Frame made from the timbers of the first HMAS SYDNEY
Date1929
Object number00047697
NameFrame
MediumWood
DimensionsOverall: 762 x 615 x 35 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Andrew Wilson
DescriptionBrass and timber remnants from the first HMAS SYDNEY were salvaged during 1929 when the ship was being broken up at Garden Island, Sydney. Souvenirs were made to sell and raise funds for various naval charities. Some of the larger souvenirs included frames such as this one.HistoryThis frame is made from wood recovered from HMAS SYDNEY I, a light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy, commissioned in June 1913. During World War I it was initially engaged in operations in the Pacific and in November 1914 escorted the first troop convoy to the Middle East.
On 9 November HMAS SYDNEY engaged with and defeated the German cruiser SMS EMDEN off the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. It was a great event celebrated across Australia. Throughout the rest of the war SYDNEY served in the Caribbean and also with the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet in the North Sea. After the war the cruiser returned to Australian waters and undertook routine duties until paid off in 1928 and broken up in 1929. This frame is a souvenir from that period, made from timber recovered before the ship was broken up and sunk off Sydney Heads.SignificanceSouvenirs from the first HMAS SYDNEY demonstrate the high regard felt for the ship and the ship's company and their service in World War I.
1839-1970
