Monday 10 November 2014

10th November 1914




Indian Ocean
Tuesday November 10 1914 - A22

There was a great cheering today when the news that the Emden was sunk by the Australian Cruiser Sydney, was read out on parade and we were given a holiday.  It appears that the Emden put into Cocus Islands and signalled to a collier that was waiting nearby for her.  She had a false funnel riged up and as she was coming in this fell overboard then a party went ashore from the Emden and took the wireless station there, but one of the operators had a plant in the sand somewhere and by this he was able to send out signals to us.  It is not known yet how many were killed on the Emden but there were three killed and 13 wounded on the Sydney.



The S.M.S. Emden ashore on North Keeling, after
her run in with the H.M.A.S. Sydney.



10th Indian Ocean 1-30pm

The following message received from ‘Orvieto’.  “Sydney started for COCOS IS.

 Nov 10 Indian Ocean

At 7.a.m. 9th Nov at 9-30 she sighted the EMDEN travelling at full speed she was able to get within range in 20 minutes at the same time she signalled that the chase was steering NORTH.  At 10-45am Sydney was engaging the enemy briskly, at 11-10am the latter had to beach herself to avoid sinking her foremast to 3 funnels were down but the flag was still flying.  SYDNEY then went after EMDENS Collier, took the crew off + sunk her.  Sydney then returned to Emden who surrendered.  The extent of GERMAN casualties are not yet known but they are bound to be severe.  Sydneys own casualties required hospital treatment which was found on DIRECTION IS.  The EMDEN had had time to destroy Wireless Station + to cut 1 of the 3 cables.  A second cable was intact + possibly the third all the instruments were destroyed excepting 1 which had been buried + is in use again.  Wireless Operators deserve much praise for sticking to their post + sending out distress signals + for saving instruments………

Sydney will sail for COLOMBO as soon as she has got German wounded + prisoners on board which may take 24 hours.



The severed ends of the submarine cable cut by the S.M.S. Emden,
draped over a lifeboat after having been retrieved half a mile from
the shore of Direction Island.


Tuesday 10th November

Another exceedingly hot and trying day. About 1 Am a mare belonging to the AMC gave birth to a foal. She is very frisky this morning and is another addition to ships pets.

We expect another foal arrival in about a week.

The second officer and our signallers on watch report that about 3 AM the "Melbourne" and "Ibuki" rapidly moved forward and later flashes were seen and sounds were heard resembling discharge of ordnance.

At 11.40 the "Medic" drew out of line, and notification came down the Division to hoist Ensign at halfmast. There has evidently been a burial from the "Medic", and as she carries mainly artillery the chances are it is one of our men.

Two horses sick today. Heat is very trying to them. Men are all at work with only a pair of dungaree trousers as covering – Position at noon 8°05’S, 93°46’ East. Mileage 252.

Splendid news came through today re German ship "Emden", telling us that H.M.A.S. "Sydney" had captured her. I read out the news to the men on Parade, and we all gave lusty cheers.

The following is a copy of the wireless message officially sent out by the "Orvieto".

"Sydney" started off for Cocos at 7 AM. At 9.30 she had sighted the enemy. Travelling at full speed she was able to get within range in 20 minutes, at the same time she signalled that the chase was steering north. At 10.45 "Sydney" was engaging the enemy briskly and at 11.10 the latter had to beach herself to avoid sinking. Her foremast and three funnels were down but the flag was still flying. "Sydney" then went after "Emdens" collier, took the crew off and sank her. "Sydney" returned again to "Emden" who surrendered. The extent and nature of the German casualties are not yet known, but they are bound to be severe. The "Sydneys" own casualties required hospital treatment which was promptly found on "Direction Island". The "Emden" had had time to destroy Wireless Telegraph Station and to cut one of the three cables. A second cable was intact and possibly the third. All the instruments were destroyed excepting one. This had been buried and is in use again. The Wireless Telegraph and Cable operators deserve much praise for sticking to their post, and sending out distress signals, also for saving instruments. "Sydney" will sail for Colombo as soon as she has succeeded in getting German wounded and prisoners on board. The operation May take 24 hours as it presents considerable difficulty."

Naturally such a message (received 1.30 PM) has given us food for conversation. We are all delighted the "Sydney" has done such good work and acquitted herself so well.

The following are censorship arrangements for Colombo. All mails from A.I.F. Transports will be sent to "Orvieto" for censorship. Open letters, plain post cards and urgent telegrams will be passed by Censor for immediate despatch provided all references to ships, places and date are omitted. Closed letters and parcels will be delayed.

This afternoon we noticed one of the New Zealand ships stop and lower a boat. The "Ibuki" steamed off rapidly in her direction, but presently we saw the boat again hauled up into the Davits. Presumably a man fell overboard but was promptly rescued.

Terribly hot tonight. By far the worst night we have had yet. Not a movement in the air. 






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