Praise for the Rats
The 9th Division paid a high price for holding Tobruk...suffering 3,164 casualties including 650 killed, 1,597 wounded and just under 1000 captured.
As they prepared to leave Tobruk , the 9th Division received congratulatory messages for their sacrifices and a job well done.
See below:
As they prepared to leave Tobruk , the 9th Division received congratulatory messages for their sacrifices and a job well done.
See below:
King George VI
Prime Minister Robert Menzies
General Sir Thomas Blamey
On 3 August 1943 the Australian Prime Minister, John Curtin, announced the institution of the Africa Star
(pictured right) and the 1939-1943 Star. The new medals are " In commemoration of expulsion of the enemy from North Africa and to recognize services rendered in operations during the first four years of the war." |