Skip to content
General News, Research Development

Unsung Heroes Brought to Light: Rats of Tobruk’s Forgotten Soldiers Unearthed in Remarkable WWII Find

Descendants of the Rats of Tobruk Australia Association Inc 2 mins read

Unsung Heroes Brought to Light: Rats of Tobruk’s Forgotten Soldiers Unearthed in Remarkable WWII Find

The Descendants of the Rats of Tobruk Australia Association (DOTROTA) proudly reveals a remarkable historical discovery, unearthing the eight World War II servicemen who had previously been absent from the Siege of Tobruk's roll of honour. The meticulous research led by Deb Goodwin and Sue Trewartha has now ensured that these soldiers' courage and sacrifice have been rightfully acknowledged and will forever be etched into the annals of history.

The discovery brings due recognition to the servicemen of the 2/1st Survey Regiment RAA, Sound Ranging Battery, and their integral roles in the Siege of Tobruk at a pivotal moment in the war.

Months of rigorous research and exploration of the war diaries led to the discovery of these men. DOTROTA has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to connect with living relatives of these men to honour them with a commemorative Rats of Tobruk Tribute.

This breakthrough is a victory for historical truth and homage to those who served with distinction. It has been confirmed that these men from the 2/1st Survey Regiment RAA, Sound Ranging Battery were indeed in Tobruk at the time of the Siege: -

Sgt Ian Leslie BRAID VX42526

Sgt Edmund Frank SPREADBOROUGH VX43014

Sgt Jack Bonnel DONALDSON VX18690

Bdr Persse Sailsbury RAINSFORD NX29331

L/Bdr Vernon William HERCUS VX41153

L/Bdr Douglas Patrick LAMPE DX601

Additionally, 4th Durham Survey Regiment war diary records also unveiled the names of Batman, Gnr Albert Victor GODWIN VX789

Lt Col Bruce KLEIN NX4

These two men accompanied the six men from the 2/1st Survey Regiment to Tobruk and remained in Tobruk until late August 1941.

Dr. Karl James from the Australian War Museum acknowledged and confirmed the discovery and said, "We read your report with much interest. You have certainly done an impressive amount of detective work to identify the names of these eight men."

This feel-good story is an uplifting reminder of the tenacity, valour, and unity that they represent qualities that resonate deeply as we approach 83rd Anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk  & ANZAC Day. It’s a timely celebration of our collective heritage and the courage of those who came before us.

For more details, contact Deb Goodwin at rats.verifier@gmail.com or 0408491205.

Descendants of the Rats of Tobruk  NSW   will  meet at Five Dock RSLSub-Branch (the Seabrook Room) for lunch @ 12:30 pm on the 7th April 2024. This date was selected as the closest available date to the 10th April.

Preceding lunch we will have a wreath-laying ceremony, commemorating Tobruk Sunday, this will be held at the Tobruk Memorial, located on the corner of Lyons Road and Great North Road, Five Dock, at 11:00am. All are welcome to attend.

About Descendants of the Rats of Tobruk Australia Association:

DOTROTA is committed to preserving the legacy of the Rats of Tobruk, ensuring, and honouring the heroics of these men so they will never be forgotten. They will be remembered in our nation’s heart and for generations to come.

Press Contact:

Deb Goodwin
www.ratsoftobruk.com.au

Media

More from this category

  • General News, Government NSW
  • 08/09/2024
  • 09:17
UNSW Sydney

UNSW expert available to comment on NSW average speed camera trial

UNSW Sydney Professor Rebecca Ivers has welcomed a new speed camera trial in NSW, which will track the average speed for cars in a state first. The NSW Government announced on Sunday that average speed cameras would be trialled for light vehicle speeding enforcement, marking a first for the technology, which has previously been limited to monitoring heavy vehicles in the state. Average speed cameras, also known as point-to-point cameras, average the speed travelled over a section of road between two cameras. It is considered a fairer form of speed enforcement than a single point camera. “Average speed cameras are…

  • General News
  • 06/09/2024
  • 17:39
Tianjin Binhai High-tech Industrial Development Area

Tianjin High-tech Area on fast track to build first-class sci-tech innovation city in northern China

TIANJIN, China, Sept. 6, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– Tianjin Binhai High-tech Industrial Development Area (thereafter referred to as “Tianjin High-tech Area”) was established in 1988 with…

  • Contains:
  • Medical Health Aged Care, Research Development
  • 06/09/2024
  • 15:19
La Trobe University

Breakthrough in the hunt for broad-spectrum malaria therapy

Scientists at La Trobe University have discovered a new antibody-like molecule which could be used in therapy to prevent infection from multiple malaria parasite species. The research, recently published in Nature Communications, found that when the molecule WD34 binds with a protein produced by malaria parasites, it inhibits their ability to infect cells at different stages of the disease. Led by Professor Michael Foley, Professor Robin Anders and PhD candidate Dimuthu Angage at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), the research also showed that WD34 can protect against several different malaria parasite species. Professor Foley said the discovery…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.