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Australian cruiser SYDNEY sinking Italian cruiser BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI in the Mediterranean, 19 July 1940
Australian cruiser SYDNEY sinking Italian cruiser BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI in the Mediterranean, 19 July 1940

Australian cruiser SYDNEY sinking Italian cruiser BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI in the Mediterranean, 19 July 1940

Artist (Australian, 1888 - 1973)
Date1940-1945
Object number00028280
NamePainting
MediumWatercolour and gouache on paper
DimensionsOverall: 539 x 692 x 18 mm, 3.15 kg
Sight: 365 x 530 mm
Mount: 485 x 630 mm
Copyright© Allcot Trust
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Olga Bell
Collections
DescriptionAustralian cruiser HMAS SYDNEY sinking Italian cruiser BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI in the Mediterranean, 19 July 1940 at the Battle of Cape Spada.HistoryIn May 1940, HMAS SYDNEY joined the 7th Cruiser Squadron in the Mediterranean and took part in the following actions - Bardia, Crete, Calabria, Cape Spada, Bomba, Scarpento. It was during the battle at Cape Spada that HMAS SYDNEY encountered the Italian cruiser BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI and successfully immobilised the vessel by shelling the engine room. BARTOLOMEO COLLEONI was then able to be sunk by the British ships HMS ILEX and HMS HYPERION. 121 Italian crew were killed but 555 were able to be rescued. HMS SYDNEY and crew received a tumultuous reception when back in Sydney in 1941. On 19 November 1941, SYDNEY engaged battle with the German raider KORMORAN in the Indian Ocean off Carnarvon. Both ships were heavily damaged and sank without trace. There were no survivors from the SYDNEY. SignificanceThis painting of John Allcot's dramatically catches the success of HMS SYDNEY's battle in the Mediterranean; all the more poignant because of the ultimate fate of the ship and crew.