HMAS SYDNEY at unidentified port
Datec 1940
Object number00055159
NamePhotograph
MediumPhotograph, paper, glue
DimensionsOverall: 116 × 103 mm
Image: 75 × 100 mm
Image: 75 × 100 mm
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Rachael Russell
DescriptionBlack and white photograph of HMAS Sydney (II) at an unidentified port with a mountainous landscape. The photo Sydney underway at low speed in calm protected waters. A port facility with four other unidentified warships is visible in the background. Steep hills and mountains rise from the waterfront, and several houses and other buildings can be seen above the port.SignificanceHMAS Sydney (I)'s loss in an engagement against the German auxiliary cruiser HSK Kormoran is one of the most significant in the history of the Royal Australian Navy, and until its discovery was one of two enduring Australian naval mysteries (the other being the submarine AE1). As a consequence, items associated with the vessel have considerable historical importance and sentimental value. This photograph of HMAS Sydney is significant because it is relatively uncommon in existing archival collections. Additionally, it is almost certainly associated with an HMAS Sydney crewman, Steward Ernest Verdun Ryding, who served aboard the vessel for four years and was discharged shortly before its loss. Indeed, the photograph may have been acquired during the four years Ryding served aboard Sydney immediately before its loss, which makes it both rare and unique among objects related to the warship.
