Coaster made from timber of the HMAS SYDNEY (I)
Date1929
Object number00049007
NameCoaster
MediumWood, metal
DimensionsOverall: 20 x 120 mm, 97.7 g
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from the Hardie Family
DescriptionThis souvenir was fabricated from timber material taken from HMAS SYDNEY as it was being broken up for scrap at Cockatoo Island, NSW in 1929. Memorabilia made from the remnants of this ship - timber decking, brass shells etc - is vast. This piece was made from salvaged teak wood taken from the deck. While large remnants of HMAS SYDNEY were set up as memorials (the bow is at Milson's Point in Sydney and the foremast on Bradley's Head, Sydney), the decking was salvaged and fashioned into items suitable for sale as commemorative pieces.HistoryWhile escorting the first ANZAC convoy from Australia to the Middle East during World war I, HMAS SYDNEY I was detached on 9 November 1914 to investigate reports of a strange warship off Direction Island in the Cocos Archipelago. The vessel was in fact the German Dresden class cruiser SMS EMDEN, which had just detached a shore party to destroy the British cable and wireless station.
EMDEN stood out to meet SYDNEY, opening fire on the Australian cruiser at 9.40 am. The German cruiser, hopelessly outgunned by the modern, more powerful and faster SYDNEY, was pounded almost beyond recognition before being driven ashore on North Keeling Island. SYDNEY's casualties numbered four men killed and twelve wounded. EMDEN lost 131 killed, with 65 wounded and 110, including the captain, von Muller, taken prisoner.
1947-1956
