Tobruk - Definition and Overview

Tobruk is a sea-port in eastern Libya.

At the beginning of the Second World War, Libya was an Italian colony and Tobruk became the site of important battles. It was captured by British and Australian forces on January 12, 1941, but was then besieged by German and Italian forces under Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (see: the Siege of Tobruk). The Axis forces finally took Tobruk on June 21, 1942. It was recaptured on November 11, and remained in Allied hands thereafter.