C.“THE RATS OF TOBRUK”
This nickname was given in particular by
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel to the
‘Diggers’ of the
9th Australian Division (plus one brigade of the 7th) as well as other
British, Polish and
Indian units defending the besieged Libyan port city of
Tobruk.
The siege began in April 1941 and lasted until almost December of that same year.
‘ORIGINS OF THE NAME’
The mainly Australian garrison was extremely adept at utilizing captured enemy equipment and would go out of their way, after every enemy assault, to go forward into the battlefield at night to recover as much as they could that might be reusable.
At the same time the Tobruk defenders dug an extensive network of tunnels and shelters to supplement their trenches... and used them frequently when under heavy bombardment.
‘Lord Haw-Haw’, the British traitor and German propagandist took up Rommel’s description dismissing the garrison as
‘the miserable desert rats of Tobruk’...
The defenders thereafter adopted the title with pride!!!
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ABOUT THE SETS
The original idea for these sets came from a pair of Australian collectors attending the
K&C Evening organized by
Peter Nathan of
Elite Military Miniatures in Sydney earlier this year. As soon as I heard the idea, I loved it and so, here it is!
EA124 “Trench & Riflemen”
Two Australian
’Diggers’ watch over their sand-bagged trench
.303 Lee Enfield rifles at the ready.
EA125 “Trench & Bren Gun Team”
As one Aussie scans the horizon for any sign of enemy activity his mate
‘mans’ the trusty
Bren Light Machine Gun.
EA126 “Trench & ‘BOYS’ Anti-Tank Rifle”
One more Australian infantryman together with his
‘BOYS Anti Tank Rifle’ takes aim at an approaching enemy vehicle.
Although adequate against light tanks and armoured cars in the early part of the war the
‘BOYS’ was ineffective against heavier armour. It was phased out by mid war... but still in use at the time of Tobruk.
EA127 “Defense Under Fire”
Three lying-prone Aussies taking cover from enemy artillery and mortar fire.
EA128 “Kneeling Rifleman”
One more very useful Australian infantryman with his .303 Lee Enfield.
AVAILABLE: Mid November
In fact, I'll tell you what: I've been waiting for your answer but... it doesn't matter now! :smile2: So, I hope to see you next year in Milan. 
