DESCENDANTS OF THE rats of tobruk australia Association inc
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THE RATS REFERENCE LIBRARY - tobruk & other stories
There have been many books written about the Siege, some no longer in print unfortunately.
But there are also some recent publications well worth trying to get your hands on to learn more about our brave Rats of Tobruk.
Whilst this is not a complete list we will keep updating these page as we come across both old and new.
Click the book image for more details about the book and where it may be purchased or where to start looking for a copy.
‘calmness and outstanding leadership’ when his platoon
became surrounded at a critical point in the siege of
Tobruk. He led the defence of several vital outposts against
numerous attacks by the troops of General Rommel. His son
Mike has written not only a touching tribute to his father’s
war service but also a perceptive and stylish account of the
soldiering experience of a generation.
A Rat of Tobruk has many fascinating photographs
– mainly taken by John Rosel –and is recommended to
anyone interested in the Australian soldiers who risked all
while making a substantial contribution to Allied victory in
World War II.
– Dr Mark Johnston, historian
annexure to the 2/24th Infantry Battalion History.
Author R P Serle
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Auhtor John Mackenzie-Smith
Author: Margery McDonald Smith
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: by Olof Hedley Isaksson
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
The book has illustrated biographies of doctors who served during the Second World War. The fourth volume in the series Australian Doctors at War, covers the Allied campaigns in North Africa and Syria until the Battle of Alamein, operations in Malaya until the Fall of Singapore, and the expeditionary forces sent by Australia to New Britain, New Ireland, Timor, Ambon, New Caledonia, Nauru and Ocean Island. Contains over 700 biographies of medical officers who signed up for the Australian Armed Forces from 1939–1942.
Author: Colonel R. Likeman CSM
Currently available from booksellers and dealers.
Author: Bill Spencer
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Jock Watt
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author Michael Gladwin
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Frank Rolleston
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: J C Salter
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author Ken Joyce DCM MID
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author : Ruper Goodman AM
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Ion Idress
Still available in print from major booksellers and sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author : Patsy Adam-Smith
Available online from second-hand dealers and possibly eBay.
Escapes were mostly easy but freedom was vexed. The ultimate challenge for escaped POWs was to navigate and to outlive the volatile context of post-armistice Italy beyond their prison camps. Wearing uniforms or a motley clash of civilian cast-off clothing, escapers had a price on their heads as they headed north towards alpine passes and neutral Swiss territory, or as they wandered in search of advancing Allied Lines in south Italy. During their treks through mountains, valleys and 'freedom trails', Australians teamed up with New Zealand, British and South African POWs to dodge German and fascist militia and to take up arms with fledgling Resistance brigades. Not all escaped POWs survived.
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PO Box 3389
VICTORIA POINT WEST Qld 4165
Australia
This website and the information it contains would not be possible without the work of our many researchers behind the scenes, descendants and friends of the Rats. Special mention to Owen Carlton and Roger Murphy who have tirelessly worked for years verifying and documenting the Rats roll, our descendant Ray Windlow for his on-going work creating the tributes and store products for the Association, and others too many to mention who work towards keeping this story alive for the benefit of future generations. Much of the information reproduced has been sourced from the Australian War Memorial records, Battalion records, private memoirs, NAA and DVA service records and online documentation on events, places and people. All attempts possible have been made to verify its correctness and that due credit is acknowledged where known to the source.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY STATEMENT -
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