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World War 2, North Africa, Libya, Capture of Tobruk, 6 Division, WX2810 COWLEY, 2/7 Field Ambulance, 1941

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Overview

Italian Red Cross Arm Band signed souvenir acquired by WX2810 Sergeant Kenneth Cowley, 2/7 Field Ambulance on 21 January 1941

Historical information

The capture of Tobruk between 21 and 22 January 1941, was part of Operation Compass, the first offensive of the Western Desert Force (WDF) in the Western Desert Campaign . After defeating the Italians in the Battle of Bardia (3–5 January 1941), the 6th Australian Division and the 7th Armoured Division pressed on and made contact with the Italian garrison in Tobruk on 6 January.
The Italians had fortified Tobruk but after being routed in earlier battles had lost eight of its nine divisions and had only the 61st Infantry Division "Sirte" and stragglers to defend the port. The Tobruk garrison suffered 2,048 casualties and 20,000 men were taken prisoner for 400 Australian and British casualties.

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cwa-org-32-51-088

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Last modified

Monday, 8 September, 2025

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Australian Army Museum of Western Australia