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Coin commemorating HMAS SYDNEY II

Maker Royal Australian Mint

Date2000

Object number00032964

NameCoin

MediumSilver

DimensionsOverall: 32 x 32 x 10 x 32 mm, 0.02 kg
Display Dimensions: 7 x 32 mm

ClassificationsCoins and medals

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Royal Australian Mint

Terms

DescriptionOne of 20,000 silver proof coins released to by the Royal Australian Mint in acknowledgment of the distinguished career of HMAS SYDNEY. The coin was produced in 2000 in Canberra of aluminium bronze and is of $1denomination. On one side is a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and on the reverse is an image of HMAS SYDNEY at sea. HistoryBy January 1941, HMAS SYDNEY needed a refit and its company a rest after duties in the Mediterranean Sea, particularly after its battle with the Italian ship BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI. After a triumphant homecoming in Sydney and a refit at Garden Island, SYDNEY and its new commander, Captain John Burnett, took up new duties as a convoy escort. Off the Western Australian coast on 19 November 1941, the cruiser sighted what appeared to be the Dutch merchant ship STRAAT MALAKKA. SYDNEY repeatedly signalled for identification. The merchant ship avoided replying, then suddenly dropped its disguise and opened fire - revealing itself as the German armed auxiliary cruiser HSK KORMORAN. A fierce sea battle begun with both ships firing intensely upon the other. For many decades there were theories and stories about what had happened that afternoon with the only survivors being 315 crew from the KORMORAN and none from HMAS SYDNEY. After the discovery of the wrecks of both ships in March 2008, the question of how SYDNEY could have sunk and why there were no survivors was answered. Both wrecks bore testament to their fierce battle. The damage to SYDNEY showed extremely accurate gunfire from the Germans, and actually substantiated much of what the German survivors had recounted. It appears that SYDNEY sunk quickly after extensive damage to its forward section caused the bow to fall away from the ship and the remainder to flood.SignificanceThe sinking of HMAS SYDNEY and her crew of 645 men in November 1941 had a devastating effect on Australia.
It was the most grievous loss suffered by the Royal Australian Navy and the ship herself was a well-known and celebrated vessel.
Despite the years that have past, the story of the battle and the tragedy of HMAS SYDNEY still resonate strongly amongst the public.