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Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Book - MUD AND BLOOD: Albury's Own 23rd Australian Infantry Battalion, Pat Share, 1978
... Rats of Tobruk... War 11 Rats of Tobruk Tobruk The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion ...The 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in June 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The need fo larger quarters saw the battalion transferring to a new camp at Bonegilla to complete their training .before sailing for the Middle East in November. Most of those enlisted in this Battalion were volunteers from the Albury Wodonga area the Aldermen of Albury expressend the wish that the unit be given the title of "Albury's Own" and this was accepted on its behalf but the commanding officer. The men of the 2/23 rd Battalion served with honour in the Middle East, including at the Siege of Tobruk and El Alamein. After returning to Queensland for training in jungle warfare conditions, they were then deployed to New Guinea and Tarakan. This book tells the story of the service and brotherhood demonstrated by the men of "Albury's Own." Written and composed by officers and men of the 2/23 Battalion, A.I.F. 9th Division, while on active service, Palestine, Tobruk, Syria and El Alamein.non-fictionThe 2/23rd Infantry Battalion was raised at the Albury Showgrounds in New South Wales in June 1940, as part of the 26th Brigade. Initially the brigade belonged to the 7th Division but in early 1941 moved to the 9th Division. The need fo larger quarters saw the battalion transferring to a new camp at Bonegilla to complete their training .before sailing for the Middle East in November. Most of those enlisted in this Battalion were volunteers from the Albury Wodonga area the Aldermen of Albury expressend the wish that the unit be given the title of "Albury's Own" and this was accepted on its behalf but the commanding officer. The men of the 2/23 rd Battalion served with honour in the Middle East, including at the Siege of Tobruk and El Alamein. After returning to Queensland for training in jungle warfare conditions, they were then deployed to New Guinea and Tarakan. This book tells the story of the service and brotherhood demonstrated by the men of "Albury's Own." Written and composed by officers and men of the 2/23 Battalion, A.I.F. 9th Division, while on active service, Palestine, Tobruk, Syria and El Alamein.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - Rat of Tobruk Arthur Lock's bottle opener and lighter, c1941
... Rats of Tobruk... region. World War 11 Rats of Tobruk Tobruk On Opener "STOKES ...These items were part of standard supplies and personal items issued to members of the Australian Defence Forces during World War 2.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 metal can/bottle opener and cigarette lighter. On Opener "STOKES /MELB"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Memorabilia - 2/23rd Battalion logo transfer on card
... Rats of Tobruk... War 11 Rats of Tobruk 2/23rd Battalion Below colour patch "2 ...Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became 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. This 2/23rd Battalion Association transfer has been laminated and attached to a card. This logo became the colour patch for the unit after their service in Tobruk. Below colour patch "2/23rd BATTALION ASSOCIATION/ BOX 551D, G.P.O. MELBOURNE"world war 11, rats of tobruk, 2/23rd battalion -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Plaque - Plaque 2/23rd Battalion - Albury's Own
... Rats of Tobruk... War 11 Rats of Tobruk Tobruk At top of plaque "2/23RD ...Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"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 commemorating the 2/23rd Battalion known as "Abury's Own". It incorporates a representation of the 2/23rd Battalion colour patch worn after the Siege of Tobruk. At top of plaque "2/23RD AUST.IN.BN./ALBURY'S/OWN"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Badge - 2/23rd Battalion - Albury's Own, 1943
... Rats of Tobruk... War 11 Rats of Tobruk Tobruk Above colour patch "ALBURY'S OWN ...Established at Victoria Barracks, in Melbourne, in June 1940, the 2/23rd Battalion was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Bernard Evans, a small cadre of experienced personnel drawn from Victorian Militia units were concentrated at Victoria Barracks prior to the battalion headquarters being relocated to Albury, New South Wales, where a large number of volunteers were completing their recruit training at the 4th Recruit Training Battalion. Upon the conclusion of this course, the recruits were posted to the 2/23rd and the battalion – over 900 strong– moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, just across the border, where more complex collective training was completed prior to departure overseas. A large majority of the battalion's initial intake of volunteers came from the Albury–Wodonga region and as a result, the 2/23rd became known as "Albury's Own"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.Circular tin lapel button with pin back fastening. The front is made of paper and covered with clear plastic. The printed design on the front shows the post 1942 T-shaped colour patch of the 2/23 Battalion surrounded by the words "ALBURY'S OWN 2/23RD BN." There are 3 similar badges in our collection. Above colour patch "ALBURY'S OWN" Below colour patch "2/23RD BN."world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - R.S.L. BENDIGO COLLECTION: BENDIGO R.S.L. NEWS VOL. 1 NO. 3
... Rats of Tobruk Association... Staley Airforce Association A Stevens T Grimes Rats of Tobruk ...Bendigo R.S.L. News Volume 1, Number 3 Christmas-New Year Issue. Red, blue, yellow and gold badge on the front cover. Contains advertisements from local businesses, Bendigo R.S.L. Office Bearers 1960, news, notes from Clubs, an article titled 'When the Japs Broke Out at Cowra' and a short obituary of Sir Horace Robertson.A Wicks Knott Publication, Printed by Southdown Press, 33 Rosslyn Street, West Melbourne.magazine, organization, bendigo rsl, r.s.l. bendigo collection - bendigo r.s.l. news vol. 1 no. 3, ashmans dry cleaners, h q radio service, f c straub, hampel furniture products, pierce grenfell, ron meurer, h w snell, axedale quarries, a l & k stringer, excavations, al & b g pearce, w mcculloch & co, bendigo motor co, m g taylor, fair-view upholsterers, alwyn nelson, northern terrazzo co, l fawssett & co, bendigo sub-branch r.s.s, &, a.i.l.a., col j w swatton, h a w morey, s thompson, g j baker, j k barnes, a c harridge, j harrison, t h hume, w h pinder, d e mcgregor, f e schilling, g g styles, c vaughan, j e fay, geo j baker, a v palmer, n mclaren young, e m vains & co, g e h rowell, a v & l e smith, j r palmers, graham lowe refrigeration service, a w pulfer motors, b r burns, vic palmer, golden square dry cleaners, j w carter & sons, alltyre service pty ltd, ian wills, bill nicholls jack watts, the robyn, a g power, leo a hughes, bendigo manchester house, frank wilson, hesse bros, frank bouchier, your typewriter sales and service, tom heenan, win patten, bendigo legacy, r wilson, w e p carruthers, antonian café, kairn's auto-bits, cohns, jeffreys bread, 4th armoured regt social club, g e baldwin, bendigo & district ex-p.o.w. social club, w hargreaves, d gregor, bendigo r.s.l. ladies auxiliary, mrs h morey, mrs p floyd, mrs w hocking, mrs h sims, mrs t hall, rsl women's council of victoria, mr & mrsa kersting, w coates, a bolitho, w hocking, n mcivor, perretts, martin washington, e a bennett pty ltd, john burgoyne, 38th battalion (a.i.f.) social club, j plim c findlay, ex-navelmen's club, t staley, airforce association, a stevens, t grimes, rats of tobruk association, j ferguson, catholic war veterans' association, j noonan, t coppock, dads' association, w murphy, bendigo legacy club, win patten, t h iser, t h runnalls, legacy house, 105 anti-tank regiment social club, alwyn nelson, laurie townsing, bendigo repatriation local committee, v w hosking, w rex porter, g a pethard, f t dunphy, l m porter, e h duus, lt col thomas waitson williams dso, ric coulson, r ball & son, lorraine florist, neol searle pty ltd, bendigo and district t & p i social club, e j taylor, t wellins, w phelan, g keily, l boyd, t tuddenham, e butler, g armstrong, geo j baker, easter fair society, bendigo agricultural society, 6th battalion (a.i.f.) social club, f t dunphy, w green, r c wright, bendigo showgrounds r.a.a.o.c. camp club, j j davies, e p perrett, t g heenan, w rex porter, fred coulson, harry hall, alan bath, tom hume, ted commons, geo h baker, percy floyd, stan hunter, joe wagland, railway sub-section r.s.l., g brown, don chalmer pty ltd, bendigo timber co pty ltd, g p hyett, a w comber, w nichols, maurice f noonan, allans walk delicatessen, r b webb, jack l lyons, perrow, s paints, t c sheers, provincial motors (bendigo) pty ltd, banjo paterson, will ogilvey, ben hall, joe gardiner, major bob ramsay mc, 53rd batt., major e v timms, ww1, 2nd a.i.f., f m carson, tooranie house, brian abe, p e dunstan, a lam sun, don murray, windermere hotel, bendigo disposals, frank a hill & co, fitzpatrick's, sandhurst dairies pty ltd, m williamson, george symon's dairy, w h oakley, sir horace robertson, british commonwealth occupation forces, australian light horse, state savings bank, royal military college, golden fleece service station, j w williams, tomlins simmie pty ltd, clark king & co pty ltd, mckenna's modern store, bryan mckenna, wicks knott publication, southdown press -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - MEMORIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, 1960's
... .1) Photo , colour,framed showing "Rats of Tobruk... showing "Rats of Tobruk." Memorial window" in St Johns church ....2) Certain it is the military cemetery in Tobruk North Africa.1) Photo , colour,framed showing "Rats of Tobruk." Memorial window" in St Johns church forest st Bendigo. Image shows a dove of Rats of Tobruk badge with the lord under frame is wood stained with gold edge. .2) Sepia colour photo showing large military cemetery.photography, photograph, religion - christian, memorials, military history -
Bendigo Military Museum
Print - PRINT, STAINED GLASS WINDOW, post WW2
... "The Rats of Tobruk Association", "No Surrender". On rear..., colours are blue, greens, yellows,red. "The Rats of Tobruk ...Item in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.Stained glass window print on cardboard, shows window rear and over is a crown, yellow "T", a Rat with scroll around, at base another scroll, colours are blue, greens, yellows,red."The Rats of Tobruk Association", "No Surrender". On rear in pen, "Window in Bendigo Church"tobruk, windows, stained glass, church -
Bendigo Historical Society Inc.
Document - CHURCHES OF BENDIGO COLLECTION: ST. JOHN'S PRESBYTERIAN FOREST ST
... . Dedication of Rats of Tobruk Association Memorial Window, Palm... Presbyterian Church, Forest St. Bendigo. Dedication of Rats of Tobruk ...Booklet. St John's Presbyterian Church, Forest St. Bendigo. Dedication of Rats of Tobruk Association Memorial Window, Palm Sunday April 12th, 1987. A sketch of the church on cover left hand side and on the right the emblem of the Rats of Tobruk Association. On the back a drawing by Ivor Hele ''Study for the disembarkation from Greece 1941''church, history, st. john presbyterian -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - DRINK COASTERS, C.1980
... of each is the badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association in cream... wrapper sealed. On the face of each is the badge of the Rats ...Items in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.Drink coasters 30 in a plastic wrapper sealed. On the face of each is the badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association in cream, red, yellow, black and white colours.Under the badge, "1980 Reunion Victoria"souvenir, coasters, tobruk -
Bendigo Military Museum
Souvenir - DRINK COASTERS
... . IN THE CENTRE IS THE BADGE OF RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION. THE BANNER... DRINK COASTER. IN THE CENTRE IS THE BADGE OF RATS OF TOBRUK ...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 -
Greensborough Historical Society
Book, The Mick Evans Story, 1941_
... outer cover. Printed cover has title, Rats of Tobruk Association.... Printed cover has title, Rats of Tobruk Association logo ...Mick Evans (E.H.) Evans, VX10125, 9th Division, 2nd/1st Field Workshop. This story was transcribed from 9 x 90 minute audio tapes recorded by Mick Evans several years before his death. The book was completed in 2000 just before Mick's death.One man's story of life during World War II, in particular as a "Rat of Tobruk".Spiral bound book, 95 p., illus. (some col.). Clear plastic outer cover. Printed cover has title, Rats of Tobruk Association logo and Australian flag.Inside front cover: "From Betty, Shirley, June and Mary Evans"mick evans, june hall, tobruk, australian army, world war ii. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Sign - COLOURED TRANSFER, RATS OF TROBRUK ASSOCIATION
... " are banners showing the words "The Rats of Tobruk Association... the words "The Rats of Tobruk Association" In the centre ...See Dean Cat 4575PNew transfers. They show a gold letter "T". On top of that "T" is a crown with red inlay. In front of the "T" are banners showing the words "The Rats of Tobruk Association" In the centre of this is a be-whiskered seated rat.rats, tobruk, association -
Dandenong/Cranbourne RSL Sub Branch
Tobruk Siege Medal, 1941
... by the Rats of Tobruk Association. That makes it un-official... stripes. The medal is issued by the Rats of Tobruk Association ...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. -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - PLACE MAT, C. 1991
... in brown colours, centre has "Rats of Tobruk Association" badge... background with central in brown colours, centre has "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 -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Framed Poster, Siege of Tobruk, 1980
... produced for the World Reunion of the Rats of Tobruk Association... high-country Framed Poster Siege of Tobruk Black plastic frame ...Siege of Tobruk 1941 Limited Edition Poster No. 0768 produced for the World Reunion of the Rats of Tobruk Association 1980Commemorates the Battle of TobrukBlack plastic frame containing photocopy of Map in centre with circles in each corner with images of soldiers and a symbol in lower right corner.Biographies of: Major General Leslie J Morshead - Tobruk Fortress Commander and Lieut General Erwin Rommel - Commander, German Afrika Korps. Map of Battle Zone. Lithographic of Corporal J.H.Edmonson VC - 2/17 Battalion.tobruk, 1941 -
Wodonga & District Historical Society Inc
Clothing - 2/23rd Infantry Battalion tie, Tee Dee Tie Specialists, Aft 1946
... member of the Rats of Tobruk Associaton and the 2/23rd Infantry..., he was an active member of the Rats of Tobruk Associaton ...Arthur Lock was enlisted with the 2/23rd Battalion in World War 2. After the conclusion of the war, he was an active member of the Rats of Tobruk Associaton and the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion Association. 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 blue tie featuring the Tobruk T colour patch adopted b42 the 2/23rd Battalion from 1942 until the unit was disbanded in 1946.world war 11, tobruk, 2/23rd battalion, 2 -
Orbost & District Historical Society
sprockets and ring gear, 1941
... Carriers which were sent to North Africa. The Rats of Tobruk.... The Rats of Tobruk, the Egypt and Rommell campaign used ...Ron Peck machined the driving sprockets for Bren Gun Carriers which were sent to North Africa. The Rats of Tobruk, the Egypt and Rommell campaign used these munitions. He boarded at Orbost House while doing 12 hour day shifts.During WW11 munitions and defence equipment were manufactured by state government and private engineering firms, co-ordinated by the Commonwealth government. They worked together to meet Australia’s defence needs and create ‘mass production, on a nation-wide scale, of materials and articles of a higher degree of complexity and accuracy than had before been attempted in Australia. These sprockets were manufactured locally.Two metal sprockets for a Bren Gun carrier. One metal ring gear.munitions sprockets bren-gun-carrier peck-james-ronald orbost-motor-works -
Whitehorse Historical Society Inc.
Uniform - Army uniform, 1940
... . Royal Engineers Material badge at top of sleeves. Rats of Tobruk... of sleeves. Rats of Tobruk- Lance Corporal chevron on sleeves ...From Mitcham RSLShort khaki blouse style jacket. Tab belt and metal buckle . Royal Engineers Material badge at top of sleeves. Rats of Tobruk- Lance Corporal chevron on sleeves. Internal label. Battle dress blouse 1940 pattern. Size No 13. Cohen and Co. Stamp 28 Oct 194-.Beige coloured lanyard on right shoulder.uniforms, army -
8th/13th Victorian Mounted Rifles Regimental Collection
Medal - Tobruk
... . The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats.... The Tobruk Siege Medal is an unofficial award issued by the "Rats ...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 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Accessory - TROPHY TRAY, C.1978
... 1955 - 60, Patron of the Rats of Tobruk Assoc, 16th and 28th..., Honarary Colonel 16th Bn 1955 - 60, Patron of the Rats of Tobruk ...Cameron Highlanders was the 16th Infantry BN. John Lloyd, Brigadier John Lloyd 16th Bn 1939 - 1940, Honarary Colonel 16th Bn 1955 - 60, Patron of the Rats of Tobruk Assoc, 16th and 28th Bn’s, served WW1 & WW2. Peter Ball collection, refer Cat No 4704.Trophy tray rectangular shape, metal with handles each end, edge ink on other two sides, base is ornate with circles, centre has a small military badge, around that is inscribed into the metal, base under is wood, 4 small round legs screwed on each corner.Inscribed, “John Lloyd Trophy 1978 Pte P.C.Ball A Coy Geraldton 16 RWAR”. On small badge, “Cameron Highlanders Western Australia”.trays, trophy, accessory, 16th rwar -
Bendigo Military Museum
Postcard - POSTCARD PHOTOGRAPH, Whitney Bros Electric Studio, C.1940
... on 7.12.1945. He was a member of the Bendigo Rats of Tobruk Association... was a member of the Bendigo Rats of Tobruk Association, served ...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, -
Wangaratta RSL Sub Branch
Medal in white box, Corporal Percy Kiely, c1977
... by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977 to troops who were... by the "Rats of Tobruk" Association in 1977 to troops who were ...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 -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - BENDIGO RSL ANNUAL DINNER, Aug 1988
... of the photo at end of the table is possibly Col Mc Murray Rats... of the photo at end of the table is possibly Col Mc Murray Rats ...Bendigo RSL Annual Dinner held in the Soldiers Memorial Institute Main Hall in 1988. The white Cross was placed on the stage for such each Dinner. .1) Standing is Bruce Ruxton Guest speaker, State President of the Victorian RSL, seated to his left is Max O'Haloran Bendigo RSL President, others are unknown. .2) On the right of the photo at end of the table is possibly Col Mc Murray Rats of Tobruk Association, 2nd from right is Harold Trahair Eaglehawk RSL.. .3) Standing from the left is Max O'Haloran, refer Cat No 8129P, Bruce Ruxton, Frank ................, seated is Jack Plant, refer Cat No 8129PThree photographs, colour re an Annual Dinner Bendigo RSL Sub Branch. .1) Shows the head table at the stage end of the Soldiers Memorial Institute Main Hall, Standing is the guest speaker Bruce Ruxton, seated are 6 others. .2) Further out view of .1) showing one standing and 8 seated. .3) Shows 3 standing and 1 sitting.brsl, smirsl, annual, dinner -
Bendigo Military Museum
Photograph - PHOTGRAPH, FRAMED WW2, C. 1940 possibly
... serves in the Seige of Tobruk, hospital 16.10.1941 with Malaria... and the formation of the Rats of Tobruk Association he was President ...Ronald Frank Bollard. Enlisted 23.5.1940 age 20 years 4 months as VX14150 and posted to 7th Div AASC and then attached to 2/5th Field Ambulance, embark for Eygpt 20.10.1940, he serves in the Seige of Tobruk, hospital 16.10.1941 with Malaria, rejoin unit 26.10.1941, embark for Australia 10.2.1942 and disembark 28.3.1942, embark Brisbane 28.8.1942 for New Guinea. embark from Milne Bay 9.3.1943 for Townsville, graded A/Group 1 Fitter, embark 17.8.1943 for Port Morseby, hospital 20.3.1944 with Malaria, rejoin unit 5.4.1944, embark Lae for Australia 20.5.1944, embark Cairns 22.5.1945 for Morotai, embark 20.6.1945 for Balikpapan, embark for Australia and disembark 22.11.1945, discharged from the 2nd AIF 30.11.1945 with the rank of Craftsman in 2/5th Field Ambulance. After the War and the formation of the Rats of Tobruk Association he was President of the Victorian Branch at one point.Photograph in Sepia tone being a portrait of an Australian Soldier in slouch hat.On rear hand written, "Ronald Frank Bollard".photographs, portraits, tobruk -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book - BOOK, PICTORIAL WW2, J.S. CUMPSTON, "THE RATS REMAIN", 1966
... "THE RATS REMAIN" The Siege of Tobruk, 1941. Item...). This is a pictorial book. "THE RATS REMAIN" The Siege of Tobruk, 1941. Item ..."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 -
Wangaratta High School
2nd/24th Batallion Shield, 1945
... ).During the Tobruk siege the 9th Division was called the ‘The Rats... the Tobruk siege the 9th Division was called the ‘The Rats of 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 -
Melbourne Legacy
Letter, Intermediate Legacy Club, 1975
... and served in the Middle East, and was one of the Rats of Tobruk... of the Rats of Tobruk as a sergeant. Bert Hollingsworth (brother ...A letter written by Norm Smith and addressed to Kem Kemsley on 21 July 1975. It outlines recollections compiled by Norm Smith about the Intermediate Legacy Club (ILC) and individual members. His letter mentions 'Looking back over those years, recalling old time, old faces and places, we as Junior Legatees have a lot to be thankful for and I, for one, have always been exceedingly grateful to you, and those like you in legacy, who helped us so much.' Graham Billiet's letter dated 23 Mar 1974, mentions taking Frank Doolan to the reunion in 1974. Graham felt the ILC was winding down and was only running on half steam. He gives ILC members' addresses. Norm Smith's letter includes: Ted Kennedy, was the first president of the ILC, he was 'tall rangy lad with fiery red hair' who worked for United Distillers Ltd for 40 years (mostly in Brisbane where he joined Brisbane Legacy). Had been a keen junior legatee and taken part in Literary and Debating group and the Dramatic group where he met his future wife, Florence Pittard - which was the first marriage between junior legatees. He had been a naval cadet in the 1928 compulsory training and later joined the CMF where he was closely associated with L/ Stan Savige. He rose to rank of Major in AIF. Jack and Tom Kennedy, his brothers were in the Lacrosse team and his sister Molly in the JLC for years. G Billiet, a first nighter, very well known to legatees of the time. Bill Johnston, a studious type, went to MHS and university, became a Solicitor. Served in the RAAF as a Flight Lieut. Frank Corrie, prominent Junior Legatee in the Literary and Debating group, a fitter and turner by trade, was on JLC cricket and lacrosse teams, joined the AIF. Fred Hollingsworth, a motor mechanic, he joined CIG. He joined the AIF and served in the Middle East, and was one of the Rats of Tobruk as a sergeant. Bert Hollingsworth (brother of Fred) also in AIF and rank of Lieut. Is a past president of ILC. Bert Wood, a past president, worked for Victorian Railways, moved to Coolangatta. Dan Fitzgerald, active in the Drama group of JLC, worked as an announcer at the ABC. Alan Davidson, keen gymnast - particularly wrestling, helped with Alan Beattie (instructor of boys classes). Roy Davidson (brother of Alan) joined the AIF, afterwards joined M&MTB as a driver, married a Junior Legacy girl. Their younger brother Arthur was also in the lacrosse team. Roy Gilbert, keen junior legatee took part in Literary and Debating group and the Dramatic group and lacrosse team. Worked for Vacuum Oil Co., a past president of ILC and also married a Junior Legatee, Miss Lil Edmunds. Served in the AIF and was a Lieutenant in the Middle East. 'Jimmy' MacGregor, a colourful and handsome Junior Legatee, born in Collingwood, was one of L/ Stan Savige original contacts. Keen JLC gymnast and member of the football team. Worked at the Ret. Soldiers Woollen Mills in Geelong and was in the Geelong ILC. Frank 'Happy' Holliday, was in the lacrosse team, foundation member of ILC and past president. Served with the RAAF as an air frame fitter. Worked for L/ Con Fahle in the printing workshop for 40 years. Howard Auterey, joined the RAAF during the war and returned work for the State Saving bank before retiring in Warrnambool. Norman Smith, was working as an apprentice with M&MTB, took interest in Literary and Debating group and was in the lacrosse team. Was ILC president in 1946. Enliseted in the RAAF as airframe fitter. Retired from M&MTB after serving 50 years, married for 40 years to a daughter of an original Anzac who has also been an active member of the Ladies ILC for many years. Background: The ILC was formed in 1929. The idea of the club sprang from those boys who had outgrown the Junior Legacy Club. In the early days it fielded a lacrosse team and it was this that mainly held the members together (formed under guidance of L/ Jimmy Downing). Enthusiasm wained after a few years as it lacked a solid objective. The answer came from one of its members and in 1938 they founded the Don Esses Club. This was a club for the children of incapacitated ex-servicemen which met every Thursday night at 7.30 run by the ILC members. The name came from the signallers' code Disabled Servicemen's Sons. During the second world war 80% of the members of the ILC enlisted in the services. Leaving only 8 members that could not join due to ill health or reserved occupations. They continued the Don Esses and whatever aid they could to Legacy. ILC members had always helped Legacy where possible including being camp leaders or camp staff, with the annual demonstrations, and coffee stalls at the ANZAC dawn service. Post second world war some ILC members were nominated into Legacy, others drifted away in civil occupations. It was found difficult to recruit new blood into the ILC and eventually membership waned when the boys from the Don Esses clubs found other youth activities to join. The ILC ceased to meet regularly in the mid fifties. However a strong comradeship still existed between members and they would meet in one anothers homes. Members were always ready to help the senior Legacy Club in any way in their power and still helped at Christmas parties and summer camps. ILC was a service rendering organisation and was self governing. Non-sectarian and non-political, the members were ex-junior legatees over 18 years of age. After serving in World War 2 members were eligible to become members of Legacy. Was in a folder of material collated about the ILC by an early archive committee. A record of a Junior Legatee recording what he knew about ILC members and their life outside of Legacy in response to a request from L/ Kem Kemsley. It could have been part of the early archive committee working to capture Legacy history.White note paper x 18 pages handwritten by Norm Smith about the ILC members and a handwritten letter x 3 pages from Graham Billiet about ILC members with addresses.ilc, membership, junior legatee -
Bendigo Military Museum
Book, Lawson Glassop, We Were the Rats, 1991
Book is part of the Australian War Classics series presented by E E (Weary) Dunlop.Book, soft cover, no illustrations, 275 pages. Top half of front cover is a black square, in it are a red & green band with a copper Rising Sun, print is white. Bottom half of cover is from a painting of AIF Soldiers in Tobruk. F Fullabooks, military history, army -
Frankston RSL Sub Branch
Felt Toy Rat, 1942 (estimated)
... . The soldiers were called 'the rats of Tobruk'. He gave ...This felt rat is significant because it is a unique, handmade mascot carried by an Australian soldier at Tobruk. The soldiers were called 'the rats of Tobruk'. He gave it to an ambulance driver, a local Frankston woman, who treasured it.This is a handstitched felt toy rat. It is made from light brown and pale green felt with pink embroidery thread blanket stitching. The facial features are made from felt. It has a pale green grograine ribbon neck tie. The stuffing is very firm.This item is handmade with no inscription or markings.1942, england, trench art, australian soldier, rat of tobruck, felt toy, handstitched, blanket stitch, ambulance driver, j pickles, f a n y