The Rats of Tobruk

The Rats of Tobruk Association announced earlier this month that Thomas Pritchard, Australia's last "Rat of Tobruk", has died aged 102. 

"Tommy was a stalwart member of our association and a most humble veteran, having served with the 2/5th field ambulance throughout the Middle East and the South West Pacific," the association wrote in a post.

 

The Siege of Tobruk started on 10 April 1941 when the German and Italian forces under the command of Lieutenant General Erwin Rommel surrounded the Tobruk garrison which was being defended by British Commonwealth forces including more than 14,000 Australians, under the command of Major General Leslie Morshead.

Heavy fighting continued for 242 days.  It was an epic battle and despite heavy casualties, the Tobruk garrison was held.  Finally on 7 December 1941, Rommel was forced to abandon the siege.  It was one of the longest sieges in British military history and gave rise to the legend of the 'Rats of Tobruk'.

The Rats of Tobruk Association holds an Honour Roll which lists the Australian Rats of Tobruk.  The Roll was created by Owen Carlton, who dedicated many hours to examining service records and other documents to create the list.  I was honoured to find my great uncle David James Clark listed on the roll.