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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A small retractable pen whis was used by Arthur LockThis 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 extendable pencil made from metal and plastic. The penilcan be screwed out to extend it and replace lead. Initials "N.W.D. engravedon sideworld war 11, rats of tobruk, arthur lock

This item was owned by Arthur Lock. The initals engraved on the side are those of his mother, Edith May 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 silver and leather hip flask with clear glass viewing window on each side.Engraved on one side "E.M.L" On base 1/4 PT/ HARDY BROS/MADE IN ENGLAND / 565Aarthur lock, rats of tobruk

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

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

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

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

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

non-fictionThis book represents the wartime service of the author through a series of caricatures and humorous anecdotes. Ken Lovell saw action in Greece and Syria before being transferred to the 2/23rd Battalion, Ninth Division as a Signals operator. Although reflecting the Aussie dry humour, on many pages of the book containing sketches of a mate there appears a small cross with the letters K.I.A. and a date. world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

In 1965, soon after the first US combat troops arrived in Vietnam, vast tunnel complexes were discovered. Built by the Viet Cong, these tunnells allowed them to hide from enemy troops and aircraft.tunnel rats 1965-1971, viet cong, us combat troops

Australian tunnel rat in full combat uniform holding a pistol, crouched above a tunnel opening, shining a torch down the tunnel. In 2020 we removed the webbing off the mannequin, folded it all up and put it all next to the feet of the mannequin.tunnel, tunnel rats, australian soldiers

The elaborate fortification that our Marines were forced to attack - the hundreds of metres of neck-deep bunkers, fighting holes, gun pits, and connectiong trenches so cleverly woven into the hedgerows, buildings, and thickets - were constructed over the previous weels by full-time efforts of a local VC support battalion. 1961-1975 -- tunnel warfare, vietnam war (1961-1975), us marines, tunnel rats

A black and white photograph of an Engineer 'Tunnel Rat' wearing a flack jacket enters a tunnel found leading into the Long Hai Hills during land and mine clearance operations in July 1969. The Engineers were under the protection of D coy 6 RAR/NZ (ANZAC), artillery, Mortar and Naval gunfire.photograph, tunnel rats, d coy, 6 rar/nz, long hai hills, gibbons collection catalogue, artillery, mortars, gunfire, engineers

A collection of over 30 rare and newly researched removable documents of historic importance.vietnam war, 1961-1975, vietnam - politics and government - 1945-1975, dien bien phu, arvn, the gulf of tonkin, battle of long tan, nva soldier, tet offensive, khe sanh, hue, tunnel rats, the easter offensive, fall of saigon

A collection of over 30 rare and newly researched removable documents of historic importance.vietnam war, 1961-1975, vietnam - politics and government - 1945-1975, dien bien phu, arvn, the gulf of tonkin, battle of long tan, nva soldier, tet offensive, khe sanh, tunnel rats, the easter offensive, fall of saigon

A collection of over 30 rare and newly researched removable documents of historic importance.vietnam war, 1961-1975, vietnam - politics and government - 1945-1975, dien bien phu, arvn, the gulf of tonkin, battle of long tan, nva soldier, tet offensive, khe sanh, hue, tunnel rats, ben het, the easter offensive, fall of saigon