9th November 1914

Indian Ocean

Monday November 9 1914 - A22

You can feel it getting hotter everyday.  We are on a level with about New Guinea but only thousands of miles to a flank.  We are making straight for Colombo.  There was a stir on board today the cruisers all made (but two) off towards Cocus Islands as fast as they could travel and we all guessed that there was something doing.  We heard later that the Sydney got the Emden and riddled her so that the Germans ran her on shore in a sinking condition and that they are after now a collier that was coaling her.

"The Japanese battleship Ibuki crossing over at full speed

to put herself between us (HMT Orvieto) and the German

raider SMS Emden, about 11 a.m." ~ C. E. W. Bean

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - G01553]

9^th  Indian Ocean

Memo of Horses reported as lost since leaving ALBANY.  Pera 1 Katoona 8 Hymettus 14 Anglo Egyptian 5 Medic 1 Pt Lincoln 6 Karoo 11 Clan M^cCorkadale 7 Marere 11 Shropshire 3 Wiltshire 1 Star of England 1 Southern 1 Armidale 2 Star of Victoria 3 Total losses 75 Total horses carried by Fleet 7125 Percentage of loss to date 1.05%

  

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - Official unit war diary, 7th Battery]

The Japanese battleship Ibuki and H.M.A.S. Melbourne

getting back to their stations, after H.M.A.S. Sydney had

signalled in the early afternoon, "Emden beached and done for."

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - G01551]

Monday 9th November

Exceptionally hot night. All ships travelled with lights out. Hosing of horse decks carried out every half hour during the night to reduce temperature. Thermometer reading this morning in main Horse deck 85°

About 7 AM the "Sydney" whose position has been protecting our port flank, suddenly stoked up and moved very rapidly towards the Cocos Islands. We have no knowledge of any movement of enemy but doubtless will have later. The "Melbourne" which yesterday took up position at head on convoy, has now moved over well in advance of the Port Flank of convoy. Battery work as usual. Twenty men as volunteers assisted the ships crew to work coal from No 4 hold to Bunkers. This will involve about a fortnights work. The Captain has allowed each man a pint of beer per day – and doubtless with the very hot weather his action will be appreciated.

Just before noon both the "Melbourne" and "Ibuki" bolted off to the westward but returned in about an hours time. In the meantime our wireless operator was listening at his receiver and presently brought us information that the German Cruiser "Emden" had been run aground (presumably at Cocos Island) to prevent her sinking, and that the "Sydney" was scouting for her merchant colliers. Information was also received that two men had been killed and fourteen wounded in the engagement.

We do not know which ship accounted for the "Emden" but hope it is the "Sydney". We expect the ships may return to the Convoy tomorrow and they will certainly receive a rousing reception.

At 3.15 the "Euripides" drew out of the Column and word was received to hoist Ensign half mast. Apparently another of her men has died, but we have received no information concerning the matter.

Horse returns were again rendered today with result as follows;- "Karoo" 1, "Marere" 2, "Armadale" 1, "Katuna" 2, "Hymettus" 11, "Shropshire" 2, and "Star of Victoria" 1. Several ships displayed no signals, so I do not know result. "Hymettus" total seems large, but her signals were very clear. Total losses during the last two days according to our readings are therefore 20, which added to previous total makes 75 since leaving Albany.

Total run up to noon today for last 24 hours 244 miles. Position 10° 38’S 97° 2’E. About 630 miles to line. Expect to cross about noon on Thursday.

Lecture tonight to N.C.O.s by Major Hughes. Two more wind sails fitted to Horse deck.

[Courtesy of State Library of New South Wales - Sir Charles Rosenthal diary]

Taken from the foredeck of H.M.A.S. Sydney, showing the

S.M.S. Emden ashore on North Keeling.  The Emden is flying

a white flag from her jackstaff and the international distress

signal, NC, from the remaining mast, whilst some of the

survivors stand on her aft deck. A ship's boat, astern of

the Emden, can be seen making its way toward the Sydney.

[Courtesy of Australian War Memorial - P11611.045.001]