Rats of Tobruk 1941 https://cas.awm.gov.au/screen_img/009514 Australians standing by in a hot section of the front. 009514 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of Australia’s first major battles of the Second World War. These actions and campaigns were fought in the Middle East and the Mediterranean where the three Australian services were continuously in action throughout 1941. The second year of the war had begun with a series of impressive British and Commonwealth successes against the Italians in Libya. Australian troops led the advance. But a rapid German offensive quickly reversed these early victories. All that stopped the Germans’ march on Egypt was the defiant garrison at Tobruk. For eight long months, surrounded by German and Italian forces, the men of the Tobruk garrison, mostly Australians, withstood tank attacks, artillery barrages, and daily bombings. They endured the desert’s searing heat, the bitterly cold nights, and hellish dust storms. They lived in dug-outs, caves, and crevasses. The defenders of Tobruk did not surrender, they did not retreat. Their determination, bravery, and humour, combined with the aggressive tactics of their commanders, became a source of inspiration during some of the war’s darkest days. In so doing, they achieved lasting fame as the “Rats of Tobruk”. This special anniversary exhibition is on display in the Memorial until 16 November 2011. Exhibition dates 18 March 2011 - 16 November 2011 Rats of Tobruk 1941 | Australian War Memorial
Great exhibition, good on the Rats love this stuff. As a side note. is that a Thompson MG with a round magazine - I didn't think the military used round mags?
RDR, There must have been a stock of them as the Home Guard were issued with them and I remember a Propoganda photograph of Churchill holding a Thompson with Round magazine. A Wiki entry. Thompson submachine gun - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Regards Tom
RDR, There must have been a stock of them as the Home Guard were issued with them and I remember a Propoganda photograph of Churchill holding a Thompson with Round magazine. Regards Tom Yeah, I remember seeing the Churchill gangster pic in a few books. Didn't know the home guard had them as well, Pike pass the Thompson!
Great exhibition, good on the Rats love this stuff. As a side note. is that a Thompson MG with a round magazine - I didn't think the military used round mags? Photo from Timor 1942, the round magazine was the initial issue. http://cas.awm.gov.au/screen_img/013792
They manufactured quite a number of weapons during the 1920's 1930's which did not sell. They kept these in stock and they were possibly the first Thompsons sent out to Allied troops in 1940/1941 with box and round magazines. The round mags I imagine was at first thought to be a good idea (100 or 50 rounds) however as the link says they jammed and rattled making the round mag unsuitable for many situations during the war.
Will be having a look at this while in Canberra for the next few days. [FONT="]On now: Rats of Toburk 1941 2011 marks the 70th anniversary of Australia's first major battles of the Second World War. These actions and campaigns were fought in the Middle East and the Mediterranean where the three Australian services were continuously in action throughout 1941. Open until 16 November 2011 at the Australian War Memorial.[/FONT]
Stumbled across this web page this morning via another forum. It lists Australian personnel said to be Rats in alphabetical order: Australian Rats ( A to K ) - PDF Australian Rats ( L to Z ) - PDF
