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Rats of Tobruk Memorial, Canberra

5.0
#148 of 258 in Things to do in Canberra
Monument · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot
The Rats of Tobruk Memorial is on Anzac Parade, the principal ceremonial and memorial avenue of Canberra, Australia.

The German siege of the Libyan Mediterranean Sea port town of Tobruk began on 10 April 1941. After desperate fighting, most of the Australian forces were relieved by October 1941. However, the town was continuously contested until the Allied victory at El Alamein in 1942. The Allied defence of Tobruk lengthened German supply lines and diverted troops who might have been deployed against Allied troops elsewhere. This memorial commemorated the endurance of those who were besieged, who were given the honorific title, "Rats of Tobruk".

The memorial was unveiled on 13 April 1983 by the Governor-General of Australia, Sir Ninian Stephen.

A time capsule was laid at the memorial on 17 April 1991 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the siege of Tobruk, by Mr J.N. Madeley, the Federal President of the "Rats of Tobruk Association".
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Rats of Tobruk Memorial reviews

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  • By 619je
    This memorial to the Rats of Tobruk commemrates the men of Australia's 9th Divvision. The insulting term "Rats" became an honorific they wore with pride. The Rats of Tobruk Memorial is in ANZAC...  more »
  • By Robby G C
    The Australians were besieged in Tobruk.Libya in 1941. The Australian soldiers had made a memorial in the cemetery in Tobruk during the siege. It was eventually destroyed. They remade it, but now in.....  more »
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