Tobruk

a monument to war in the desert

Tobruk, city and port, northeastern Libya, on the Mediterranean Sea. Its industries include flour milling, liquor distilling, and soap manufacturing.

Tobruk on the Mediterranean

One of the finest seaports on the coast and an important trade and transportation center, Tobruk was captured by the Italians in 1911 and became part of their African colonial empire.

Italian built concrete trenches in the desert

During World War II it was captured by the Australians in January 1941 and was besieged and bombed by the Germans under Erwin Rommel, until relieved by the British in December.

plaque commemorating the battles near Tobruk

It fell to the Germans in June 1942, but was recaptured by the British in November in an offensive launched from Al ‘Alamayn (El ‘Alamein). Population (1984) 94,006.

Text from Microsoft Encarta

Commonwealth Cemetery

the graves

one known

one unknown

A monument to the Australian lives lost

Highlander's grave

British soldier

French solder

Photos from El Alamein, Egypt

building commemorating the German dead

the Fig Tree (Australian) hospital
(field dressing station located in a cave with an entrance near this fig tree)

the people who live here today in Peace
after all the invaders have gone