Please be advised: this website contains the names, images and voices of people who are now deceased.

Collections WA has a responsibility to preserve and make accessible the history and culture of Western Australia in all its various forms. The intention of Collections WA is to support research, and to reveal actions of the past that have impacted upon communities, families, and individuals.

In doing so, Collections WA acknowledges the need to respond sensitively and appropriately in cases when accessing this material may be confronting to Aboriginal visitors and clients.

Please also note: Some historical materials within this portal may include language or opinions that today are considered inappropriate or even offensive. Collections WA does not endorse this language and apologises for any distress caused.

Continue

Continue showing cultural advice

Stop showing cultural advice

Collections WA brings together collections from libraries, galleries, museums, archives, historical societies, cultural organisations, community groups and other collecting organisations across Western Australia.

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 2, North Africa, Libya, Tobruk, 2/11 Battalion, 1942

« Prev Item Next Item »

1942

Overview

Large group of Prisioners of War moving to prison camp near Tobruk

Historical information

Tobruk is a Mediterranean port with an excellent deep-water harbour. During World War 2, as a supply hub, it was important to both Allied and Axis forces. In January 1941, it was captured from the Italians by General Wavell's forces which included the Australian 6 Division. When Rommel drove across Cyrenaica towards Suez in April 1941, it was essential that Tobruk be held. The main infantry component of the defending force was the Australian 9th Division and 18 Brigade from 7th Division. Tobruk was surrounded and besieged from 11 April to 10 December 1941, when the Axis forces were driven back.
Many of the Australian defenders had been relieved during August and September 1941 but 2/13 Battalion remained throughout the siege.

Details

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-P1991.81.4o

Item type

Themes

War and Conflict
War and Conflict > World War 2

Year

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Organisation Details
View Collection
Item Feedback

Other items from Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

Media Reuse | View Full Size | Item Feedback

Scan this QR code to open this page on your phone ->

Full size unavailable (you're already seeing this image in its highest resolution available on Collections WA)

Loading...