Australian - Siege of Tobruk - Battle Box (1941)
The Australian Army played a central role in the Siege of Tobruk, holding the Libyan port against Axis forces from April to December 1941. The defence was led largely by the 9th Australian Division, supported by British artillery and armoured elements, who occupied a network of Italian-built fortifications around the port. Despite repeated assaults by German and Italian forces under Erwin Rommel, the Australians maintained a stubborn defence, earning the nickname “Rats of Tobruk” after a German propaganda broadcast mocked their resistance. Rather than remaining purely defensive, Australian troops frequently conducted aggressive night patrols and raids, disrupting enemy positions and maintaining pressure on besieging forces.
Conditions inside Tobruk were harsh, with constant artillery bombardment, air attacks, and shortages of supplies, but the port remained vital as it could still be resupplied by sea under the protection of the Royal Navy. The Australians held out for months before being gradually relieved by other Allied units later in 1941. Their defence tied down significant Axis forces and played a key role in halting the German advance in North Africa. The stand at Tobruk became one of the most celebrated actions of the Australian Army in World War II, highlighting their resilience, initiative, and effectiveness in defensive warfare.
This kit comprises of the following pieces:
• x1 Matilda Mk.II with 40mm 2pdr turret
• x1 CMP C15A Light truck
• x1 Command Squad (2 Models)
• x1 Observer Team (2 Models)
• x1 2pdr Anti Tank Gun (4 Models)
• x2 Mortar Squads (6 Models)
• x1 Vickers Machine Gun Squads (3 Models)
• x2 Piat Teams (4 Models)
• x1 Sniper Team (2 Models)
• X1 Anti Tank Rifle Team (2 Models)
• x1 Engineer Squad (10 Models)
• x3 10 Man Squads (30 Models)
Total 67 Models!
Supplied with random assortment of both helmets and capped heads.
On Licence form Wargames 3D and Battle Cat Miniatures.