Why were the Australian soldiers referred to as rats and by whom?
Origins of the name The propagandist for Germany, William Joyce, better known as “Lord Haw-Haw”, began describing the besieged men as living like rats in underground dug-outs and caves. In radio broadcasts, he derisively referred to and addressed the garrison as the “rats of Tobruk”.
Why are the Rats of Tobruk have such an important place in Australian military history?
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”.
Are there any Rats of Tobruk still alive?
Today, out of 14,000 Aussie Rats that held Tobruk against Rommel’s forces 78 years ago, only around 30 are still alive to tell the story.
Who Labelled the Australian troops the Rats of Tobruk?
Aussies took on ‘desert rats’ label with pride The Germans described the Australians as “desert rats” and the diggers adopted that label with pride. Tobruk veteran Joe Madeley said about 800 Australians were killed in the siege and many more were injured, but he harboured no hatred for his foe.
Why were the Desert Rats so called?
Nickname. The first divisional commander, Major-General Percy Hobart, found inspiration in the pet jerboa, or “desert rat” of Rea Leakey, then GSO 3 Intelligence. Hobart took to the animal and decided to adopt “The Desert Rats” as a nickname for the division.
Who named Desert Rats?
Gen. Allen Francis Harding
Desert Rats, byname of the 7th Armoured Division, group of British soldiers who helped defeat the Germans in North Africa during World War II. The Desert Rats, led by Gen. Allen Francis Harding, were especially noted for a hard-fought three-month campaign against the more-experienced German Afrika Korps, led by Gen.
Who started the Desert Rats?
The Desert Rats, led by Gen. Allen Francis Harding, were especially noted for a hard-fought three-month campaign against the more-experienced German Afrika Korps, led by Gen. Erwin Rommel (“The Desert Fox”). John Harding, Baron Harding of Petherton, sculpture at the Somerset County Museum, Taunton, Eng.
Is Desert Rats a true story?
History. The film is based on the Australian 9th Division, who were charged with the defence of Tobruk under the command of General Leslie Morshead. Hoping to survive against overwhelming odds for two months, the garrison held off the best of Rommel’s Afrika Korps for over eight months.
Why were they called the ‘rats of Tobruk’?
Why were they called the ‘Rats of Tobruk? Lord Haw-Haw derisively referred to the Garrison as “poor desert rats of Tobruk” during radio broadcasts. The defenders dug extensive tunnel networks and shelters to supplement their trenches The Australians tended to counterattack to gather equipment as soon as the enemy was routed.
Where did the name of the Tobruk garrison come from?
Origins of the name. In German propaganda radio broadcasts, Lord Haw-Haw derisively referred to and addressed the garrison as the “rats of Tobruk”.
What was it like to be an Australian in Tobruk?
Although as their name was “The Rats of Tobruk,” the young aussies would steal the Italians weapons, and sometimes even their wine. The Australians were very tough and resourceful. What were the conditions/environment like?
How many Australian soldiers were killed in Tobruk?
Between April and August 1941, around 14,000 Australian soldiers were besieged in Tobruk by a German–Italian army commanded by General Erwin Rommel.