Fred Origlassi in slouch hat with fellow "Desert Rats"
Victors in the Siege of Tobruk
In the see-saw battles of 41-42, Tobruk later fell. At the second battle of El Alamein, Rommel and the Axis powers were broken, and started on their road to final defeat in North Africa. Churchill said: " It may almost be said: Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat." General Alexander on 2/12/42 said "There is one thought I will cherish above all others - under my command fought the 9th Australian Division" Unfortunately, Fred Origlassi was not able to enjoy the later victory celebrations, as he was taken prisoner on July 17, 1942. Australian casualties between July and October of 1942: 4863, including 946 pows. 2 Australians won posthumous VCs at El Alamein: Sgt. William Kibby Pte Percival Gratwick (see special magazine, The Battle of Alamein, "Australian" 24/10/92 - Photo AWM13356) |