An Honour Roll in the form of two plaques will be unveiled at the existing Monument on Polish Corner, New Town Road, New Town, on ANZAC DAY.
Organiser of the event, President of the Polish Ex-Servicemen’s Association in Hobart, Mr Richard Dobosz said that all those Tasmanian and Polish soldiers fallen at the siege of Tobruk in North Africa from April 1941, and buried at the Tobruk Cemetery in Libya, will be listed on the plaques.
Mr Dobosz said that descendants of those men who fought at Tobruk are invited to attend and be their guest at a light lunch before hand.
“We would particularly love to have any veteran attending,” he added.
There are only four or five Polish “Rats of Tobruk” veterans left.
The unveiling will take place at 2pm, with lunch at the Polish Club at 12:30pm prior to the unveiling. The Hon Elise Archer MHA will do the unveiling.
Tasmanian historian and author, Reg. A. Watson, whose father was a Tobruk returned serviceman, said that the event was an important one for the community and will be attending.
“Tasmanian and Polish soldiers fought side by side at the eight month siege which withstood the on slough of the Afrika Corps under the well known German General, Rommel dubbed The Desert Fox.
“The memorial will highlight this joint service,” he said.
“The Polish commitment in many theatres of WWII may not be well known to the general community, but their contribution was enormous,” Mr Watson said.
Mr Dobosz and the Association wants to see as many descendants at the event and inquiries can be made to Mr Richard Dobosz at [email protected]
Reg A Watson
