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DESCENDANTS OF THE rats of tobruk australia Association inc
THE RATS REFERENCE LIBRARY - tobruk & other stories
There have been many books written about the Siege, some no longer in print unfortunately.
But there are also some recent publications well worth trying to get your hands on to learn more about our brave Rats of Tobruk.
Whilst this is not a complete list we will keep updating these page as we come across both old and new.
Click the book image for more details about the book and where it may be purchased or where to start looking for a copy.
A Rat of Tobruk
Lieutenant John Rosel won a Military Cross for displaying
‘calmness and outstanding leadership’ when his platoon
became surrounded at a critical point in the siege of
Tobruk. He led the defence of several vital outposts against
numerous attacks by the troops of General Rommel. His son
Mike has written not only a touching tribute to his father’s
war service but also a perceptive and stylish account of the
soldiering experience of a generation.
A Rat of Tobruk has many fascinating photographs
– mainly taken by John Rosel –and is recommended to
anyone interested in the Australian soldiers who risked all
while making a substantial contribution to Allied victory in
World War II.
– Dr Mark Johnston, historian
‘calmness and outstanding leadership’ when his platoon
became surrounded at a critical point in the siege of
Tobruk. He led the defence of several vital outposts against
numerous attacks by the troops of General Rommel. His son
Mike has written not only a touching tribute to his father’s
war service but also a perceptive and stylish account of the
soldiering experience of a generation.
A Rat of Tobruk has many fascinating photographs
– mainly taken by John Rosel –and is recommended to
anyone interested in the Australian soldiers who risked all
while making a substantial contribution to Allied victory in
World War II.
– Dr Mark Johnston, historian
BOTH SIDES OF THE HILL
Originally accredited to anothe Unit, this is the account of the capture of Company 621 a German Wireless Intercept Unit by the 2/24th Infantry Battalion.
annexure to the 2/24th Infantry Battalion History.
Author R P Serle
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
annexure to the 2/24th Infantry Battalion History.
Author R P Serle
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
TOBRUK'S EASTER BATTLE 1941
The Forgotten 15th's date with Rommel's champion.
Auhtor John Mackenzie-Smith
Auhtor John Mackenzie-Smith
HALF A LIFE
Biography of QX8135 Private E.H. Snowy Roselt, who marched in the newly formed 2/15 Australian Infantry Battalion in June 1940, and was killed in action on August 31, 1941.
Author: Margery McDonald Smith
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Margery McDonald Smith
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
A TOBRUK RAT'S TALE
He was the first in the Australian Army to have risen from private to brigadier. This tale by one of those gallant Australians dubbed Rats of Tobruk by Nazi German propagandists includes a riveting account of Zak Isaksson's involvement as a member of the 2/48th battalion at Tobruk and El Alamein.
Author: by Olof Hedley Isaksson
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: by Olof Hedley Isaksson
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
THE THOUSAND DOORS
Australian Doctors at War Vol 4 The Middle East and Far East 1939 - 1942
The book has illustrated biographies of doctors who served during the Second World War. The fourth volume in the series Australian Doctors at War, covers the Allied campaigns in North Africa and Syria until the Battle of Alamein, operations in Malaya until the Fall of Singapore, and the expeditionary forces sent by Australia to New Britain, New Ireland, Timor, Ambon, New Caledonia, Nauru and Ocean Island. Contains over 700 biographies of medical officers who signed up for the Australian Armed Forces from 1939–1942.
Author: Colonel R. Likeman CSM
Currently available from booksellers and dealers.
The book has illustrated biographies of doctors who served during the Second World War. The fourth volume in the series Australian Doctors at War, covers the Allied campaigns in North Africa and Syria until the Battle of Alamein, operations in Malaya until the Fall of Singapore, and the expeditionary forces sent by Australia to New Britain, New Ireland, Timor, Ambon, New Caledonia, Nauru and Ocean Island. Contains over 700 biographies of medical officers who signed up for the Australian Armed Forces from 1939–1942.
Author: Colonel R. Likeman CSM
Currently available from booksellers and dealers.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GHOSTS
With the 2/9th Battalion in the African Desert and the Jungles of the Pacific
Author: Bill Spencer
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Bill Spencer
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
A TANKIE'S TRAVELS
World War II Experiences of a Former Member of the Royal Tank Regiment.
Author: Jock Watt
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Jock Watt
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
CAPTAINS OF THE SOUL
This book assesses the contribution of Australian Army chaplains in conflicts and peacekeeping missions, in barracks and among service families. Drawing on a wealth of original archival material and little known published sources, Captains of the Soul represents the first comprehensive account of Australian Army chaplains.
Author Michael Gladwin
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author Michael Gladwin
Often available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
NOT A CONQUERING HERO
Autobiographical story of a soldier of the 2/9th Battalion during World War II.
Author: Frank Rolleston
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: Frank Rolleston
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
A PADRE WITH THE RATS OF TORBUK
Based on a series of broadcast talks in Hobart, given by the author. No longer in print but available for viewing online at several location. (link available on full page display click to view)
Author: J C Salter
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
Author: J C Salter
Sometimes available online from second-hand dealers and eBay.
AS I SAW IT - 2/23rd Battalion
A brief history of the 2/23rd Infantry Battalion. The author was a decorated member of the battalion and records the battalion’s history and his experiences
Author Ken Joyce DCM MID
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
Author Ken Joyce DCM MID
Quite rare but occasionally shows up at second-hand dealers or eBay.
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