ANZAC Day, 25th April 2010.

With Jim Hammill after the ANZAC march and service, Sandgate.

Jim was one of the famous "Rats of Tobruk", the name given to the soldiers of the garrison who held the Libyan port of Tobruk against the Afrika Corps, during the Siege of Tobruk in World War II. The siege started on 10 April 1941 and was finally relieved at the end of November.

I have known Jim, now 92, for many years.  Every ANZAC Day he comes to our school and speaks to the children about his experiences during the seige, but also on the importance of living a life of integrity, treating others with respect, and resolving conflict peacefully.  This ANZAC day he was literally mobbed by people wanting to photograph him, or little children coming up, shaking his hand and thanking him for coming.

When he heard I was going to the Middle East, he asked me to call round and see him, as he had been stationed in Palestine after Tobruk.