January 22, 1941. The Fall of Tobruk

British Commonwealth forces, together with some allied forces from occupied countries in Europe, took Tobruk.

Australian soldiers after the capture of Tobruk.

The taking of the town from the Italians was an early major British Commonwealth victory which is heavily associated with the Australian army, which played a major, but not exclusive role.

Scuttled Italian cruiser burning at Tobruk.

The loss of the city was a major Italian defeat and was demonstrating that Italy was rapidly becoming an detriment to the Axis cause, not a plus.

Other events of World War Two on this day:

Day 510 January 22, 1941

A great photo of Tacoma Washington on this day can be found here:  Tacoma, January 22, 1941.

Tacoma was about to be forever changed due to World War Two industrial production.  It'd never look like this again.