HMAS SYDNEY destroyed EMDEN 1914

Date1942

Object number00029884

NameShip souvenir

MediumWood, metal

DimensionsOverall: 60 x 115 mm, 0.25 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from A E Burley

Terms

DescriptionThis wooden bowl with lid is a souvenir of the battle between Royal Australian Navy cruiser HMAS SYDNEY and the German raider SMS EMDEN in 1914 during WWI. It is made from the wood of the Royal Australian Navy training ship TINGIRA which was broken up in 1942. During its years of service 3,168 boys had been trained on it. HistoryHMAS TINGIRA was originally the clipper sailing ship SOBARON. The clipper ship was purchased in 1891 by the New South Wales government and converted into a Nautical School Ship for wayward boys. In 1912 the ship was purchased by the newly formed Royal Australian Navy as naval training ship and renamed HMAS TINGIRA. In 1914 HMAS SYDNEY sank the German light cruiser HMS EMDEN during WWI. Ex-HMAS TINGIRA boys had served HMAS SYDNEY during the battle.SignificanceThe TINGIRA has a special place in RAN history. There has been no comparable vessels since and it was inaugural to RAN training. Her cadets achieved a certain status and the brotherhood of old Tinny Boys has been a close
knit one.