Tobruk
by Peter FitzSimons
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Description
In the early days of April 1941, the 14,000 Australian forces garrisoned in the Libyan town of Tobruk were told to expect reinforcements and supplies within eight weeks... Eight months later these heroic, gallant, determined 'Rats of Tobruk' were rescued by the British Navy having held the fort against the might of Rommel's never-before defeated Afrika Corps. Like Gallipoli and Kokoda, the siege of Tobruk is an iconic battle in Australia's military history. Under ceaseless attack from show more Rommel's men, the Australian defence held strong.In Tobruk, Peter FitzSimons relates the personal histories and stories not only of the men who defended the garrison against the German onslaught but of the Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel, and the powers back in both Berlin and Britain. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
The book is based on the siege of Tobruk in World War 2 from an Australian perspective. It focuses on the trials and tribulations of the soldier on the front line, defending against the might of the German Army under the command of General Irwin Rommel of the Africa Korps.
The book is a must read for anyone interested in World War 2 and for those that appreciate the strength of character and bravery of the men and women on both sides.
Peter FitzSimons expresses himself in true 'Aussie' fashion which gives the book a unique flavour and 'down to earth' feel.
The book is a must read for anyone interested in World War 2 and for those that appreciate the strength of character and bravery of the men and women on both sides.
Peter FitzSimons expresses himself in true 'Aussie' fashion which gives the book a unique flavour and 'down to earth' feel.
A great book. Shines a light on Australia's relationship with Britain. (Not a friendly one at times).
Can't say more. This will spark an interest in this theatre of operations and the reader MUST prepare the ground with Osprey Publishing books beforehand. Focus on the British offensives in particular. Rommel and the Germans are treated with sympathy (right word?) and FitzSimons saves his disdain for the Italiens. This is a man who won't drive a Ferrari!
Can't say more. This will spark an interest in this theatre of operations and the reader MUST prepare the ground with Osprey Publishing books beforehand. Focus on the British offensives in particular. Rommel and the Germans are treated with sympathy (right word?) and FitzSimons saves his disdain for the Italiens. This is a man who won't drive a Ferrari!
Well researched both military and the human factor from troups interviews and diaries from both sides.
A good description of the battles and what the troups went thru. So flat the landscape any mound was a strategic importance. The night raids must have saped the enemies moral
A good description of the battles and what the troups went thru. So flat the landscape any mound was a strategic importance. The night raids must have saped the enemies moral
After the disaster of Anzac Cove it is a wonder that any Australian politician has allowed our soldiers to serve under foreign generals.
Fitzsimons has done a good job, describing geopolitics and its impact on individuals and their families.
Who knows that the first reversal to the German fortunes in WW2 were at the hands of the Australians?
Fitzsimons has done a good job, describing geopolitics and its impact on individuals and their families.
Who knows that the first reversal to the German fortunes in WW2 were at the hands of the Australians?
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Author Information
48+ Works 3,401 Members
Peter John FitzSimons is an Australian journalist and writer, born on June 29, 1961 in Wahroonga, New South Wales. He studied government and political science at the University of Sydney and earned a degree in arts. In the 1980s to 2010 he played rugby. For two years (2006-2008) he was a radio co-host with Mike Carlton of the Breakfast with Mike show more and Fitz show. He is journalist with the Sydney Morning Herald and Sun-Herald. His twenty-seven books include Tobruk, Kokoda, Charles Kingsford Smith and Those Magnificent Men, A Simpler Time, Mawson, Batavia, Eureka: The Unfinished Revolution, Ned Kelly, Gallipoli, Fromelles and Pozieres: In the Trenches of Hell, and has written seven biographies. Victory at Villers-Bretonneux was published in November 2016. The Great Aussie Bloke Slim-Down is his most recent bestseller. (Bowker Author Biography) show less
Common Knowledge
- Important places
- Africa; North Africa; Libya; Tobruk, Libya
- Important events
- World War II (1939 | 1945); North African Campaign (1940-06-10 | 1943-05-13); Battle of Tobruk (1941)
Classifications
- Genres
- History, Nonfiction, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 940.54231 — History & geography History of Europe History of Europe 1918- Military history of World War II Campaigns and battles by theatre
- LCC
- D766.93 .F58 — History of Europe, Asia, Africa and Oceania History (General) World War II (1939-1945)
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 250
- Popularity
- 130,404
- Reviews
- 4
- Rating
- (4.17)
- Languages
- English, French, Polish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 22
- ASINs
- 6
