THE RATS OF TOBRUK
- introduction activity
When did the battle take place?
The battle took place in Tobruk, North Africa in 1941. It began in April and ended in November.
Why was this an important destination?
The Germans wanted the land of Tobruk because it had a deep canal that ran all the way from Tobruk to Caro, a town that was perfect for trading. The allies (Australians, British, French, USA, Russia) were fighting the axis power (Germane, Turkish, Portuguese, Italian) so that the Germans would not win the valuable land.
Which countries were involved?
Australia, Brittan, France, USA and Russia (allies) vs Germany, Turkey, Portugal and Italy (axis power). The war in Tobruk lasted 8 long months although in the end, the allies won. 559 men died and over 2 and a half thousand were wounded. The young Australians fought hard, not allowing the Germans to win the land. This war was a major turning point in World War 2.
What weapons were involved?
British tanks, guns, and aeroplanes. As the Australian soldiers were extremely outnumbered, it also meant that they had less weapons than their enemy. Although as their name was “The Rats of Tobruk,” the young aussies would steal the Italians weapons, and sometimes even their wine. The Australians were very tough and resourceful.
What were the conditions/environment like?
The terrain in North Africa whilst World War 2 occurred was a desert that consisted of blazing hot conditions in the day time and freezing cold nights. They were very challenging towards the soldiers.
What was the food like?
Just like you wouldn’texpect at any war, the Rats of Tobruk had no luxuries. They had minimal food which would have been mostly tinned or canned.
Why were they called the 'Rats of Tobruk'?
Many of the young Australian soldiers who fought in the war in Tobruk did not know what they were getting themselves into. They saw it as an opportunity to travel and see the world. They were unprepared and had little weapons. The Australians were very determined and known as the boys from the bush. They made new supplies out of everything they found. They were clever, resourceful and weren’t afraid to steal from their enemies. The Axis Power named them the Rats of Tobruk because of their attitudes. This only motivated them.
Write a brief summary of what happened.
The war began on April 10th, 1941. It was caused by the Germans wanting to own the land on Tobruk, North Africa. They wanted a town named Caro, it had a deep canal that ran all the way into the town, and they believed that it would be perfect for trading. There were two different teams, the allies and the axis power. The war lasted 8 months in the terrible desert conditions of North Africa. In the end, the allies won, not allowing the Germans to own the land. The war ended on November 27th, 1941.
The battle took place in Tobruk, North Africa in 1941. It began in April and ended in November.
Why was this an important destination?
The Germans wanted the land of Tobruk because it had a deep canal that ran all the way from Tobruk to Caro, a town that was perfect for trading. The allies (Australians, British, French, USA, Russia) were fighting the axis power (Germane, Turkish, Portuguese, Italian) so that the Germans would not win the valuable land.
Which countries were involved?
Australia, Brittan, France, USA and Russia (allies) vs Germany, Turkey, Portugal and Italy (axis power). The war in Tobruk lasted 8 long months although in the end, the allies won. 559 men died and over 2 and a half thousand were wounded. The young Australians fought hard, not allowing the Germans to win the land. This war was a major turning point in World War 2.
What weapons were involved?
British tanks, guns, and aeroplanes. As the Australian soldiers were extremely outnumbered, it also meant that they had less weapons than their enemy. Although as their name was “The Rats of Tobruk,” the young aussies would steal the Italians weapons, and sometimes even their wine. The Australians were very tough and resourceful.
What were the conditions/environment like?
The terrain in North Africa whilst World War 2 occurred was a desert that consisted of blazing hot conditions in the day time and freezing cold nights. They were very challenging towards the soldiers.
What was the food like?
Just like you wouldn’texpect at any war, the Rats of Tobruk had no luxuries. They had minimal food which would have been mostly tinned or canned.
Why were they called the 'Rats of Tobruk'?
Many of the young Australian soldiers who fought in the war in Tobruk did not know what they were getting themselves into. They saw it as an opportunity to travel and see the world. They were unprepared and had little weapons. The Australians were very determined and known as the boys from the bush. They made new supplies out of everything they found. They were clever, resourceful and weren’t afraid to steal from their enemies. The Axis Power named them the Rats of Tobruk because of their attitudes. This only motivated them.
Write a brief summary of what happened.
The war began on April 10th, 1941. It was caused by the Germans wanting to own the land on Tobruk, North Africa. They wanted a town named Caro, it had a deep canal that ran all the way into the town, and they believed that it would be perfect for trading. There were two different teams, the allies and the axis power. The war lasted 8 months in the terrible desert conditions of North Africa. In the end, the allies won, not allowing the Germans to own the land. The war ended on November 27th, 1941.