By 10 April 1941, the German and Italian forces under the command of Lieutenant General Erwin Rommel had surrounded the Tobruk garrison which was being defended by British Commonwealth forces including more than 14,000 Australians under the command of Major General Leslie Morshead.

Along the perimeter the first shots were exchanged. The siege had begun. Heavy fighting continued for 242 days. It was an epic battle and despite heavy casualties, the Tobruk garrison was held. Finally on 7 December 1941, Rommel was forced to abandon the siege. This was one of the longest sieges in British military history and gave rise to the legend of the mighty 'Rats of Tobruk'. These designs are dedicated to them.