Tribute to HMAS Sydney

[trialisland150]

Thank you to the families of the crew of HMAS SYDNEY

[NavyboyRyan]

some people here really need to have some respect our sailors that never got the chance to retun home..

[armalite762]

The Komoran was a converted merchant ship, converted into a "Raider" auxillary cruiser flying a Dutch Flag. Before the openning salvo on the Sydney the Germans raised their battle flag and then fired with devastating accuracy and destroying Sydneys command centre.

[ToonandBBfan]

Sydneys error was undoubtedly allowing an unknown ship to come too close.

Kormoran must have scored at least one torpedo hit because I dont believe that her 5.9 inch guns alone would have been suffcient to sink a Leander class cruiser.

R.I.P to the men of both sides

[christopoll24]

Actually Kormoran devastated Sydney 's hull with a torpedo impact. Then the bal (or however it is spelled) Went off in the night and Sydney was doomed. If Kormoran had not fired torpedos, Sydney wont have sink.

[ToonandBBfan]

The torpedo hit just forward of A turret which was incidentally the weakest part of the hull.

Yes you are correct, it was the torpedo damage that ultimately sank HMAS Sydney

[gqjohnny]

Those German Q ships were very dangerous adversaries. We will never know exactly what happened, but somehow they surprised the Sydney and got in a devastating blow early in the fight. The Sydney had just come home from a successful tour in the Mediterranian Sea, so they proved their skill and gallantry. They did their duty and did it well, RIP HMAS Sydney. And God Bless all the brave men and women who served the Allied cause, many of us wouldn't be here today without their sacrifice.

[carsieplg]

the HMAS Sydney should have sunk the as the leander class was a powerful light cruiser in the med the light cruisers did big damage to the german and italian shiping my grandads ship served in malta the sydney was just caught of guard it happens you cant blame anyone for this mistakes happen in war but the fact that the dutch had ships in the area played a big part in the sydney sinking as germans could pretend to be dutch on the signals or radio

[anonymusum]

It was a fatal mistake to get so close but nobody will ever know the reason. So don´t blame them. Maybe they felt too secure on a cruiser that met just a merchant.

[BB2433]

God rest their souls. They give their lives in the defense of their country. The HMAS Sydney is an example of how sailors are bonded together till death or later.

[grl8862]

My theory is the Germans obtained the secret code that verified them as a friendly.The Sydney returned fire very quickly.That suggests while they came in close,they were still at high alert. Only code confirmation would bring the Sydney in that close. Make out your "merchant" ship in distress.Perhaps light a small oil fire. If I was the German Captain that's what I'd do to get the upper hand when out gunned.The only other theory is the Sydney officers were a bunch of idiots.I don't think so!

[G1685]

A nice little episode of the war were the usual German competence and bravery shines throughout: cruiser sank by transport! Ah! Ah! Ah! The poor battle performance of the Sydney, and the fact that they were unable to keep the vessel afloat after disengaging indicates clearly that the crew panicked.You know, war at sea is a serious business for serious men, not for a bunch of cocky boys who think that "fighting the evil Nazis" (whatever that means now...) will make up for competence in battle.

[BB2433]

hey. communist. They did their best and they died in defense of their country and dont try to be a nazi and ruin their memory. I think you would not have down better.

[NavyboyRyan]

G1685 YOUR A FUCKWIT!!

the australian defence force is amung the best in the world and has been recognized that way for over 70 years!

as a member of the R.A.N and havin served and worked umung different countrys i can tell you they did not panick as your training and experience stops that from happening..

it was a trajic accident.

have some respect

[gnarkillkicksass]

Well they weren't incompetent when they sunk an Italian cruiser months before you idiot. It was just a tragic mistake, halfway between Jakarta and Perth I'm sure they wouldn't have been too concerned with a merchantmen flying a Dutch flag.

[MikePtolomy]

A beautiful and moving tribute to the HMAS Sydney and her gallant crew. As others have said, they will never, and should never, be forgotten! For what it's worth, this old "pommy" sea dog will never forget the vital role played by the HMAS, and all the Anzacs forces in saving the world from the horrors of Hitler and the Nazis. To those of you who don't know, but who do care, Anzac Day is 25th April. Please find it in your heart to spare a minutes silent reflection for their sacrifice, thanks.

[hilrush]

Thank you Mike for the kind words. The 25th April is a massive day in Aussie being a national holiday and huge crowds attending rememberance ceremonies in towns and cities all over the country. Many people now travel to Gallipoli each year and there are many more starting to travel to France and Belgium to visit and attend services at the magnificent cemeteries there. Of course there are many Aussie boys buried in UK and I know the Brits honour them as their own. Thanks, regards from Aussie.

[deathofgothmog]

I pay great tribute to this as my Great Grandfather sunk with his ship Harry Gentles...! R.I.P

[gnarkillkicksass]

Average age off the crew was 20...

[Wingdoss]

Excellent tribute. I'm just so glad they've finally found her. All the best to those that have had to wait for so long and the great folks of Australia from me in the UK.

[tuktor1]

The HMAS Sydney (11) was not equipped for close range combat. The Kormoran was. Sydney's secondary guns were exposed and the turret main guns were very dependant on director firing control. It is thought that the first shots from the Kormoran diabled the director firing.

Sydney was just too close for some reason

[haihattelenpahanvaan]

@tuktor1 But what about her 100mm Mk V guns, her 13mm Vickers Mk III machineguns, her 7,7mm Lewis machineguns, and so on? She seems to have been as well equipped for close range combat as she was for long range combat.

[tuktor1]

Yes Sydney had these but were they set up and again did they have any shields? The machine guns were as i have seen only brought out and placed on deck. They were not fixtures with shielding in the main. They Germans had all guns set up to fire which they did.

[tuktor1]

I also did something re Sydneys memory i commissioned and brought out the HMAS Sydney II special models in 1/1250 scale. Many relatives of lost crew were very happy with them and it was for no profit as only 130 produced.

[vnck25]

@haihattelenpahanvaan

Even if the Sydney had had Exocet missiles it wouldnt have made any difference, the entire crew was plyaing criket on board the ship and as usual the captian of the ship was the umpire, no wonder the Germans had a turkey shoot out. This might be the case even today, thus the Aussie pussie's doesnt posses a navy nowadays.

[2005kanda]

The Chinese cook on Kormoron saw torpedo tracts that didn't come from his ship but his testimony was ignored by the RAN

[arwelp]

A Chinese cook on a German auxiliary warship? And what would he be doing on deck on a ship being cleared for action?

[Gaheris15]

Yeah, The Kormoron was disguised as a dutch merchant ship, no Chinese cooks there.

[MegaThrowaway]

Actually I also read that there were 3 enlisted Chinese volounteers among Kormoran's crew... Seems quite weird, since China was generally against the Axis Powers in WWII; perhaps there were collaborators among the Chinese-much like the pro-Nazi Vichy French...

[4gntatters]

Thankyou for the beautiful tribute to those never forgotten by their loved ones. It is beautifully presented and the song is so moving. My second cousin George Nelson Tatters was 19 when he left on Sydney's last voyage. His remaining family members are happy that Sydney has been finally found and a fitting tribute has been made. Thankyou

[penjo]

Well this ex-pat Canuck appreciates this video, we also lost many sailors...most in the cold North Atlantic. RIP Lest We Forget.

[ASkywalker1]

What an beautiful tribute, well done!!. REST IN PEACE HMAS SYDNEY, you will never be forgotten! Not by any proud Australian. They showed the true Anzac spirit and went down fighting, as Australians do! It brought tears to my eyes, I never knew much about the Sydney, but my dad who used to be in the Australian navy in the 1950's had a book about the Sydney, now the story is almost complete. The discovery of the wreck will add new and special meaning to Anzac Day this year.

[kgfc57]

Well done, a fantastic effort.

Great music too.

[BraveSolomon]

Emotional, but a great piece of video art.

Well done. Pity the Germans were so proud of how they shot up the ship, and were excited at sinking it. Woudln't be surprised they lured in.

[Skethi]

19.November.1941

HMAS Sydney

645 Tote

Kormoran (Hilfskreuzer)

81 Tote

Möge niemals vergessen werden das Krieg immer Leid bei allen beteiligten Seiten verursacht und möge niemals vergessen werden wie kostbar der Frieden ist.

Mögen Sie in Frieden Ruhen.

[CreamyWonderchild]

Its a real shame, those boys where battled hardened and has quite a reputation from conflicts in the Mediterranean. Its a good thing they finnaly founf the wreck, it puts alot of people at peace

Lest We Forget

[ScubadiverLinda]

Lest we foget.

[Brandos21]

Rest In Peace diggers and Lest We Forget

[DrBenDoverHere]

Poor buggers. Rest in Peace.

[MartyRS1975]

Awesome...Lest We Forget

[vindicatrixboy]

Brilliant and dignified.

We plan to play this video at a special Tribute to HMAS Sydney crew at Port Adelaide on ANZAC Eve.

60 Adelaide school students will launch replica lifeboats with the names of the sixty South Australian sailors who went down with the Sydney.

The RAN and Semaphore Port Adelaide RSL will be among the many participating in this event when a total of 3000 replica lifeboats each bearing a candle will be launched by school students.

Birkenhead pontoons 6 pm to 9.30 pm April 24.

[BraveSolomon]

Yes, it was good. Well said.

Let's hope we learn more soon.

[musiclady01]

Awsome....... I bow my Head !!!!!!

[Eastwa76]

A magnificent tribute to those gallant men.

They were truley the greatest generation

[vnck25]

@Eastwa76

Yes, surely the crew of the Komoran deserve such compliments!

[fpcturbo]

well done on the tribute to the sydney! my grandfather servied on her and was released to do extra training at flinders navel base, the sydney has been a big part of my life as i have always wanted to know more probley because my grandfather always spoke about her. Now we can let her R.I.P knowing where she is. Well done to the finding sydney crew

[arwelp]

A beautiful tribute. Thanks.

[marisa1560]

Thankyou this is heart rendering. My great uncle was a crew member of the HMAS & my beautiful 95 year old grandmother still mourns the loss of her heroic brother. As "richo56" stated a sad & happy day! So many emotions to deal with & closure at last for many. Australia proud - we will always honour & respect the sacrifice made for our country by these brave & admirable men. RIP

[2005kanda]

The reason no one survived is because a Japanese sub was also involved,just a couple of weeks before Pearl Harbour.We all know the Japanese had no problem butchering men in the water.

[TK42100]

There's no evidence to support that theory.

[coogiez]

yes there is.

[TK42100]

Then let's see it.

[coogiez]

Yuriko of Japan (54) Japan after WW2 tried to claim involvement in the sinking of the HMAS Sydney , however 2 factors depose this silly notion 1) The emporer of Japan announced that the first engagement by any imperial Japanese force against the allies was another event on Dec 7 1941 (Pearl harbour) and 2) The survivors of the Kormoran did not see or mention any Japanese sub, trawler , or Okinawan row boat in the battle.

guess i was wrong!

but that does open up that big question again eh?

[coogiez]

Yuriko of Japan (54) Japan after WW2 tried to claim involvement in the sinking of the HMAS Sydney , however 2 factors depose this silly notion 1) The emporer of Japan announced that the first engagement by any imperial Japanese force against the allies was another event on Dec 7 1941 (Pearl harbour) and 2) The survivors of the Kormoran did not see or mention any Japanese sub, trawler , or Okinawan row boat in the battle.

guess i was wrong!

but that does open up that big question again eh?

[gibbo2838]

My Grandfather Robert Gibson was a crew member of the HMAS Sydney. Technically he was the only survivor of the crew, he was very ill in Fremantle and was taken off the ship just before it sailed for it's last trip. My grandmother still has the medal awarded to the Captain and crew for sinking the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo. The Australian war museum was very interested in the medal but gran held on to it. My grandfather never forgave himself because a young lad had to take his place on the trip

[mytube308]

I take my hat off for your grandfather,I read that story of your Grandfarther in the Herald sun this week. :)

[richo56]

A sad & happpy day. The sydney's been found along with her battle sister the kormaran. Rest in peace boys.

[Sipatbana]

HMAS Sydney has been found. HMAS Sydney has been located some 2400 metres down lying upright. HMAS Sydney is located some 12 nautical miles from Kormoran and about 8 nuatical miles from the battle site. Australian Government has declared that Sydney and Kormoran will be protected under Historic Ship Wreck Act and both ships are official War Graves

[GenericGene]

Great effort guys, we may finally getting closer to the Sydney, and lay the the matter to rest. May the many fallen finally Rest in Peace.

[bakiro05]

bardzo mocny dobry film

[Sipatbana]

On the news broadcasts today 16th March 2008 HSK Kormoran has been found. Hopefuly so will HMAS Sydney 11 will be found soon. Information can be found on h t t p : / / w w w . findingsydney . com. PEST in Peace our men of the HMAS Sydney. Australians are coming to find you

[Sipatbana]

Sorry that should read Rest in Peace. Forgive me for my error

[philsoulja]

rest in piece boys... this countries freedom is in debt to the men and women who fought and died to defend it. no one has fogotten the contribution they have made. less we forget

[elroyelectric]

in his book Detmers says verbatim : She had been terribly battered, but she might have managed to stay alfoat. How many of her crew had been saved, and what would they have said about me and my conduct of the engagement? i might easily find myself before a court martial.??? why if if happened as they said why would he find himself befor a court martial ?

[9944556]

I hope they find this ship one day, just to give closure to a lot of people.. like all australians the ship went down fighting.. R.I.P

[adh4329]

The HMAS Sydney was the famed ship that destroyed Karl Von Muller's SMS EMDEN, After Emden completely shut down shipping in the Indian Ocean the Allies sent their best to hunt the Emden down, to see more visit our channel and watch the Emden documentary

[dspf85]

not this hmas sydney, it was the one before this one that sank the emden

[diversdream10]

lost 2 family members on HMAS Sydney and also HMAS Perth - Thank you. Out of 6 members that went to war 4 were KIA RAN 1 RAAF.

[cerraazizi]

Excellent video, TCR. Salute to the fallen heroes aboard HMAS Sydney!

[cerraazizi]

Rest in peace now, HMAS Sydney.And for TCR 2006, an excellent tribute to the ship. I didn't know that the Germans HAD a ship that was stationed far away from Europe.

[plankelbow]

yea my grandpa was 25 i like to think that he didnt suffer and when they do find the wreck that they keep it safe from divers as i think that he and all the sailors shal be kept to there peice

[fashionplatefanny]

I have been looking on the internet for information. ONE BIG thankyou for this. My grandfather was on the Sydney and we where brought up in its shadow and the fact that the government kept it a secret from the families for a period of time. Hopefully with modern technology they can finally find this link to many peoples past. Then the truth hopefully will be past on to the families. Again a wonderful tribute to the many heroes that perished on that illfated day. My grandfather was only 21.

Les

[plankelbow]

my grandpa was on the sydney hope the can find his grave

[papandreou400]

Hopefully the Chapter on the Loss can close, and the healing process can now begin, Welcome Home HMAS Sydney

[KramerStagemaster]

According to news com au they have now found the wreck

[papandreou400]

Seriously, no wreck has been found, and Sydney had no survivors either

[lapua47]

I was found !!!! 15 hours ago great for the faimlies

to know where there lost ones rest ... Lest We Forget...

[TINS24651]

WOW!! I have never heard of that story that is so great.Wonderful tribute

[tcr2006]

I didn't hear of the HMAS Sydney until about a week ago, when I went to Wikipedia to investigate some of the forgotten shipwrecks.  The disappearance of the Sydney and the fact that no wreck has been found (according to Wikipedia....hmmm, I put a lot of trust in Wikipedia for this one...) only made me want to do this vid even more.

[TINS24651]

That's a great website it's where I get all of my information at.Thanks

[olsenmor]

love this video

[tcr2006]

Thank you.