Sydney happy with search
20 April 2007 By Michael Brooke
The ship's company of HMAS Sydney (CMDR Guy Holthouse) say they strongly support plans by an ocean surveying company to use an advanced multi-beam echo-sounder system to search for Sydney (II).
CMDR Holthouse told Navy News that the crew of Sydney (IV) "support very strongly the idea of locating Sydney (II)", which was sunk in an engagement with the German raider SKS Kormoran off the coast of Western Australia in 1941.
CMDR Holthouse said the crew was excited that a Perth-based company, Geo Subsea, working with the Sydney Search Organisation, led by the CEO, CDRE Bob Trotter, had announced plans to use cutting edge sonar technology to search for Sydney (II) at depths of up to 5000 metres.
The company said it was confident the $9 billion sonar technology would find Sydney (II) within 12 months.
Locating Sydney (II) means a great deal to the current crew of HMAS Sydney.
CMDR Holthouse said, "the historical significance of this great loss resonates strongly in the current Sydney ... Sydney's strong ties with her predecessors is recognised every time Sydney (IV) enters or leaves Sydney Harbour, through the piping of Still and saluting when passing the mast of Sydney (I), located on Bradley's Head."
Sydney's crew sees four distinct benefits from finding Sydney (II).
Firstly, the determination of Sydney (II)'s location would provide an actual grave site and the means of closure for those families which were affected by the tragedy.
Secondly, to aid in establishing a conclusive account of what actually happened to Sydney (II) during and after her engagement with Kormoran.
Thirdly, perhaps, to lay the ghosts of some of the wilder explanations offered over the years for her loss.
Finally, locating the site of Sydney (II) and filming her wreck has the potential to provide current serving members of the Navy and Australians in general with more of an insight into life onboard a light cruiser during the early stages of WWII.
There were some concerns however that publicly announcing the site of such a historical war grave could lead to unwelcome attention, no matter how deep the water. The loss of Sydney (II) and her 645 crew is the RAN's greatest in wartime.
