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Tobruk Fig TreePrint Page 
07-November-2019
Photographs supplied by Henry Moulds
The Tobruk Fig Tree commemorates Australian personnel who served at Tobruk during World War Two.
The famous Tobruk Fig Tree was named because it marked the entrance to an underground network of caves used by the Australians to treat the wounded. This became known as the Fig Tree Hospital. Located inside the Tobruk defences near the Red Line and north of the Derna Road, the fig tree was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert. It was visible from miles away and as a result was an easy target for German artillery. The site was heavily shelled for several hours per day. The caves were a place to stabilise the wounded before transferring them to the Australian General Hospital near the harbour. It is believed that the original tree still marks the spot today. A cutting from the tree was brought back to Australia and planted at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
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The famous Tobruk Fig Tree was named because it marked the entrance to an underground network of caves used by the Australians to treat the wounded. This became known as the Fig Tree Hospital. Located inside the Tobruk defences near the Red Line and north of the Derna Road, the fig tree was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert. It was visible from miles away and as a result was an easy target for German artillery. The site was heavily shelled for several hours per day. The caves were a place to stabilise the wounded before transferring them to the Australian General Hospital near the harbour. It is believed that the original tree still marks the spot today. A cutting from the tree was brought back to Australia and planted at Melbourne’s Shrine of Remembrance.
Location
| Address: | John & Henry Streets, Pakenham, 3810 |
|---|---|
| State: | VIC |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -38.075961 Long: 145.483975 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Tree |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | WW2 |
Dedication
Front Inscription
Plaque :
Tobruk Fig Tree
The Tobruk Fig Tree marked the entrance to the Fig Tree Cave Hospital used by Australian soldiers, also known as :The Rats of Tobruk", during World War 2
Generously donated by Mr Hautrie Crick
Inscription in Proximity
Source: MAPlaque :
Pakenham RSL is proud to present the Commemorative Walk rock memorials and tree plaques
The 7 rock memorials pay tribute to Australian service personnel who have served for their country, all over the world, post World War 2
The tree plaques : Lone Pine and Tobruk Fig Tree pay tribute to Australian service personnel who served in Gallipoli (WW1) and Tobruk (WW2)
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au
