Scrap Iron Flotilla story told

Volume 49, No. 13, July 27, 2006

By Michael Brooke

The courage of the sailors who crewed the Scrap Iron Flotilla which for nine months defied the Desert Fox, Erwin Rommel and swarms of German dive-bombers to keep the Rats of Tobruk supplied with vital war supplies was recounted by war veterans recently.

The launch of Peter FitzSimons new book Tobruk in Sydney on July 3 provided war veterans with the opportunity to collectively reflect on the heroism and sacrifice of both the Scrap Iron flotilla and the Rats of Tobruk.

A former Rat who was interviewed by the author told Navy News: “There never would have been any siege of Tobruk if not for the RAN warships that kept the Australian defenders supplied with ammunition, food, fuel and medical supplies”.

The 480-page book tells how the Australian military’s defence of Tobruk against Rommel’s mighty Afrika Korps is not only an Australian legend that ranks alongside Gallipoli but also one of the great battles of all time. It is published by HarperCollins and sells for $49.99.

 The first reader who can name the RAN captain who commanded the Scrap Iron Flotilla and who has a Collins Class submarine named in his honour will win a free copy. Email your answer to navynews@defencenews.gov.au

.