During
the Second World War (1939-45) Tobruk was a pivotal supply base for the
North African campaign. Despite heavy Italian fortification it was
captured in January 1941 by British and Australian forces. The Germans
entered the campaign 10 weeks later and forced the British back into
Egypt. Meanwhile in Tobruk a garrison of Australian infantry and British
forces including artillery and tanks stood firm but isolated. During the
siege from 9 April to 7 December 1941 the repeated German and Italian
attacks upon the 48 kilometre semicircular perimeter, had only very
limited success. This was the first major German defeat of the war.
Life was harsh for the men of both sides, they
suffered extreme temperatures in a flat, barren and exposed landscape
with a limited water supply. The British and Australian navies supplied
the garrison and in august brought valiant polish reinforcements.
The siege of Tobruk is part of modern day
Libya's rich history, for the allied nations a shining example of
courage, endurance and comradeship against overwhelming odds.
