War Stories: Rats of Tobruk

Summary

The script recounts the legendary tale of the 'Rats of Tobruk', Australian troops who fiercely defended the vital Mediterranean port during WWII. Their tenacity under constant bombardment earned them the nickname, which they embraced with pride. The exhibition at the Australian War Memorial showcases personal stories, war tools, and artifacts, highlighting the soldiers' humor, mateship, and endurance. It also features the heroics of Jack Edmondson, the first Australian to receive a Victoria Cross in the war, and the poignant tale of John Johnson, whose family's correspondence poignantly continued even after his tragic death.

Takeaways

• 🇦🇺 The Australian troops' defense of Tobruk 70 years ago added to their legendary reputation, earning them the nickname 'Rats of Tobruk'.
• 🏛 The new exhibition at the Australian War Memorial commemorates the Rats of Tobruk, showcasing their personal stories and the legendary status they achieved.
• 🌍 The strategic importance of Tobruk was due to its position as the best deep-water harbor between Egypt and Libya, crucial for maintaining links with Australasia and the Pacific.
• 🔍 The British forces aimed to protect the Suez Canal and Egypt, highlighting the geopolitical significance of the North African campaign during World War II.
• 🐭 The nickname 'Rats of Tobruk' originated from Nazi propaganda, which the Australian troops defiantly adopted as a badge of pride.
• 💪 Major General Leslie Morshead, a Gallipoli veteran, led with an aggressive spirit, influencing his troops to adopt an 'active defense' strategy.
• 🌙 The Australian troops' nightly patrols and harassment of the enemy demonstrated their proactive approach to warfare, aiming to keep the enemy at bay.
• 🏆 Jack Edmondson was the first Australian of WWII to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his heroic actions during a hand-to-hand combat, despite being mortally wounded.
• 📚 The exhibition includes personal artifacts, such as a scrapbook created by Jack Edmondson's mother, which captures a mother's love through newspaper articles and objects.
• 🎖️ The service medals of John Johnson and a Battalion Association badge from his wife are displayed, representing the personal sacrifices made by soldiers from various backgrounds.
• 📨 John Johnson's family letters continue to arrive after his death, illustrating the tragic impact of war on families and the community.

Q & A

What was the significance of the defense of Tobruk during World War II?

The defense of Tobruk was significant because it was the best deep water harbor in North Africa between Egypt and Libya, and it was crucial for maintaining British links with Australasia and the Pacific through the Suez Canal.

How did the Australian troops at Tobruk earn the nickname 'Rats of Tobruk'?

The Australian troops earned the nickname 'Rats of Tobruk' when Nazi propagandist Lord Haw Haw declared they were caught 'like rats in a trap' under constant bombardment. The soldiers adopted this name as a defiant badge of pride.

Who was Major General Leslie Moreshead and what was his role at Tobruk?

Major General Leslie Moreshead was the aggressive commander of the Tobruk garrison. He was a Gallipoli veteran and instilled a spirit of active defense in his troops, going out into no-man's land each night to patrol and harass the enemy.

What was Moreshead's policy of 'active defense' and how did it manifest?

Moreshead's policy of 'active defense' involved keeping the enemy away from the outer perimeter by going out into no-man's land each night to patrol and harass the enemy, rather than passively waiting for them to attack.

What qualities did the 'Rats of Tobruk' embody, as mentioned in the script?

The 'Rats of Tobruk' embodied qualities such as defiance, mateship, humor, and endurance, which were in line with the traditions and stories of their fathers and older relatives from the First World War.

What is the connection between the 'Rats of Tobruk' and the original Anzacs?

The 'Rats of Tobruk' were considered the sons of the original Anzacs, achieving their own legendary status at Tobruk, much like their forebears had in the First World War.

What can visitors expect to see at the Australian War Memorial exhibition about the 'Rats of Tobruk'?

Visitors can expect to see personal stories, tools of war such as weapons, and personal effects that belonged to the soldiers, including a scrapbook created by Jack Edmonson's mother and John Johnson's service medals and a badge from his wife.

Who was Jack Edmonson and why is he significant in the context of the Tobruk siege?

Jack Edmonson was the first Australian of the Second World War to be awarded a Victoria Cross for his actions during a hand-to-hand combat on the night of April 13th, where he saved his commanding officer's life but was mortally wounded.

What is the significance of the scrapbook created by Jack Edmonson's mother?

The scrapbook created by Jack Edmonson's mother is significant as it captures a mother's love and the personal impact of war, containing objects, newspaper articles, and other mementos.

How does the exhibition at the Australian War Memorial highlight the diversity of the soldiers involved in the Tobruk siege?

The exhibition highlights the diversity of the soldiers by showcasing men from all over Australia and various backgrounds who achieved fame and earned the enduring nickname 'Rats of Tobruk' under taxing circumstances.