Local student Tim Bascombe, 16, came up with the idea to plant a cutting of this fig tree alongside the Lone Pine honouring Australians who fought at Gallipoli in World War I.

The idea came from Tim's interest in Australia's involvement in World War Two and the Siege of Tobruk, and all the information he found mentioned the Wadi Giaida fig tree - wadi meaning dry watercourse and Giaida being the name of the watercourse where the tree was located.

It was the only tree for miles and it became a significant landmark for the rats of Tobruk as both a marker for stretcher bearers and walking wounded, and as a target for enemy fire, coming under artillery fire for many hours every day.

About 3000 South Australians fought at Tobruk and the Port Lincoln RSL has records of at least 44 from Port Lincoln, but branch president Garry Johnston there would have been more.

The tree will be one of only four in Australia and the first in South Australia grown from a cutting of the original Wadi Giaida fig tree.

It will have a plaque under it explaining its significance and the plaque under the Lone Pine will also be updated to provide more detailed information about its significance to Australian soldiers in World War I.

The RSL supported Tim's idea and got permission from the Port Lincoln City Council last week to plant the tree near the war memorial in Eyre Park opposite Kemp Avenue.

RSL president Garry Johnston said the battle of Tobruk was just as significant in Australian history as Gallipoli and planting this fig tree was a good way to honour the soldiers it saved and those who fought and died over there.

The RSL is interested in hearing from locals whose family members had fought at Tobruk so they can be at the planting of the tree.

The tree will be planted next spring and Tim hopes to be able to get to the Melbourne War Memorial to pick up the cutting himself and is looking for sponsorship to get there.

Anyone who would like to support his trip can contact the RSL clubrooms on 8682 3594.