In the early days of April 1941, the 14,000 Australian forces garrisoned in the Libyan town of Tobruk were told to expect reinforcement and supplies within eight weeks...
Eight months later, these heroic, gallant, determined 'Rats of Tobruk' were rescued by the British Navy having held the fort against the might of Rommel's never–before–defeated Afrika Corps.
Like Gallipoli and Kokoda, the Siege of Tobruk is an iconic battle in Australia's military history. Under ceaseless attack from Rommel's men, the Australian defense held strong.
In TOBRUK, Peter FitzSimons relates the personal histories and stories not only of the men who defended the garrison against the German onslaught but of The Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel, and the powers back in both Berlin and Britain.
JS
I have just finished reading this book and found it to be a great read, it puts you right in the battle beside the Aussie heroes who were there, you battle with them, cry with them and come to understand just why they were so revered. I like the way the author, Peter Fitzsimons, has included in this book the actions of the Gemans also fighting this battle, it is the first book that I have read where they are treated as humans and not just as Nazis, they were just soldiers doing what they were told to do. Erwin Rommel was a master in his field but he came across his nemisis in Tobruk, in General Morshead, a truly remarkable Australian. Thank you Peter Fitzsimons on a terrific read and a greater understanding of this battle, I cannot wait until Batavia comes out in paperback.
Guest, 25/06/2011
