In the early days of April 1941, the 14,000 Australian forces garrisoned in the Libyan town of Tobruk were told to expect reinforcement and supplies within eight weeks…

Eight months later, these heroic, gallant, determined ‘Rats of Tobruk’ were rescued by the British Navy having held the fort against the might of Rommel’s never-before-defeated Afrika Corps.

Like Gallipoli and Kokoda, the Siege of Tobruk is an iconic battle in Australia’s military history. Under ceaseless attack from Rommel’s men, the Australian defense held strong.

In Tobruk, Peter FitzSimons relates the personal histories and stories not only of the men who defended the garrison against the German onslaught but of The Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel, and the powers back in both Berlin and Britain.

A long-time author, Peter FitzSimons's most recent books include Kokoda and The Rugby War - revised edition. He writes a weekly column for The Sydney Morning Herald, appears regularly on television and is a respected commentator and writer. He lives with his family in Sydney's Neutral Bay.

Unfortunately, the first minute of this interview was distorted in recording, and had to be cut. It was recorded over a speaker phone.

Special thanks must go to Robe Library for providing their time, phone and office space to record this interview.

Interview by Stuart Beaton