Those who attended Friday’s general meeting at Tobruk House were treated to a moving tribute to our last Australian Rat of Tobruk, Tom Pritchard. Tom’s condolence book remains available for people to sign whenever Tobruk House is open. The meeting began with a presentation of long overdue medals made to the family of TX1546 Kenneth Gard, a Rat of Tobruk with an incredible story, which needed to be told.

Also present was Melbourne Legacy President Kerry Jenke who spoke of the trauma experienced by some veterans and their families, and stressed the importance of the work of Legacy. RSL Victoria State Vice President Terry Makings AM, spoke on the importance of veteran organisations and associations such as ours.

Kathryn Sell spoke on behalf of the Royal Children’s Hospital and described how important the Rats of Tobruk Neurology Fellowship has become. Tom was deeply involved in the decision to establish this legacy.

It was an emotional and heartfelt meeting with several other speakers who spoke of more personal memories of Tom.