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Walking stick made from the timbers of HMAS SYDNEY I
Walking stick made from the timbers of HMAS SYDNEY I

Walking stick made from the timbers of HMAS SYDNEY I

Date1929
Object number00037333
NameWalking stick
MediumWood, brass, rubber, enamel
DimensionsOverall: 855 x 30 x 30 mm, 0.26 kg
ClassificationsClothing and personal items
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Beryl Montgomery
DescriptionA wooden walking stick made from the timbers of the first HMAS Sydney. Probably made at Cockatoo Island Dockyards, Sydney in 1929.HistoryThe formation of the Royal Australian Navy at Federation was an important step in this country's quest for nationhood. It was not until some twelve years later that the first ships of the RAN entered Sydney Harbour with HMAS SYDNEY among them. This ship in particular went on to quickly prove that Australia's navy was a force to be reckoned with. In November 1914 HMAS SYDNEY was detailed to escort troopships to the MiddleEast when it was called away to inspect a suspect ship off the Cocos Islands in the Indian Ocean. It turned out to be the German raider SMS EMDEN and battle pursued.One hour and forty minutes later, EMDEN had been destroyed and Sydney was the victor. It was a tremendous achievement for such a young navy and captured the hearts and minds of the Australian people.SignificanceSo revered was HMAS SYDNEY that when she was scrapped in 1929, thousands of souvenirs were made from her timber, brassshells and other materials to hand.They ranged from bowls and platters to writing desksets and walking sticks such as the one shown here.