About this item
The tale of one of the longest-running sieges in Britishmilitary history, and a potent symbol of resistance The siege of Tobruk lasted 240 days during which the "gallant garrison" of Allied soldiers, primarily the Australian 9th Division, held out against constant attacks from Rommel's Afrika Korps. The battle became a potent symbol of British resistance. However, Tobruk's importance was far beyond that of a mere symbol in the war, it was a key fortress and port that enabled the resupply of troops throughout the Western Desert theater. Indeed, Goebbels was so infuriated by the British stand that he referred to the garrison troops as "rats" and the "Rats of Tobruk" became known for their tenacity. When the fortress finally fell to German tanks on June 21, 1942, with the loss of 25, 000 men, Churchill said it was "one of the heaviest blows I can recall during the war.
About the Author
I have studied in Italy, completing a MA course on political sciences then earning a Ph.D. on military history. My field of expertise is the Second World War, and I have studied in particular the relationship between Germany and Italy in the military field. My first research work (developed from my MA thesis) was on the armed forces of the Repubblica Sociale Italiana in 1943-45. It is now available on Amazon under the title 'Storia Militare della Repubblica Sociale Italiana'.My Ph.D. thesis dealt with the German - Italian military partnership in 1939-1943, also available on Amazon under the title 'La Guerra dell'Asse'.Over the last 15 years I have been working as freelance historian and consultant, publishing several military history books mainly with the Osprey Publishing. This was a very nice experience and a lot of fun, having to broaden my area of expertise and get used to the many requirements needed to make an illustrated work.I continue with my researches on the Second World War, and carry on with the good work with the Osprey. Hope you will enjoy my books!
