The Siege of Tobruk, which began in April 1941, was a key battle when 14,000 Australian soldiers were surrounded by the German-Italian army. Nazi propagandist William Joyce called the defenders "trapped rats", which the soldiers took as ironic recognition and became known as "Desert Rats".

From 21 October 1941, a Czechoslovak battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Karel Klapalek took part in the defence of the Libyan port city of Tobruk. This battalion contributed significantly to keeping the city in Allied hands.

Tom Pritchard, born in 1921, joined the Army in 1940 and served with the 2/5th Field Ambulance. He assisted in the eight-month siege of Tobruk and his courage was shown at Milne Bay, New Guinea, and Balikpapan, Borneo. He was a valued member of the Rats of Tobruk Association with whom the Czech Embassy last year organised an exhibition illustrating the co-operation of the Czechoslovak and Australian armed forces during the Second World War.

We trust that Tom Pritchard's legacy of bravery and resilience will continue to inspire future generations.