Jim Hammill's "Rats Of Tobruk" stories, 9 July 2006 (7 parts)
7 videos • 212 views • by John Frame Jim Hammill, Brisbane, Australia, WW2 veteran relates his experience with the 7th Division of the 2nd AIF fighting in Tobruk during 1941. Jim enlisted at 17. He was with the 9th Battalion, 18th Brigade. Videotaped by nephew John Frame at Jim's home on 9th July 2006. Jim was invited each year to discuss his experience of war with students at the local school. Here he is talking with grandnephew Scott Casey, who was researching for a school project on hardships faced by soldiers in war. With Scott are his brother Ben and their mother Kathy (my sister). One hour total, in 7 parts. Each part contains complete topics: PART 1: "the most handsome bloke" (with tongue slightly in cheek); tanks, dust and big guns; "Lord Haw Haw"; the coining of the term "Rats Of Tobruk". PART 2: flies, food and fleas; joined at 17, fought at 20; glare from the sun and sand; suffering from lack of sleep. PART 3: the officers; reconnaissance patrol; landmines. PART 4: fighting patrol; the "dingo"; under friendly fire; dangerous swimming; grooming. PART 5: the canteen ship; getting clean in Palestine; talking in Brisbane with children at the local school; after leaving Tobruk; lost friends. PART 6: lost at night in Tobruk; the jerboa, the chameleon and the hedgehog; praise for the navy, the gunners and for Padre McIlveen. PART 7: departing Tobruk; arriving in Alexandria; rediscovering food and drink; Tobruk lost by South African forces; the big Italian handgun. Recording equipment: Sony TVR16E MiniDV camera, Rode VideoMic (mono), Sony MZR50 MiniDisc. Edited using Sony Vegas Movie Studio.