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Tobruk

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Tobruk

By: Peter FitzSimons
Narrated by: Humphrey Bower
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About this listen

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 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.

©2006 Peter FitzSimons. (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing Military World United States War Thought-Provoking Royal Navy Imperialism Royalty Holocaust King Interwar Period

Critic Reviews

"A thorough, highly-readable distillation of the overlooked Battle of Tobruk." (The Age)
"Gripping stuff." (The Sydney Morning Herald)
"FitzSimons presents the human face of those involved in the long, drawn out defence of Tobruk. An interesting and informative read." (aussiereviews.com)
"Tobruk comes to life in true FitzSimons style, evoking feelings and emotions of that time as well as the facts." (Brisbane News)
"Humphrey Bower succeeds expertly. His Australian accent and his comfort with the informal dialogue capture the tone of the narrative, and his German is completely convincing. It is difficult to imagine a narrator more ideally suited to a text." (AudioFile Magazine)

What listeners say about Tobruk

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Profile Image for Ben

amazing

amazing heroic story delivered in an edge of the seat manner. as always peter fitzsimmons presents an extremely well researched story which every aussie should be aware of

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Great book!

This book was great! Really well written and the narrator was excellent in really conveying the story. It was moving, at times sad, and with occasional hilarious anecdotes from the men who were there!

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Great read

Great book great narration good history and some fantastic study done for the work in this book

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Classic Peter fitzsimons

Yet again I thought I knew lots about this and then discovered a whole lot more and brought to life with Peter’s great writing.

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Very detailed history scoop of Tobruk siege

Why did it have to finish.
War history helps me see into the lives of those that had to endure it's horrors.

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Brilliant

Great book, makes you proud of the oldies. Greatest example of what an Australian should strive for

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Personal and grand

A story of a grand and important part of Australian history told through personal accounts. Well worth listening to for anyone interested in Australian history,

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Moving.

Ought to be a curriculum book in Australian secondary schools. A historically important, accessible and respectful book.

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Absolutely stunning!!!😊😊😊

I am an avid history of war lover and this book brought so many thoughts through my head. I recommend it fiercely.

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Great book, should be read by every Australian

Brilliant book, every out should read this book and appreciate all that these diggers did for us.

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