The Siege of Tobruk Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Date: April 25, 1915
• Event: Landing of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps at Gallipoli
• Significance: Birth of Anzac traditions

Prelude to the Siege

• Libya's Historical Context:
  • Fertile coast, former granary of Rome
  • Roman cities were built along the coast
  • Mussolini's expansion dreams led to the Italian conquest of Libya
• Italian Colonization:
  • Establishment of towns like Tobruk
  • Italian flag over North African coast

The War in North Africa

• 1941 Events:
  • Australian troops capture Tobruk from Italian forces
  • Germans, under Rommel, push into Cyrenaica reaching the Egyptian border
  • British forces are forced to withdraw, leaving Tobruk to hold out

Defense of Tobruk

• Initial Defense:
  • 9th Australian Division and 18th Brigade reinforced to defend Tobruk
  • Defenses were inadequate (rusty barbed wire, half-filled anti-tank ditch)
• Siege Details:
  • Siege lasted 242 days
  • April 11, 1941: German-Italian army reaches Tobruk

Key Battles and Tactics

• Rommel's Assaults:
  • First assault thwarted by Australian infantry
  • Corporal Jack Edmondson earns Victoria Cross
  • Myth of German invincibility challenged
• Italian and German Tactics:
  • Italian forces show reluctance in fighting
  • Rommel employs blitzkrieg tactics

The Role of the Navy and Air Force

• Supply Lines:
  • Supplies delivered by sea from Alexandria
  • The lifeline kept open by Australian "scrap iron flotilla"
  • Heavy air attacks on supply routes

Life in Tobruk

• Conditions:
  • Harsh living conditions under constant bombardment
  • Water scarcity, reliance on sea water for washing
  • Daily vitamin and salt tablets to combat health issues
• Morale:
  • Soldier journalists publish the "Tobruk truth"
  • Faith and religion as sources of strength

Outcome and Impact

• Relief Efforts:
  • Australian troops gradually relieved
  • British and allied forces regain strength for counterattacks
• Breakout:
  • November 1941: Allied forces break out to join 8th Army
  • Australians play crucial role in final breakout

Conclusion

• End of the Siege: December 10, 1941
• Casualties: Over 3,200
• Legacy: The siege is remembered as a significant chapter in military history
• Honors: General Morshead knighted
• Enduring Name: Tobruk becomes a symbol of endurance and tenacity