Lot 5234

Description

Tobruk flag, an Italian Army flag (approx 110x79cm) captured at Tobruk, printed at top centre of flag, '24.1.41/Tobruk. Libya/To. Eleanor./From. Jack'. A few areas with loss of material, otherwise fine.

Together with remains of a heavy cloth wrapping (approx 41x37cm), with affixed Australian postage stamps, addressed to: Mrs J.Galbraith, 633 Old Sth Head Rd, Rose Bay, Sydney, NSW, Australia; marked on the cloth, 'Contents/1 Flag' signature below and then, 'No Commercial/Value'.

This flag was sent by Jack Brabin 2/1 Bn (KIA at Crete) to his sister, Mrs J.Galbraith (Eleanor) nee Brabin. The date on the flag, 24.1.41 is the day that the port at Tobruk was re-opened after the allies had begun action to cut off the port on 6 January, a battle that would continue until 22 January 1941 when the Italians surrendered. After mine sweeping the surrounding waters, the port was opened by the allies on 24 January.

See also lot 889.