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DESCENDANTS OF THE rats of tobruk australia Association inc
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© Copyright 2023 Descendants of the Rats of Tobruk Association Inc
THE RATS REFERENCE LIBRARY - UNIT HISTORIES
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.
THAT MAGNIFICENT 9TH
This is a visual history of the men who fought in the 9th Division, the most famous Australian division of World War II. Many never before published photographs, some from veterans' private collections, illustrate dramatic and moving stories of Tobruk, El Alamein, New Guinea and Borneo.
The 9th Division gained renown as 'Rats of Tobruk' in 1941, were eulogised as 'that magnificent 9th' by General Montgomery after the battle of El Alamein in 1942, and drew praise from their formidable opponent, Field Marshal Rommel. On the eve of the D-day landing in Normandy, Montgomery's chief-of-staff said, 'My God, I wish we had 9th Australian Division with us this morning, don't you?'
In 1943, the Division joined the war against Japan. It served with distinction in New Guinea - undertaking the largest amphibious landing by Australian forces since Gallipoli - and in two controversial campaigns in Borneo.
That Magnificent 9th is much more than a collection of fine photographs. Together with expert commentary on the illustrations, it provides the first narrative history of the Division's entire wartime experience. It also presents, for the first time, detailed tables showing the 9th's commanders, casualties and awards for bravery.
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
The 9th Division gained renown as 'Rats of Tobruk' in 1941, were eulogised as 'that magnificent 9th' by General Montgomery after the battle of El Alamein in 1942, and drew praise from their formidable opponent, Field Marshal Rommel. On the eve of the D-day landing in Normandy, Montgomery's chief-of-staff said, 'My God, I wish we had 9th Australian Division with us this morning, don't you?'
In 1943, the Division joined the war against Japan. It served with distinction in New Guinea - undertaking the largest amphibious landing by Australian forces since Gallipoli - and in two controversial campaigns in Borneo.
That Magnificent 9th is much more than a collection of fine photographs. Together with expert commentary on the illustrations, it provides the first narrative history of the Division's entire wartime experience. It also presents, for the first time, detailed tables showing the 9th's commanders, casualties and awards for bravery.
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/1st - THE PIONEERS
This official history of the 2/1st Pioneer Battalion (The Pioneers: The Story of 2/1st Australian Pioneer battalion, 2nd A.I.F. 1940-1946) was published in 1988 by MD Herron under the auspices of the Association with ISBN 0 7316 2145X.
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
ON TARGET
Unit History of 2-3rd Light Anti Aircraft Regiment
2/3rd ATR - TARGET TANK
The detailed history of 2/3 Australian Tank Attack Regiment.
Author: Jack Argent
Quite scarce with dust cover intact but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author: Jack Argent
Quite scarce with dust cover intact but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
2/5th FIELD AMBULANCE HISTORY
The detailed history of the 2/5th Australian Field Ambulance during World War 2 – 1939 to 1945. A scarce publication with a small print run.
Author Lloyd Tann
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author Lloyd Tann
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
2/9th - NEVER LATE
This book tells of one of the finest battalions of the Second AIF. Formed in 1939 the 2/9th was the first battalion raised in Queensland.
Author Gordon Dickens
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author Gordon Dickens
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/10th - PURPLE AND BLUE
The detailed history of the 2/10th Battalion from its formation in SA through to Borneo in 1945.
Author Frank Allchin
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author Frank Allchin
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/12th Fld Regt. - GUNFIRE
A detailed illustrated history of the 2/12th Australian Field Regiment during World War 2.
Author: Max Parsons
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author: Max Parsons
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
2/12th - OF STORMS & RAINBOWS
The 2 volume history of the 2/12th Battalion during World War Two. Volume 1 of the 2/12th Battalion AIF covers the period October 1939 – March 1942. Volume 2 continues the story from March 1942 – January 1946
Author: A. L. Graeme-Evans
Very scarce supply but occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: A. L. Graeme-Evans
Very scarce supply but occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/13th - BAYONETS ABROAD
A History of the 2/13th Battalion Second AIF during the Second World War
Author Fearnside, Lt G. H. (ed.)
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author Fearnside, Lt G. H. (ed.)
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2-13th - PICTORIAL HISTORY OF 2/13th
A Pictorial History of the 2/13th Australian Infantry Battalion A.I.F. From photographs supplied by members of the 2/13th Battalion.
Author: Ralph Mason
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author: Ralph Mason
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
2-15th - LET ENEMIES BEWARE
This is a history of the 2/15th Battalion, written by those who experienced it. Maps, photographs and nominal roll and honour rolls are all included to make this the definitive history of this battalion.
Author: R. Austin
Occassionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: R. Austin
Occassionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/17th - WHAT WE HAVE ... WE HOLD
A History of the 2/17th Australian Infantry Battalion 1940 – 45.
Includes – Nominal roll showing KIA & WIA, honours and awards.
Author: 2/17 Battalion History Committee
Quite rare as a First Edition but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Includes – Nominal roll showing KIA & WIA, honours and awards.
Author: 2/17 Battalion History Committee
Quite rare as a First Edition but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
2/23rd - MUD AND BLOOD
A detailed and concise history of the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion "Albury's Own".
Author: Pat Share
Occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Pat Share
Occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/24th - HISTORY OF 2/24TH
A history of the 2/24th Infantry Battalion.
The 2/24th suffered more battle casualties than any other Second AIF Battalion.
Author R P Serle
The 2/24th suffered more battle casualties than any other Second AIF Battalion.
Author R P Serle
2/28th - THE SECOND 28TH
The story of the 2/28th Australian Infantry Battalion in World War II. With a foreword by Hon. Michael Jeffery
Author Philip Masel
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author Philip Masel
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
2/32nd - BRITAIN TO BORNEO
The detailed history of the 2/32nd Infantry Battalion. An exceptionally rare book and one of the most scarcest World War 2 infantry unit history books.
Author: Syd Trigellis-Smith
Very rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author: Syd Trigellis-Smith
Very rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
2/43rd - SECOND 43RD
A comprehensive history of the 2/43rd Australian Infantry Battalion, 1940-1946
Authors Combe, Ligertwood & Gilchrist
Occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Authors Combe, Ligertwood & Gilchrist
Occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/43rd - DESERT SAND & JUNGLE GREEN
A Pictorial History of the 2/43rd Australian Infantry Battalion (Ninth Division) in the Second World War, 1939 – 1945
Author: Geoffrey Boss-Walker
Occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Geoffrey Boss-Walker
Occasionally available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
2/48th - TOBRUK TO TARAKAN
The history of the 2/48th Infantry Battalion during World War 2. The most highly decorated unit of the Second A.I.F.
Author John G. Glenn
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author John G. Glenn
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
7TH DIV AASC - SUPPLY COLUMN AT WAR
A History of the 7th Division Supply Column Australian Army Service Corps 1940 – 1945
Author: E T Lynes
Sometimes becomes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: E T Lynes
Sometimes becomes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
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