Driving Licence No. 27741 issued to Arthur Lock on 4 January 1943.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

An Australian Imperial Force - Army Driving Licence No. 155492 issued to Arthur Lock on 19 October 1944non-fictionThis is one fo 2 Australian Army Driver Licences issuued to Private Arthur Lock (VX31240} during his service on the 2/23rd Batalion from 17 Jun 1940 until 26 Sep 1945. Arthur's service in Tobruk, El Alamein, New Guinea and Tarakan.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, tarakan

A brown leather wallet containing a copy of the Australian Soldiers' Pocket Book. This book was given to soldiers and other servicemen during WW2. This pocket book has a bright red cover and contains details of relevant information considered useful to serving service personnel.non-fictionThe Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was a small publication with a red cover. It was designed to offer useful information to Australian Soldiers, serving at home and abroad during World War 2. The book was a gift from the A.C.F. (Australian Comforts Fund) and was revised several times during the war. It contained approximately 125 pages of facts and helpful hints. The Australian Soldier's Pocket Book was originally compiled and issued in Victoria by the Victorian R.S.L. War Service Fund. It's contents included 'rules and regulations' and other content which varied according to the date of print. For example, this edition contained articles titled "The Laws And Customs Of War" and "Things a Soldier Should Know". world war 11, soldiers' handbook, australian comfort fund (acf)

This badge was given to members of the Rats of Tobruk Association. 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 of significance as it indicates membership of the Rats of Tobruk Association and the role it has played in supporting the veterans' needs and carrying on their legacy. It 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 small metal lapel badge bearing the logo of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Badge Number 1669world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, rats of tobruk association

This item belonged to Arthur Lock. During the late 1800's cutlery firms manufactured these uniquely styled razors. The Corn razor was much smaller than an average razor, and was used to remove corns from the feet. Corn razors came with many different handle designs. The hollow ground process produces a much thinner blade with more flex.This item is part of a collection of items owned by Athur 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 small corn razor and box showing manufacture detailsOn blade "Kutwell" On Box "Kutwell" /Hollow Ground/ Corn Razorworld war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, corn razor

Rabone & Sons had its origins in Birmingham, as rule and tool makers. The business was continued by John Rabone and his (John's) grandson, Eric Rabone. It worked under the name of John Rabone & Sons c1784-1953, becoming a public company in 1948. Control of the business remained with the Rabone family until 1962. In 1963 the company merged with a toolmaker from Sheffield to become Rabone Chesterman. The name E. M. Lock has been carved into the leather on one side. Edith May Lock was the mother of Arthur Lock who served in the 2/23 RD Australian Infantry Battalion, known as "Albury's Own".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 retractable wire measuring tape with leather casing and brass centre and winding handle. The tape is 66 feet in length. The manufacture's name, John Rabone & Sons, is inscribed around the centre circle as well as the Number 401 and 66FTAround centre circle "JOHN RABONE & SONS/BIRMINGHAM ENGLAND". In the centre "NO401 66FT" On opposite side around centre circle "RABONE'S METALLIC WIRED TAPE". Engraved into the surface "E.M.Lock"world war 11, john rabone and sons, wired measuring tape

This bottle is part of the personal war kit of Arthur Lock.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 screw-top glass bottle encased in a rattan coverworld war 11, rats of tobruk