Why is the tree so interesting and so significant?

A Regimental Aid Post was established in a deep cave underneath a large fig tree inside the Tobruk defences. It was located just inside the Red Line, north of the Derna Road. This fig tree is on the top of an escarpment, and  was the only feature in an otherwise barren desert landscape. It was visible from Hill 209 in the Salient. As a result, it was an easy target for the German artillery and seems to have been used as a target marker as well as being heavily shelled for several hours per day.

Photos by John Beanham

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Photos by others, including some from AWM.

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See other pictures on the Sgt HS ROWAN page, which were taken by Secretary Steve Rowan - including a photo of the memorial sign at the tree site.

The AWM has some great photos of the aid post in use.

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Other Australian News

See the President's Comments in the September 2008 edition of  Caveant Hostes for some information what the 2/15th Battalion Remembrance Club is doing about the propagation of some cuttings from the tree and from Gallipoli's Lone Pine.  Some of the resultant seedlings have been donated to schools around Queensland.

Some Initial Links from a Google Search

The plaque on a propagated cutting in Melbourne at the Shrine of Remembrance - links to other photos as well

Photos of the fig tree, memorials and gravestones at Tobruk

"That Magnificant Ninth" - look at page 53 for information on the fig tree

Blog covering 9th Division and some pictures of the aid post in service

Tour Links

Western Desert Battlefield Tours visits this area.