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9th Australian Division (1940-1946)

The Magnificent 9th   -   The Rats of Tobruk

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The 9th Division was a division of the Australian Army that served during World War II.

It was the fourth division raised for the Second Australian Imperial Force (2nd AIF)

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  • in front line combat longer, cumulatively, than any other Australian division

  • one of the Australian military's most decorated formations

  • the only 2nd AIF division formed in the United Kingdom, from infantry brigades and support units formed in Australia

  • praised by both Allied and Axis generals, including Montgomery and Rommel

  • one of only a few Allied army units to serve in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theatres.

  • served at Siege of Tobruk and First & Second Battles of El Alamein

  • served in New Guinea 1943-1944

  • served in Borneo 1945

  • disbanded at end of the war in early 1946

  • estimated size of between 16,000 - 18,000 personnel

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Notable Commanders

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This website and the information it contains would not be possible without the work of our many researchers behind the scenes, descendants and friends of the Rats. Special mention to Owen Carlton and Roger Murphy who have tirelessly worked for years verifying and documenting the Rats roll, our descendant Ray Windlow for his on-going work creating the tributes and store products for the Association, and others too many to mention who work towards keeping this story alive for the benefit of future generations. Much of the information reproduced has been sourced from the Australian War Memorial records, Battalion records, private memoirs, NAA and DVA service records and online documentation on events, places and people. All attempts possible have been made to verify its correctness and that due credit is acknowledged where known to the source. 

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