A genuine artefact of Australias WWIIhistory, and representing a close link toone of our most famous engagements the Siege of Tobruk we are proud topresent the original WWII Medal Groupof Australian soldier Private LeslieJames Clare.

Clare served with the 2/12 Australian Infantry Battalion in North Africa during the Siege of Tobruk in 1941. It is believed he was taken prisoner during the Battle of the Salient in early May, when Italian and German forces under Rommel were thwarted in their ferocious attempts to capture Tobruk. Clare was interned at Derna (Libya), before being moved to camps in Italy, including the hellish Camp Gruppignamo, before finally imprisoned at Stalag 8-A in Germany. After surviving four years as a POW, Clare was liberated by Allied forces and made it to Britain in May 1945.

Forming a powerful link with this remarkable story, and with Australias iconic Rats of Tobruk, Clares Medal Group comprises the 1939-45 Star, Defence Medal, War & Australia Service Medals (both bearing Clares name) and Africa Star, plus an Infantry Front Line Service Medal (Unofficial) and Battle of Britain Medal (unofficial). In excellent condition, the group features the correct ribbons, and is mounted for wear. The medals are accompanied by an original newspaper clipping noting Clares capture, his original, official Certificate of Discharge, as well as photocopies of his Attestation Form and two Service & Casualty Forms.