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Book Review of Tobruk: The Birth of a Legend

Tobruk: The Birth of a Legend
Tobruk: The Birth of a Legend
Author: Frank Harrison
Genre: History
Book Type: Paperback
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A detailed and interesting account of the battle in and around Tobruk during the North African campaign. The author was a signalman (communications specialist) who helped man the main radio which units at Tobruk reported into. As such, he was aware of the events taking place.

I was interested in the book as my mother's brother was a member of the 9th Australian Infantry Division which initially held off the German for months, until relieved by the British 70th Infantry Division. Uncle Harry's name was never mentioned in the book, but I now know more about what he and his mates accomplished, and why he bore his severe war wounds with dignity.

The author also spend time relating his opinion of German General Rommel and exposes what was good and bad about the man. My readings on World War II have led me to the conclusion Rommel wasn't the great general depicted by the Nazi propaganda machine, but wasn't a slouch either. The author agrees, but doesn't spend as much time relating the part American Colonel Fellows played in Rommel's "greatness," although he does mention Fellows dispatches. Other books cover Colonel Fellows in more detail.