Background of the Tobruk Siege
Due to its strategic positioning within a natural harbour, Italian forces had developed Tobruk into a modern day fortress after they had invaded Libya in 1911. During World War Two, Tobruk became a focus for the British Army, who had advanced on to Tobruk after defeating Italian forces in Bardia. Hitler countered by sending German forces in to support his Italian allies in February of 1941. On April 10th 1941, the Australian forces who had arrived in Tobruk only a few days earlier led an attack on the fortress with the support of British forces and an Indian regiment. By the next day, the fortress had been completely surrounded and the siege began. A gruelling 242 day battle ensued, with gains and losses of ground on both sides. Througout the Australian and British offensive, other forces joined the campaign, including Polish and Czechoslovakian troops and New Zealand forces. This fierce offensive eventually overcame the German and Italian forces, forcing them to abandon the siege. During the siege, over 4000 casualties resulted, most of whom were Australian. The commemorative cross honours 41 troops from across South Australia who were killed in battle during the siege.
Dedication of the memorial
The memorial was erected on the 9th of April 1978 and dedicated on the 19th of April 1978.
Style of the cross
The style of the cross is representative of the Celtic cross.
Engravings on the wooden cross
On the circular part of the cross
Tobruk Siege
10.4.1941 10.12.1941
At the centre of the cross
The Rats of Tobruk Association
On the horizontal beam of the cross
To those who fell
On the vertical beam of the cross
Erected 9.4.1978
Bronze plaques
Left plaque
Erected to the memory of those who paid the supreme sacrifice during the Seige of Tobruk
April to December 1941
and to those who have passed on since
Lest we forget
Dedicated 19th April 1978
Right plaque
Erected by Rats of Tobruk Association (S.A. State branch) inc.
Sculptor John Dowie
Location of the memorial
This memorial forms part of the National War Memorial located on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue in the city of Adelaide.
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