These have been around for so long that I am glad to have them of the painting table.
Australian forces had a key role in the North African Campaign during World War II, mainly fighting against Italian and German forces from 1940 to 1942. They were involved in three important stages: the first attack on the Italians, the famous siege of Tobruk, and the crucial battle at El Alamein.
The 6th Australian Division of the 2nd AIF engaged in combat during Operation Compass (December 1940 – February 1941), achieving a significant victory at Bardia, Libya, where they captured over 40,000 prisoners. This success highlighted the capability of Australian soldiers, who also captured Tobruk and advanced to Benghazi, defeating the Italian Tenth Army in Cyrenaica.
During the Siege of Tobruk (April–December 1941), the Australian forces, specifically the 9th Australian Division and a brigade from the 7th Division, successfully defended the port against the German Afrika Korps led by General Erwin Rommel for 242 days. They disrupted Rommel’s supply lines and earned the nickname “Rats of Tobruk,” which they proudly adopted. This defense was a significant early psychological victory for the Allies.
The key Australian contribution occurred during the crucial battles at El Alamein in Egypt in 1942. The 9th Australian Division played a vital role in stopping the Axis advance during the First Battle of El Alamein (July 1942) by attacking the northern flank at Tel el Eisa, preventing a German breakthrough toward the Suez Canal. In the decisive Second Battle of El Alamein (October–November 1942), the 9th Division was tasked with continuous assaults in the northern sector. This intense fighting diverted most of the German armored reserves from the main Allied attack in the south, strategically creating a gap for a key British breakthrough. Although costly, this maneuver helped secure Allied victory and led to the removal of all Axis forces from North Africa.
They are a mixture of Airfix Australians, British, and Gurkhas, but all seem to fit in well.