Sydney - Emden battle

At about 0620 on 9 November 1914, wireless telegraphy operators in several transports and in the warships heard signals in an unknown code followed by a query from the Cocos Island Wireless Telegraphy Station, 'What is that code'. It was in fact the German cruiser EMDEN ordering her collier BURESK to join her at Point Refuge. Shortly afterwards Cocos signalled 'Strange warship approaching.'

Sydney (I), the nearest warship to the Cocos group, was ordered to proceed at full speed. By 0700 she was 'away doing twenty knots' and at 0915 simultaneously sighted the island and the EMDEN some seven or eight miles distant.

EMDEN opened fire at a range of some 10,500 yards using the then very high elevation of thirty degrees. Her first salvo was 'ranged along an extended line but every shot fell within two hundred yards of HMAS Sydney (I).' The next salvo was on target and for the next ten minutes the Australian cruiser came under heavy fire. Fifteen hits were recorded but fortunately 'only five burst.' Four ratings were killed and several wounded.

Sydney (I)'s first salvo went 'far over the EMDEN'. The second fell short and the third scored two hits. Meanwhile, EMDEN's captain (Captain Von Muller), aware that his only chance lay in putting Sydney (I) out of action quickly, maintained a high rate of fire said to be a salvo every six seconds. It was to no avail. Sydney (I) took advantage of her superior speed and fire power and raked the German cruiser. Her shells wrecked the enemy's steering gear, shot away both range finders and smashed the voice pipes providing communications between the conning tower and the guns. Shortly afterwards the forward funnel toppled overboard and then the foremast carrying away the primary fire control station and wrecking the fire-bridge. Despite the damage and the inevitable end, Muller continued the engagement. Half his crew were disabled until 'only the artillery officer and a few unskilled chaps were still firing.' Finally, with his engine room on fire and the third funnel gone, he gave the order 'to the island with every ounce you can get out of the engines.' Shortly after 1100, EMDEN was seen to be fast on the North Keeling Island Reef. She lost 134 men killed in action or died of wounds but the care lavished on the injured by the Australian sailors did much to earn the respect of the defeated Germans.


HMAS Sydney gun crew.	HMAS Sydney (I).	HMAS Sydney (I).


A representation of HMAS Sydney (I) in battle.	Letter from CO HMAS Sydney to CO SMS Emden.	SMS Emden.


Representation of SMS Emden beached.	Emden aground following action with Sydney.	SMS Emden postcard retrieved from the wreck.


Photo of SMS Emden survivors.	The mast of HMAS Sydney (I).