Rats of Tobruk Commemorative Garden Print Page

The garden commemorates those who served in the Siege of Tobruk during World War Two. Funding was received in November 2018 through the Saluting Their Service Program for the establishement of the garden. 

Between April and August 1941 around 14,000 Australian soldiers were besieged in Tobruk by a German–Italian army commanded by General Erwin Rommel. The garrison, commanded by Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, consisted of the 9th Division (20th, 24th, and 26th Brigades), the 18th Brigade of the 7th Division, along with four regiments of British artillery and some Indian troops.

It was vital for the Allies' defence of Egypt and the Suez Canal to hold the town with its harbour, as this forced the enemy to bring most of their supplies overland from the port of Tripoli, across 1500 km of desert, as well as diverting troops from their advance. Tobruk was subject to repeated ground assaults and almost constant shelling and bombing. The Nazi propagandist Lord Haw Haw (William Joyce) derided the tenacious defenders as 'rats', a term that the Australian soldiers embraced as an ironic compliment.

Half the Australian garrison was relieved in August, the rest in September-October. However, 2/13 Battalion could not be evacuated and was still there when the siege was lifted on 10 December, the only unit present for the entire siege.

Australian casualties from the 9th Division from 8th April to 25th October numbered 749 killed, 1,996 wounded and 604 prisoners. The total losses in the 9th Division and attached troops from 1st March to 15th December amounted to 832 killed, 2,177 wounded and 941 prisoners.

Tobruk Hall and Commemorative Garden – A very special occasion
It is well known that our school has had a very strong relationship with The Rats of Tobruk Association for more than 25 years. Our Grade 6 students have the privilege each year to visit Tobruk House in South Melbourne to talk with our surviving Rats and remember those who are no longer with us. Students develop a strong understanding of this part of our Australian history, being respectful when they meet the Rats and gaining a personal appreciation of the sacrifices they gave for us. The Buildings and Grounds Committee, led by Cathie Brooks, have been given permission to honour the Rats of Tobruk Association and the memory of those soldiers by changing the name of our “old multi” to Tobruk Hall. To accompany this commitment of the building, the team have established a commemorative garden with several working bees over the April holidays. This ensured that this was ready for the very important ANZAC Day. A plaque, which has been in our 5/6 garden, will be relocated to this new garden. This is a beautiful space for our students to enjoy with seats built in for quiet passive play or conversation. We have so many people to give recognition and thanks to including; The Buildings and Grounds Team, Tobruk House for allowing the team to complete the project, The Croydon Men’s Shed for creating the sign,  Wayne Melven for installing the sign.
Principal`s Report, Warrandyte Primary School, 16 May 2019. 
 

Location

Address:	Forbes Street, Warrandyte Primary School, Warrandyte, 3113
State:	VIC
Area:	AUS
GPS Coordinates:	Lat: -37.742594 Long: 145.213861 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.

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Details

Monument Type:	Garden
Monument Theme:	Conflict
Sub-Theme:	WW2
Actual Event Start Date:	11-April-1941
Actual Event End Date:	10-December-1941

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:	Thursday 25th April, 2019

Source: MA