Hi Guys, while on a trip to Australia a few years ago, I saw some interesting sites connected to these warships. In November 1914, whilst escorting the ANZAC Convoy to Egypt, the light cruiser HMAS Sydney was dispatched to hunt for the German light cruiser SMS Emden, which had attacked the communications station at Direction Island in the Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean. On the 9th, the Sydney engaged the German vessel and after a fire fight, the stricken Emden ran aground on the shore of North Keeling Island, where its crew were rescued. On display at a few different sites are remains of both the Sydney and the Emden. This post honours the German vessel and all of the Australian ships that bear the city's illustrious name.
Three of Emden's 10.5 cm (4.1 in) guns survive in Australia today. This one is on display at the south eastern corner of Hyde Park in central Sydney. Note the Sydney tower in the background.
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The second of three survivors of Emden's ten main guns can be seen at the Australian Navy Heritage Museum at the Garden Island naval base. The ship in the background is the landing ship HMAS Choules.
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The third surviving Emden gun is on display in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. A ship's telegraph and diving helmet recovered from the Emden can be seen in the case behind.
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Coat-of-Arms of the city of Emden carried on the stern of the cruiser in the Australian War Memorial.
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Dress cap.
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Emden's ship's bell betraying evidence of the fighting between the two ships. Sydney's bell in front.
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One of Sydney's 6 in guns and her stern coaming in the Australian War Memorial.
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HMAS Sydney's foremast forms the fore piece of a naval memorial on Bradleys Head on Sydney harbour (just around the point from Taronga Zoo).
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The memorial features plaques dedicated to all the naval vessels that have borne the name Sydney, as well as stones commiserating the loss of Australian naval vessels in wartime, including the Leander Class cruiser HMAS Sydney that was sunk by the German commerce raider Kormoran on 19 November 1941.
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The following models are on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra, NSW. The Chatham Class light cruiser Sydney.
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The Leander Class cruiser Sydney.
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The Majestic Class aircraft carrier Sydney.
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The Adelaide Class guided missile frigate Sydney. The latest Sydney is a Hobart Class air warfare destroyer.
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Firefly and Sea Fury wearing Sydney's tail code 'K'.
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Finally, a carley float recovered adrift at sea after the loss of the Sydney in November 1941; its condition a testament to the ferocity of battle between the two ships that sank on that fateful day.
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More photographs here: Emden and Sydney
Thanks for looking.
Three of Emden's 10.5 cm (4.1 in) guns survive in Australia today. This one is on display at the south eastern corner of Hyde Park in central Sydney. Note the Sydney tower in the background.
The second of three survivors of Emden's ten main guns can be seen at the Australian Navy Heritage Museum at the Garden Island naval base. The ship in the background is the landing ship HMAS Choules.
The third surviving Emden gun is on display in the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. A ship's telegraph and diving helmet recovered from the Emden can be seen in the case behind.
Coat-of-Arms of the city of Emden carried on the stern of the cruiser in the Australian War Memorial.
Dress cap.
Emden's ship's bell betraying evidence of the fighting between the two ships. Sydney's bell in front.
One of Sydney's 6 in guns and her stern coaming in the Australian War Memorial.
HMAS Sydney's foremast forms the fore piece of a naval memorial on Bradleys Head on Sydney harbour (just around the point from Taronga Zoo).
The memorial features plaques dedicated to all the naval vessels that have borne the name Sydney, as well as stones commiserating the loss of Australian naval vessels in wartime, including the Leander Class cruiser HMAS Sydney that was sunk by the German commerce raider Kormoran on 19 November 1941.
The following models are on display at the Fleet Air Arm Museum at Nowra, NSW. The Chatham Class light cruiser Sydney.
The Leander Class cruiser Sydney.
The Majestic Class aircraft carrier Sydney.
The Adelaide Class guided missile frigate Sydney. The latest Sydney is a Hobart Class air warfare destroyer.
Firefly and Sea Fury wearing Sydney's tail code 'K'.
Finally, a carley float recovered adrift at sea after the loss of the Sydney in November 1941; its condition a testament to the ferocity of battle between the two ships that sank on that fateful day.
More photographs here: Emden and Sydney
Thanks for looking.
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