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, arthur lock

This item was owned by Athur Lock who lived in the Wodonga district after World War 11. As well as being a Rat of Tobruk, Arthur made a significant contribution to the community and was awarded the British Empire Medal in 1972 for services to young people and the Wodonga community. He was involved in the scouting movement for over 50 years. Arthur was also an amateur radio operator with call number VK3AULThis 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 leather case with surrounding strap and metal buckle. The case contains 2 brushes.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, arthur lock

The Australian Commonwealth Military Forces (AMF) was the official name of the Australian Army from 1916 to 1980. The AMF included the full-time regular army and the part-time forces, which were also known as the Militia, the Citizen Military Forces (CMF), and the Australian Citizen Military Force (ACMF). The AMF was made up of conscripted and volunteer militiamen, as well as specialist permanent soldiers.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 wooden plaque in the shape of a shield bearing insignia of the Australian Commonwealth Military Forces and the Tobuk colour patch. 3 Australian Commonwealth Military Forces badges and metal badge engraved "AUSTRALIA"world war 11, tobruk, rats of tobruk, australian commonwealth military services, arthur lock

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 Association emblem. It has been attached to a piece of cardboard.world war 11, tobruk, rats of tobruk association