HMAS Sydney (II)

Fame and Tragedy

HMAS Sydney (II) returning home after her time in the Mediterranean.

Taken on strength with the Royal Australian Navy between the wars and named for her sister ship who had sunk the German raider Emden during WW1, HMAS Sydney (II) gained fame as lucky ship during operations in the Mediterranean Theatre in World War 2. Involved in a number of actions in that theatre, including the sinking of the Bartolmeo Colleoni, while barely sustaining any damage herself, she came to be considered invincible. This reputation followed her into the waters off Western Australia and in action against a German raider, the Kormoran. The result would be the opposite of her sister ship's meeting with the Emden.

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The Sydney's commissioning crew in Portsmouth

Captain Collins

Sydney's crippled Seagull reconnaissance aircraft after its brush with the Italian air force.

The crippled Italian ship Bartolomeo Colleoni.

The Sydney upon her return to her home port.

The crew marches down the streets of Sydney.

Captain Burnett

The German raider, Kormoran.