HomeThingsThe Siege of Tobruk Cross

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.

Sources

Australian War Memorial, ‘Article – The Great Siege’, Accessed 17 August 2018.

Returned & Services League of Australia SA Branch, ‘Adelaide M04e The Siege of Tobruk Commemorative Cross*’, RSL Virtual War Memorial, Accessed 17 August 2018.


0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Add your comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments