Australian Army Museum of Western Australia > Records

World War 2, North Africa, Libya, Tobruk, Surrender Leaflet, April - November 1941

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Overview

German propaganda leaflet dropped over Australian lines at Tobruk. The leaflet claims that Australian lives are being ruthlessly sacrificed, that England will be soon driven out of the Mediterranean, and that German dive-bombers are waiting to sink Australian transports.

Historical information

Between April and August 1941 around 14,000 Australian soldiers were besieged in Tobruk by a German–Italian army commanded by General Erwin Rommel. The garrison, commanded by Lieutenant General Leslie Morshead, consisted of the 9th Division (20th, 24th, and 26th Brigades), the 18th Brigade of the 7th Division, along with four regiments of British artillery and some Indian troops. Half the Australian garrison was relieved in August, the rest in September-October. However, 2/13 Battalion could not be evacuated and was still there when the siege was lifted on 10 December, the only unit present for the entire siege.
Australian casualties from the 9th Division from 8th April to 25th October numbered 749 killed, 1,996 wounded and 604 prisoners. The total losses in the 9th Division and attached troops from 1st March to 15th December amounted to 832 killed, 2,177 wounded and 941 prisoners.

Details

Registration number

cwa-org-32-53-246

Links to additional resources

Crete reprisal leaflet

Australian Army Museum of Western Australia

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