Rats Of Tobruk Remembered

A biennial commemoration of the siege of Tobruk was held at the Rats of Tobruk Memorial in Queens Park last Tuesday, August 30.

Four schools, Mackay North State School, St Patrick’s College, Victoria Park State School and Whitsunday Anglican School, assist in organising the Rats of Tobruk Commemoration Ceremony each year.

“These schools, they do a rotation each year, different schools prepare and deliver the service and we (RSL Mackay Subbranch) support it along with descendants of Rats of Tobruk,” said RSL Mackay Subbranch President Ken Higgins.

Wreaths were laid by the RSL, descendants and representatives from each of the schools.

2022 marks 81 years since Australia’s first major battle in the second world war.

The three Australian services were continuously in action throughout 1941 as their actions and campaigns were fought in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Australia’s troops led a series of impressive Commonwealth successes against the Italians in Libya, but the rapid German defences quickly reversed these victories.

All that stopped the Germans march on Egypt was the defiant garrison of 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.

Living in dugouts, caves and crevices, the soldiers endured the desert’s searing heat, bitterly cold nights and hellish dust storms.

The determination, bravery and humour of the men became the source of inspiration during some of the war’s darkest days, achieving lasting fame as the Rats of Tobruk.

“It’s a story that we admire, a history that we admire as veterans,” said Mr Higgins.

The Rats of Tobruk memorial was unveiled in Queens Park on March 4, 2001, displaying and honouring names of 120 of the defenders of Tobruk.

“It was a great thing because Mackay’s a big town and these memorials are a memorial to remember the sacrifice that these guys and girls made all those years ago,” said Mr Higgins.

“It’s up to us veterans and ex-service organisations to continue that push to make sure that they’re never forgotten.”

Victoria Park School

hitsunday Anglican School

St. Patrick’s College

North Mackay State School

Front L-R: Judy Stewart, Marian Delaney, Jo Williams, Margret Hall, Back L-R: Ian Dean, Col Benson, Steve Haidle, Ken Higgins OAM, Robert Begozzi

Mackay North State School students paying respect

Victoria Park State School students paying respect

Whitsunday Anglican School students paying respect. Photos supplied: Graham Jackson

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