Will the sea give up her secrets at last?
Some 645 sailors died when HMAS Sydney was lost in a battle with a German cruiser off Western Australia in 1941…
HMAS Sydney perished after being attacked by a German ship, the Kormoran, which was disguised as a Dutch merchant vessel.
It too sank but the majority of its crew survived.
But all on board the Sydney were lost and over the years various theories about their demise have emerged as the nation became fascinated with this naval tragedy.
Historians have been unable to unlock the secrets of that day in November 1941.
They have provided no explanation as to why such a superior vessel was sunk by a German boat sailing under a false flag.
She was a brave ship. It’d be good to know what befell her.
…It is only proper and fitting that the final chapter be written for these men. It’s truly amazing how many lost vessels have been found recently – not just Sydney but also the US subs Lagarto and Grunion. IIRC there is at least one US destroyer out there that vanished with all hands, and there should be a concerted effort to find them as well.
Mike
IIRC there is at least one US destroyer out there that vanished with all hands
USS Jarvis, although Japanese records her loss by air attack.
Lots of lost aircrews from that period as well. Guys that launched off the pointy end and for whatever reason never came back.
Jim C
@Jim C.
Adding to that list, the recce crews lost during missions in the late 40′s, 50′s, and 60′s. I’m not so much concerned with what they were doing, but an effort should at least be made to find them and bring them home.
Your comment, also reminded me of the original mission and the subsequent funeral onboard the Glomar Explorer.