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 square cardboard coaster produced a memorabilia for the Rats of Tobruk Association in Victoria in 1980. The Rats of Tobruk emblem. Below the emblem "1980 REUNION VICTORIA"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

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 wooden plaque in the shape of a shield with one large emblem of the Rats of Tobruk Association in the centre and 4 smaller emblems attached. The smaller emblems represent the Rats of Tobruk Association, the Returned Services League Australia and the Queensland Civil Defence. The Rats of Tobruk motto is also included on a metal scroll. Beneath the badges on a metal scroll "NO SURRENDER"world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, rats of tobruk association

This badge was given to members of the 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 of significance as it indicates membership of the Rats of Tobruk Association and the role it has played in supporting the veterans' needs and carrying on their legacy. It 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 metal lapel badge bearing the logo of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Badge Number 1669world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk, rats of tobruk association

Items were discovered in the Rats of Tobruk case in the Bendigo Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Compliments card was discovered inside the front cover of the Bendigo's Own Rats of Tobruk book in museum library. D.H Gray is identified as Douglas Haig Gray, VX45356, 2/24th Infantry Battalion who served in the Siege of Tobruk in 1941..1) Cardboard dinner invitation. Yellow coloured, black ink. It has the name and badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association. Decorative jagged edges, painted gold. .2) Cardboard cover booklet. Rats of Tobruk Association name and badge. 24 pages. Yellow cover. .3) Compliments card, white, gold printing with Rats of Tobruk Association badge and name..3) Compliments card has written in blue pen, “P121.2 150-1” and signed “D.H. Gray President”bylaws, compliments, rats of 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

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

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

Banner previously belonged to The Rats of Tobruk Association Sub-Branch, Bendigo.Black fabric banner supported by round wooden poles with finials attached to each side. Lettering on banner in gold and white. Rats of Tobruk logo on LH side of banner. Logo features a gold coloured “T”topped with a King's crown. Overlaid on T is an image of a rat and two white coloured ribbons with 'The Rats of Tobruk Association' printed in black. Cut and overlocked round holes in banner to allow for air flow when carried on parade. banner, ww2, rats of tobruk

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

Why the name 'Rats of Tobruk'? A former British citizen William Joyce, better known as Lord Haw-Haw, broadcast Nazi propaganda during World War II. His announcement ‘Germany calling, Germany calling’ was a familiar sound across the airwaves, broadcasting misinformation from Hamburg. During the Tobruk siege, he often referred to the men defending the garrison at Tobruk as “poor desert rats of Tobruk, who live like rats and will die like rats. The Australian soldiers loved the term ‘Rats of Tobruk’ and adopted it as a badge of honour. Calling themselves the ‘Rats of Tobruk’, they turned the derogatory comments back against the Germans. William Joyce was eventually captured and returned to Britain, where he was later hanged for treason in January 1946. 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 plastic and enamel badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association mounted on a wood base. The logo appears to be one of only a small number to use the acronym R.O.T.A above the more common Association Logo.world war 11, rats of tobruk, tobruk

Soft cover book. Soft cover - cardboard, black print on front and spine. Illustrated background, colour (light) picture of a landscape. Front below title - colour photograph of group of men marching on parade. Two men at front holding banner. Back cover in colour - "Rats of Tobruk" emblem. 172 pages, cut, plain white, illustrated black and white photographs, many portraits. End papers - colour copy. Extra paper - one, colour illustration of Siege of Tobruk" . Colour patches. Title page - donation information.Biography of Bendigo's Rats of Tobruk"books, military, ww2, local history

Dean collection, refer Cat No 4575P.Plain drinking glass - Beer. On the side is the Rats of Tobruk Association logo, under wehich are the words "1971 30th Anniversary Siege of Tobruk".ww2, rats of tobruk association,

Dean collection, refer Cat No 4575PPLAIN GLASS BEER POT WITH HANDLE. Volume about 10 Fluid ozs. On the side, in gold, is the logo of the Rats of Tobruk Association with other wording around it,souvenir, rats of tobruk

The stained glass memorial window was dedicated 12 April 1987. Dean Collection, refer Cat No 4575P1. The programme consists of 4 sheets of A.4 paper, when folded in two forms 16 pages. The cover is a yellow colour. The front cover has an image of St John's Church, the Rats of Tobruk Association logo and the title words. The rear cover has a black and white image of "A Weary Digger" drawn by Ivor Hele. Inside is a coloured photograph (15 x 10 cms) of the memorial window. The rest of the programme has the introduction and the church service by Rev. John E Webster B.A. LTh. Bendigo. 2, The programme is the same but without the coloured photo.ww2, rats of tobruk association

The Bendigo Rats of Tobruk Association donated a memorial window to the St John's Presbyterian Church, Bendigo. 12 April 1987.1. Single A4 size sheet, printed on one side only. At top there is the Rats of Tobruk Association crest. Title as above. A grainy picture of two soldiers walking in a town with a palm tree. Caption states St. Anthony's Church Tobruk 1941. Bottom half is a summary title "Siege of Tobruk April-Dec 1941" 2. Single A4 size sheet, printed on one side only. At top there is the Rats of Tobruk Association crest. Title as above. A grainy picture of two soldiers walking in a town with a palm tree. Caption states St. Anthony's Church Tobruk 1941. Bottom half is a summary title "Siege of Tobruk April-Dec 1941" 3. Single A4 size sheet, printed on one side only. At top there is the Rats of Tobruk Association crest. Title as above. A grainy picture of two soldiers walking in a town with a palm tree. Caption states St. Anthony's Church Tobruk 1941. Bottom half is a summary title "Siege of Tobruk April-Dec 1941"Nilww2, tobruk, bendigo

Arthur Lock was born in Newport, England and migrated to Australia with his widowed mother in 1924. After spending time in Queensland, he moved to Victoria where he enlisted in the Australian Army at Royal Park, Melbourne on 17 Jun 1940. His service number was VX31240. After basic training, Arthur was enlisted into the 2/23rd Battalion which was raised as part of the all-volunteer Second Australian Imperial Force and assigned to the 26th Brigade. The battalion was moved to Bonegilla, Victoria, and 2/23rd Battalion became known as "Albury's Own". Arthur saw service in the Middle East and Africa where he was involved in the siege at Tobruk, becoming one of the Rats of Tobruk. He also served in El Alamein, New Guinea, Borneo and Tarakan. In his post war life, Arthur dedicated much time and energy to the Scouting movement and in 1972 was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to young people and the community in Wodonga, Victoria.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 black and white photo of Private Arthur Lock taken whilst on service in the Middle East.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

Short overview on the Rats of Tobruk and members of the 9th Division known as the Glorious Ninth who served during the siege of Tobruk during WW2Black timber frame containing white paper with black type.Rats of Tobruk Lest We Forget rats of tobruk, 9th division, siege of tobruk

During World War 2, more than 14,000 Australians fought at Tobruk (Libya), during the historic 242 day siege. These men became famously known as the Rats of Tobruk. After returning to Australia, the Tobruk siege servicemen looking for comradeship, established the Rats of Tobruk Association. Around 1944, active branches and sub-branches were started in every state. In more recent times, these branches and subbranches have been wound up owing to the declining numbers of surviving veteran members. The only exception has been the Victorian Branch, which has now operated for over 70 years.Large blue cloth banner housed between two timber poles. In the centre of the banner there is a crown above a grey,black and yellow T shape overlaid by a crest with a kangaroo in a yellow circleRats of Tobruk Assoc GV & NE Sub Branchrats of tobruk, ww2

Recipe booklet made by the Rats of Tobruk Ladies Auxiliary, Melbourne as a fund raiser for the 1980 World Reunion. Cream soft cardboard front and back, white typed pages, including index. 46 pages. Rats of Tobruk Association Ladies Auxiliary emblem. All done in black ink.Title; 1980 World Reunionrats of tobruk, rats of tobruk ladies auxiliary, 1980 world reunion, recipe book

Black, hard cover with dust jacket covered with plastic. Dust jacket has background picture of a landscape. Photo below title of group of men marching in a parade. 2 men at front holding a banner. The Rats of Tobruk emblem is on back of dust jacket. Author Alma Mulqueen.books, military, local history

See Dean Cat 4575PGold coloured metal case. The left and right sides are of black curved plastic. All the metal work has a dimpled appearance. The front cover has the enamelled badge of the Rats of Tobruk Association. The right side of the front cover has a oolumn of letters A-Z. There is a pointer to indicate which letter it is set to. On the bottom edge is a button which opens the lid. Inside are small pages with red lines.Nilsouvenir, mini address book

The Rats of Tobruk Association, Inc, Victoria was formed in September, 1945. The Association was open for those Servicemen who had Served at, and during, the Longest Siege in British Military History - the Siege of Tobruk - 240 Days, between April10th and December 10th 1941 in WW2 and who were fortunate enough to return to Australia at the end of hostilities. Of approximately 14,000 Australians involved in the Siege of Tobruk, 559 were KIA, 2450 were WIA and 941 became a POW. Brown wooden lacquered shield with the Rats of Tobruk Association symbol (brown rat on gold circle with white ad gold scrolls surrounding with the name of the association printed upon) overlaying a yellow T below a crown. Below the symbol is the motto 'no surrender'.THE RATS OF TOBRUK ASSOCIATION NO SURRENDER

Syllabus 1987/88Small cardboard booklet ' Victorian Rats of Tobruk Social Lawn Club'.Victorian Rats of Tobruk Lawn Bowls Club

Dean collection, refer Cat No 4575PPlain glass with stem. It has a gold rim. On one side is the logo of Rats of Tobruk Association. On the other side are the words - "Rats of Tobruk Association" "State Branch Victoria."ww2, rats of tobruk association

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

Dean collection, refer Cat No 4575PPlain glass with stem. It has the Rats of Tobruk Association logo on one side. On the other side are the words "Rats of Tobruk Association - Melbourne Sub branch - 39th Anniversary - World Reunion 1980".The logo and writing are in gold.rats of tobruk association, ww2

Dean Collection, refer Cat No 4575PPlain glass with stem. It has the logo of Rats of Tobruk Association along with a pair or world spheres. On the reverse side is the phrase: "Rats of Tobruk Association, World Reunion 1983, central Coast Sub branch NSW". The writing is gold colour.Nilwar, rats of tobruk association

See Cat 4575P Dean.Sing along Booklet. This is made of 3 sheets of A3 paper, when folded provides 12 pages. It is printed in black ink on white paper. The pages are stapled on the fold line. There are lyrics to 55 favourite songs.Nilww2, tobruk, 1991 reunion, songs