By Hannah McNamara
If there’s one thing Australians are known for, it’s their unshakeable determination and might in the face of adversity. Eighty-three years ago, Aussie soldiers fought on the frontline of Tobruk during World War II in 1941. Though Nazi propaganda attempted to belittle them by calling them the ‘Rats of Tobruk,’ these soldiers carried the name with an inspiring sense of pride.
Living in underground dugouts and tunnels, they endured relentless bombardments, dust storms, and dwindling supplies – yet they refused to surrender. Instead, they wore the title as a badge of courage, resistance, and resilience.
Now, four local schools gather each year at Queens Park, Mackay, to commemorate the heroes who served and ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten. Students from St Patrick’s College, Victoria Park State School, Mackay North State School, and Whitsunday Anglican School proudly honour their legacy.
Mayor Greg Williamson reflected on the significance of the occasion, standing before the Tobruk monument replica.
"It's eighty-three years ago that the battle took place… and here we are in Mackay standing before a replica of the Tobruk monument, which is in the cemetery of Tobruk,” he said.
“For 25 years now, students of the Rats of Tobruk schools in Mackay have come together to make this occasion very, very special.”
Drawing a powerful connection between past and present, Mayor Williamson noted that the courage of these soldiers continues to inspire today’s Australian Defence Force members.
“Just as they stood firm against terror, their courage and commitment continue to inspire serving men and women in Australia's military forces today.
“They lived in dugouts in the ground. They sheltered under whatever they could get, as the propaganda said, like rats in the night.”
Despite these conditions, the soldiers refused to be broken. In a true act of defiance, they even fashioned their own medals from captured German aircraft parts.
“That resilience, that determination, that bravery, is something that modern Australian soldiers, sailors, and airmen and women emulate today,” he said.
Most importantly, Mayor Williamson emphasised the duty of all Australians to honour this legacy for generations to come.
"What we must do to find that respect is ensure that their legacy is never forgotten."
Lest We Forget
Mackay students gathered to honour the courage and legacy of the Rats of Tobruk, whose resilience in WWII continues to inspire generations. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara
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