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Image Not Available for Material relating to a life jacket from HSK KORMORAN
Material relating to a life jacket from HSK KORMORAN
Image Not Available for Material relating to a life jacket from HSK KORMORAN

Material relating to a life jacket from HSK KORMORAN

Date1941 - 1954
Object numberANMS0869
NameArchive series
MediumPaper
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis archive collection consists of material relating to the life jacket worn by Oberleutenant (Lieutenant Commander) Messerschmidt of HSK KORMORAN, which was later presented to warrant officer H Scanlan stationed at the prisoner of war camp which held the KORMORAN survivors. It includes correspondence between the Director of the Australian War Memorial J McGrath and H Scanlan; a metal hat badge; and a ticket issued by l G Shawyer from the Sergeant's Mess to H S Cailor.SignificanceThe life jacket worn by a surviving officer of HSK KORMORAN is a rare surviving article from the fateful sea battle which resulted in the loss of both ships, the entire complement of HMAS SYDNEY and some 80 crew from HSK KORMORAN. SYDNEY was a key vessel of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and a major World War II symbol for the Australian public.