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 pencil can be screwed out to extend it and replace lead. Initials "N.W.D. engraved on 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

Part of the collection of "Douglas Niven Dean" a former Rat of Tobruk.Gold metal badge of Bendigo RSL Club, Pokies with black surface on front and gold writing. Silver clip attached to top.Inscribed on back "If these keys found please return to Bendigo Servicemen's Club 73-75 Havilah Road, Bendigo 03 4422 950"rats of tobryuk, key ring, douglas niven dean

painting of Rat hole in Tobruk by K Ward including letter from artist Ken Ward

Plaques were held by Bill Jeffers VX52782 (Rat of Tobruk) Bendigo Sub Branch. Donated to the Soldiers Memorial Museum Bendigo by his wife Jean after he passed away. Refer 147 for Bills service details.Rats of Tobruk Association commemorative plaques. .1) Rats of Tobruk Assoc. Bendigo plaque, copper relief of kangaroo with banners above and below with crown above. .2) Battle of Tobruk 50th anniversary plaque, copper relief, same design as .1..1 "Rats of Tobruk 1941 Association Bendigo Vic" .2 "50th Anniversary Sydney NSW April 1991"societies-service clubs, military history, tobruk

Owner of badge VX21286 AASC Leonard Ellis Ravenscroft. 137 General Transport Company. Rat of Tobruk Syria returned to Australia 1942 as a Sergeant. Discharged 1944 to help prepare make Nauru and Ocean Is in Pacific ready for re-occupation.Key ring with badge attached Ringwood Returned Services Club

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

This object relates to Leslie Royce LILLINGSTON. He was born on 30/10/1917 in Ballarat, VIC. Leslie Royce served in the Army (VX22256) enlisting on, 05/06/1940 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 2/12 FLD REGT as a Army Non-Commissioned Sergeant (SGT) on 14/01/1946. Leslie Royce LILLINGSTON was not a prisoner of war. Les Lillingston died 24/1/1991. His next of kin is George LILLINGSTON. He was a Rat of Tobruk 1941 9 DIV 2/12 BTN.Inscribed inside front cover - To Private G. W. Brady No. 3173 38th Btn Inf. A.I.F. No. 12 Camp Dorrington With Every Good Wish 9:11:1917 J Redmond C/E Chaplain 1st 2nd & 3rd T.B'sfirst world war (ww1), 1914 - 1918, literature, ballarat rsl, ballarat

This object relates to Leslie Royce LILLINGSTON. He was born on 30/10/1917 in Ballarat, VIC. Leslie Royce served in the Army (VX22256) enlisting on, 05/06/1940 in Ballarat, VIC before being discharged from duties with the 2/12 FLD REGT as a Army Non-Commissioned Sergeant (SGT) on 14/01/1946. Leslie Royce LILLINGSTON was not a prisoner of war. Les Lillingston died 24/1/1991. His next of kin is George LILLINGSTON. He was a Rat of Tobruk 1941 9 DIV 2/12 BTN.personal items, ballarat rsl, ballarat

The Victorian Branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association was formed 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 booklet comes from the collection of Arthur Lock who was a Rat of Tobruk and President of the Association in Albury. He passed away on June 28, 2000.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 light green booklet setting out the bylaws of the Victorian Branch of the Rats of Tobruk Association, modified in 1990.world war 11, rats of tobruk, rats of tobruk association

This album is a history of family who served with the Army, RAAF and RAN during WW2.This album is a history pertaining to one family.A photograph album, almost square, consisting of 10 plastic display pages.This family album is a photographic and service history of - VX127489 Collis Brown, VX18141 Clarence Davis, VX39141 Angus J Bliss, VX48489 Gordon L Bliss (Rat of Tobruk), VX46600 Albert C Golding, V9531 Leonard A Golding, VX8454 William L Bliss, 174763 Beverley I Baldock, Aircraftwoman RAAF, PM7485 William R Baldock, Cook, RANphotograph album, family history

Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury 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 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 green tie featuring the insignia of the Rats of Tobruk and a Tobruk "T" tie pin.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury 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 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 jacket, tie and tie pin belonging to the Victorian Rats of Tobruk Association. This jacket was owned by Arthur Lock.On pocket- Rats of Tobruk Association Victoria Emblem. Inside garment Size M 102world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Arthur Lock was a Rat of Tobruk and served as President of the Albury 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 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 Christmas card produced by the Rats of Tobruk Association. It includes an image of St. Anthony's Church, Tobruk taken in 1941.world war 11, rats of tobruk, rats of tobruk association

Owner and donor details - see Cat No. 5836.3. "HALF A LIFE" "The Diary of a Tobruk Rat". From foreword "The man and soldier about whom this book is written is QX8135, Private E.H. (Snowy) ROSELT and the story is written by his daughter" Hard cover book. Cover - cardboard with paper adhered. Brown and black colour print on front, spine and back with dark beige background. Illustrated front to back - black print silhouette of a "Garry (Snowy) Roselt at Post R20, Tobruk - 1941". 197 pages - cut , plain, white paper. Illustrated - black and white photographs and maps. Front and back end papers - illustrated, sepia toned pages of a diary. front end papers - owners signature and author's signature.Front end papers - handwritten owner's information blue ink "B.D. Carr/ V6/32 Jan St/ Cheltenham, 3192" Handwritten author's signature black ink "Kind Regards/Marge Smith/ 28 Jan 1999"books, military history, ww2, tobruk, biography

Memorabilia from 1980 Reunion. Part of the collection of "William Anthony THEODORE DSM" PM 2981. Refer Cat No. 7926P for his service details.Two x World Reunion 1980 Plaques. Emblem of Rats of Tobruk on a white background and black edges on a clipboard backing. Emblem is big yellow "T" with crown on top with a rat image with Rats of Tobruk written above and Association below. String stapled on back for hanging.Inscribed - "WORLD REUNION 1980", "THE RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION", "VICTORIA".william anthony theodore dsm, tobruk, anniversary

The A.I.F.= The Australian Imperial Force and this newspaper was supplied free to the troops of the Australian Army Canteens Service. This issue is dated Saturday 22nd December 1941. It includes advertisments for businesses in Cairo and Alexandria; Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Page 2 includes a poem titled "This Holy Night" by Pte C.M. Walker; two sonnets by Rupert Brooke; a poem, "Waiting Dreams" by Pilot Officer J.A. Henderson RAAF and a poem by Lieut. David McNicoll AIF Abroad Air Mail - Palestine. Page 3 includes a message from General Sir Thomas Blamey, an article on the part women would increasingly play as a consequence of the emergency war policy; an advertisment for tobacco specially packed for overseas forces. Page 4 includes an article on Australian coastal cities being ready for raids. Page 5 includes an article about the Commonwealth of the Philippines and their defense which until 1946 lay with America. General D Macarthur was the Commander In Chief in the Philippines. Germany's "secret Weapon" legend. Page 6 includes "Dancing Dan's Christmas"; "Bluey and Curley" comic strip. Page 7 includes article "Rommel's Armoured Might Lies Strewn Over Libyan Sands" Page 8 includes an article: "All In Fun" - a revue - has begun a tour of Australian camps in Palestine and Syria. Page 9 includes articles "War Will Revolutionise Air Services In Australia"; a list - Greek Awards To AIF Officers and a cartoon by George Aria titled 'Jonah '. Pages 10&11 "Christmas 1941" - messages from prominent people: Mr Winston Churchill; The Govenor General (Lord Gorrie); The Prime Minister (Mr Curtin); Mininster for the Army (Mr Forde). Also photos of army operations and traditional family Christmas time. Page 12 &13 Articles regarding sport under the heading 'Australian Sporting Digest'. Page 14 A story - "The Gift of the Magi" - an O Henry Christmas Story. Also a greeting from Myer's of Melbourne and Adelaide to all Myer Men in the AIF Page 15 An article where General Blamey reassures Australia about its capability of defence. Page 16 A description of a battle by Australian sloop "Parramatta" with HMAS "Auckland" against enemy planes whilst they were escorting a merchant ship with a cargo of petrol during the Battle of Tobruk Page 17 & 18 Pages under the title 'ACK-I-FOOFS' (Articles submitted by soldiers: The real Rat of Tobruk - a rat trained by L/Cpl Jack Kneeshaw which he named "Goebbels"; poems and cartoons. Page 19 "Women of War" - photos of women at work filling in for men who have gone to war. Page 20 Xmas Greetings 1942-1942 - a 1942 Calendar signed by 14 members of the AIF, some with messages and including their Army Number. Twenty pages of news supplied free to the troops by the Australian Army Canteens Service.The last page is a calendar for 1942 with personal inscriptions and greetings of servicemen. Some inscriptions have I.D. Numbers ( VX35435 W. Johnston; QX20753 of Carmody ; VX40449 ; VX39637 N. Powell; VX32054 Blue Ernistson?; N?X23234 W.Cummins; VXthe a.i.f. news christmas edition 1941, australian imperial force, world war 2, australian army canteens service, general blamey, world war 2 - pacific war, world war 2 - phillipine islands, general d macarthur, emergency plans ww2 australia, secret weapons ww2, western desert ww2, australian imperial force - western desert ww2, civil aviation post ww2, air services australia, lord gowrie, governor general lord gowrie, prime minister john curtain, minister for the army - mr forde, cartoons 1941, women-in ww2, xmas greetings calendar 1941-1942, cairo 1941, palestine 1941, western desert 1941, advertisements 1941, middle east 1941

The women watch on… 18 year-old Miss Pamela Barton of England is teeing off at the ninth hole, watched by her competitor Miss Janet Gardiner of Queensland and a gallery of intensely focussed spectators. Both women went on to have diverse, non-sporting careers. During the Blitz and the Battle of Britain, Pam Barton (1917-1943) drove ambulances before joining the WAAF as a radio operator. Later she gained a commission as a Flight Officer in command of a staff of 600. In 1943, Pam was killed instantly when the RAF plane piloted by her unofficial fiancée crashed in heavy weather. The Pam Barton Memorial Salver is awarded to the winner of the British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. The inscription reads “In Affectionate Memory of Pam Barton”. During WWII, Janet Gardiner (Mrs Jobson-Scott, 1907-1987) began manufacturing liquid hosiery at the Red Cross Link rooms as a fundraiser. Donated oyster bottles were used and they charged 2/6 for four ounces. However, in April 1942, in a broadcast to the women of Australia, the Minister for War Organisation of Industry, Mr Dedman, announced that leg make-up preparations were now a prohibited item. They contained titanium oxide, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of paints used for camouflaging military equipment. Other items of a woman’s “battle array” such as nail lacquer, some creams and suntan lotions were also banned as they contained ingredients used in munitions and medical supplies. MCK136 Published: The Age 30 August 1935 Photographer notations on slide: "Vic Women's Ch'ship 1935 B98" Published: The Age 30 August 1935 p. 9 Published title: CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF. WOMEN'S TITLE. Second Qualifying Round. BRITISH WOMEN IN FIRST FOUR PLACES. Published caption: Miss PAM BARTON who established a new course record at Royal Melbourne in the second qualifying round of the Australian women's championship. Trove article identifier: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203989644 Research by project volunteer, Fiona Collyer: MISS PAMELA BARTON Miss Pamela Espeut Barton (1917–1943) was an English golf champion. Her tournament wins included the 1934 French International Ladies Golf Championship, the 1936 British Ladies Amateur and U S Women’s Amateur and the 1939 British Ladies Amateur. Pam was part of the British Women’s Golf Team that travelled to Australia in 1935 to compete in the Australian Woman’s Golf Championship at Royal Melbourne Golf Course. At 18 years of age, she was the youngest British golfer in the visiting team. She was eliminated in the second round by Miss Betty Nankivell of Melbourne. The press described Pam, “the baby of the team”, as a "natural" at golf and a good sport who never wore a hat and "hit like a man"! During the Blitz and The Battle of Britain, Pam drove ambulances for the London Ambulance Service, before joining the WAAF as a radio operator. Later she gained a commission as a Flight Officer in command of a staff of 600. Pam was stationed at RAF Manston, Kent where she met Flight Lieutenant Angus Ruffhead and they became romantically involved and reportedly “unofficially” engaged. On Saturday 12 November 1943, Pam and Angus attended a dinner dance at RAF Detling, however as Pam was on duty at RAF Manston the next morning, Angus arranged to fly her. There had been heavy rain during the day, however by the end of the dance conditions had improved and the couple set off in the de Havilland Tiger Moth. Soon after the plane left the ground, it struck an aviation fuel tank and was engulfed in flames. Pam was killed instantly and Angus was injured. Pam was buried at St John’s Margate church cemetery, her grave marked by a white military headstone. On January 6 1944, Angus led a mission of four planes over Le Touquet where they met intense fire. He took a direct hit and was pronounced Killed in Action. Angus is buried at Boulogne Eastern Cemetery, France. The “Pam Barton Memorial Salver” is awarded to the winner of the British Ladies Amateur Golf Championship. The inscription reads – “In Affectionate Memory of Pam Barton”. An 18-hole golf course has been named after her at Royal Mid-Surrey Golf Club, Richmond, London. MISS JANET GARDINER In 1935, Janet Margaret Grenville Gardiner (Mrs Janet Jobson-Scott, 1907-1987) competed in the Australian Women’s Golf Championship at Royal Melbourne Golf Course against the five visiting British women golfers. She was eliminated by Englishwoman Mrs Greenlees. During WWII, Janet was involved in fundraising for the Red Cross and the Australian Comforts Fund. Nylon stockings were becoming increasingly difficult to acquire as nylon was needed for manufacturing parachutes, ropes and nets. She began to manufacture liquid hosiery (leg make up) at the Red Cross Line, Brisbane. They used donated oyster bottles and it was available in two shades “Rose Beige” and “Suntan”, costing 2/6 shillings for four ounces. In 1941, a fashion parade was held at Brisbane’s Lennon’s Hotel in aid of Air Force House and Janet’s job was to apply liquid hosiery to the 12 mannequins. The parade featured beach fashion through the ages. In April 1942, in a broadcast to the women of Australia, the Minister for War Organisation of Industry, Mr John Dedman, announced that leg makeup preparations were now a prohibited item. It contained titanium oxide, an essential ingredient in the manufacture of paints used for camouflaging army trucks and tanks. Other items which formed part of a woman’s “battle array” such as nail lacquer, and some creams and suntan lotions were also banned as they contained important ingredients used in munitions and medical supplies. In 1942 Janet married “Tobruk Rat” Lieutenant David Collins Jobson-Scott of the AIF. After the war they lived at their property “Ballancar” in Inglewood Queensland. Janet died in 1987.Photographer notations on slide: "Vic Women's Ch'ship 1935 B98"golf, women golfers, royal melbourne golf club

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

Item in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.Rubber "Rat" off white colour with red eyes, has gold string around neck with a round tag with wording on.tobruk, souvenirs, rat

Items in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details..1) Badge cloth, crown at top followed by a yellow "T" on black background, over is two scrolls in metalic gold, central is a depiction of a "Rat", colours are red, blue, green, yellow, white, black and gold. .2) Badge cloth basically same as .1) but has "Victoria" at the bottom."Rats of Tobruk Association Victoria"badges, tobruk, association

"DIARY OF A RAT" "7th AUST. DIV/SUPPLY COLUMN" "2/6/ AUST. COY/A.A.S.C. Item in the collection re Ron Bollard VX14150, refer Cat No 5919P for his service details.1. Soft cover book. Cover - cardboard, black print on yellow colour background. 72 pages plus 8 pages index. Cut, plain, white paper. Illustrated black and white photographs. 2. Programme - cream coloured paper, facsimile brown print, maps and illustrations. Two A4 sheets folded in half, stapled.books, military history, ww2, tobruk, autobiography

Part of the Doug Dean collection, refer Cat No 4575P.Plaque, 50th Anniversary, wood shield backing, moulded main section, colours, gold, white, blue, yellow, red colours, Scrolls top & bottom, central “T”, crown over, Rat depiction centre.“1941 - 50th Anniversary - 1991”, followed by, “The Rats of Tobruk Association”, then, “10.4.41 - 7.12.41, Seige of Tobruk”plaques, tobruk, seige 1941

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

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

This a Geelong RSL Membership Card dated 1945This is an original Card, the card was issued to VX20784 Thomas A Bowden, a WW2 Veteran, Rat of Tobruk.An oblong Card, black cover, paper information page insertFront Cover Capitals, Geelong, RSL Badge, RSSAILA

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.

The Rats of Tobruk were soldiers of the Australian-led Allied garrison that held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 11 April 1941 and was relieved on 10 December. The port continued to be held by the Allies until its surrender on 21 June 1942. HUTCHINS, Mervyn Arthur Thomas VX27912 Born in Mornington, Victoria, October 1906, Mervyn joined the Australian Armed Forces in Caulfield in June 1940. Mervyn was posted with the 2/23rd Battalion and was sent to Tobruk. He died at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital in the 1970'sMervyn Hutchins owned this jacket. He was both a RAT of Toburk and a patient at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.Navy blue woolen jacket pocket with embroideryLarge letter T with red crown. Overlay of the RATS of Tobruk logo with Victoria embroidered across the bottomrats of tobruk, wwii, world war two, second world war, uniforms, mervyn hutchins collection