Rats of Tobruk

Between April and August 1941, around 14,000 Australian soldiers were besieged in the port of Tobruk by the Afrika Korps, a German-Italian army commanded by General Erwin Rommel. The garrison, under the command of Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, consisted of the 9th Australian Division, the 18th Brigade of the 7th Australian Division and other British and Commonwealth forces.  Originally instructed to hold the fortress for two months to allow the Western Desert Force to reorganise, the soldiers' determination, bravery, humour and aggressive defence strategy saw them endure much longer, and the Rats of Tobruk achieved lasting respect and fame.