Part of the pack: While dogs were frequently at the side of Aussie officers long before World War II, military dogs weren't officially introduced to Australia's ranks until 1943, and even then their role was largely without structure or formal training. Some were used as guard dogs and were treated like savage animals so they would act more ferociously in their security duties. Others (as is still common today) were kept as pets and mascots, protecting soldiers out of loyalty.
These men, from the 2/48th Battalion, 9th Australian Division, were photographed while evacuating Tobruk, Libya in 1941. The Siege of Tobruk began in April of that year and these young soldiers were on their way back to Kingston, Australia, taking their little dog with them.
From left to right: Private Jack Colin Curtis; Private Jack Eunson, Corporal Roy Clifford Darley of Narridy, SA. Private Curtis died the following September of wounds he sustained in Egypt.
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MR FRED
9:22 AM ET
February 26, 2011
The Rats of Tobruk
What a loverly photo. Everyone in Australia grows up with the legend of the 'Rats of Tobruk' and it's nice to see a soft side photo like this. I would think a puppy could be quite the morale booster!