Media: BOOK - paperback, 632 pages
Author: P. FitzSimons
Year: 2006
ISBN: 9780732286316
Other: b&w photos, maps, bibliog, index
Publisher: HarperCollins Australia

In the tradition of his bestselling book 'Kokoda', Peter FitzSimons, Australia's most beloved popular historian, focuses on one of the seminal moments in Australian history: the Battle of Tobruk in 1941, in which more than 15,000 Australian troops - backed by British artillery - fought in excruciating desert heat through eight long months, against Adolf Hilter's formidable Afrika Korps.

In the dark heat of World War II, when Hitler turned his attention to conquering North Africa, a distracted and far-flung Allied force could not give its all to the defence of Lybia. So the job was left to the roughest toughest bunch that could be mustered: the Australian Imperial Force. This force's defence of the harbour city of Tobruk against the Afrika Korps' armoured division is not only the stuff of Australian legend but also one of the great battles of all time as, against the might of General Rommel and his Panzers, the Australians relied on one factor in particular to give them the necessary strength against the enemy: mateship.

Drawing on extensive source material - including diaries and letters, many never published before - this extraordinary book, written in Peter FitzSimons' highly readable style, is the definitive account of this remarkable chapter in Australia's history.

Contents:
Maps
Foreword
Introduction
1. In the Beginning
2. His Struggle
3. A World at War
4. Rommel Rises
5. Enter the Australians
6. Take Tobruk
7. Enter, 'The' German General
8. Attack!!
9. First Strike
10. All Set
11. The Easter Battle
12. To Fight Another Day
13. The Battle Builds
14. The Battle of the Salient
15. The Diggers Dig In
16. Manoeuvres Political
17. End Game
Epilogue
Australian Units at Tobruk: April-December 1941
Endnotes
Bibliography
Index

Review:
Peter FitzSimons has pioneered a new kind of Australian narrative history, combining conventional research with disciplined speculation about the emotions and thoughts of his characters ... FitzSimons' 'Tobruk' equals Chester Wilmost's 1944 classic account of the siege and at times excels it - Neil McDonald, author

Related Products:
Kokoda