Home

Honour - 'Kormoran' 1941


Date - 19-November
Type - Single Ship or Boat Service Actions
Conflict - World War 2; 1939-45

 
Description The action took place about 150 miles (280km) South West of Carnarvon, Western Australia.

The cruiser HMAS Sydney engaged and sank the heavily armed German raider Kormoran which was disguised as a merchant ship. Kormoran put up such a strong defence that Sydney later also sank with the los of all hands. Kormoran lost 81 pf her crew of 399.

The details of the loss of the Sydney remained a mystery for some time as searches for her were unsuccessful after she became overdue.

News of her fate only came from German survivors who were picked up by passing merchant ships. and two boat loads who were washed ashore north of Carnarvon.

The precise location also remained a mystery until May-2008 when both wrecks were located. Sydney lost all 645 on board, the largest loss ever for the Royal Australian Navy and the largest allied warship to be lost with all hands.

 

 
 
HM Ships
HMAS Sydney         
         
 
This page last edited - 01 April, 2013.

Copyright © Ian M King, except where otherwise indicated.