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