THE early 20th century postcard depicts an artist’s impression of the Australian warship HMAS Sydney sinking the German raider Emden off the Cocos Isles during World War II
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November 9, 2014, marks the date close to one hundred years after the event which both countries will almost certainly commemorate.
For two months the Emden commanded by Karl von Muller had been wreaking havoc on Allied commercial interests in the Indian Ocean.
She had destroyed facilities in the towns of Madras and Penang, apprehended more than 20 unarmed merchant vessels, sunk two Allied warships and seriously suppressed commercial shipping in the region due to the threat of her presence.
Finally, with a crew on shore destroying a wireless communications station on the Cocos Islands, she was surprised by the Sydney.
A message from the Cocos base warning of an enemy ship at the entrance to their harbour was received by HMAS Sydney only 50 nautical miles away.
Approaching at full speed to investigate the Sydney, was fired upon first by the Emden.
Once in range with her heavier guns, however, the Sydney was able to inflict severe damage upon the Emden. Sydney’s superior speed also enabled her to outmanoeuvre the torpedo-launching facilities of the Emden.
Muller deliberately ran his severely disabled ship aground to save the remaining crew members.
Of the Emden’s crew, 134 were killed and 69 wounded, with four killed and 16 wounded on the Sydney.
Both countries produced numerous postcards and medals honouring the Sydney/Emden saga. Germany extolled the exploits of the Emden, while the illustrated postcard celebrates Australia’s first major naval victory in World War I.
fenselau@bigpond.com