War diaries returned to son of Rat of Tobruk QR historian Greg Hallam returns war diaries to Bill Perkins, the son of a Rat of Tobruk. A Brisbane man has been reunited with his father's World War II diaries, five months after leaving them on a train. Queensland Rail yesterday returned the transcript of Private Les Perkins" journal about his years of service in north Africa to his son, Bill Perkins. Mr Perkins was notified by a relative who had read about the Rat of Tobruk's diary on brisbanetimes.com.au, and he contacted the QR lost property department on Sunday. "I catch the train to work at Zillmere every day and must have left it on a Caboolture line train earlier this year," Mr Perkins said. "I am thankful to Queensland Rail for keeping the transcript safe and for their efforts in making sure the journal was returned," he said. QR historian Greg Hallam met Mr Perkins at Zillmere station on Monday to return the document. "On Remembrance Day, I'm delighted to return this important historical tale to the son of an Australian war hero, who should be very proud of his father's brave actions in battle," Mr Hallam said. "This treasure is close to my heart and I've enjoyed pawing through Private Perkins" colourful tales of mateship and bravery." Mr Perkins said his decorated father's tales were an important heirloom. "The original diaries are with the Australian War Memorial, but having my own copy, typed up by the daughter of Tom Makin, a fellow Rat of Tobruk, means a lot to me and my family," he said. I'm relieved that on Remembrance Day, this family treasure is safely back in my hands.