The fate of HMAS Sydney was one of Australia’s greatest wartime mysteries, with the location of the wrecks only discovered in 2008. With an impressive record of war service, HMAS Sydney II was lost 19 November 1941 following a battle with the German raider HSK Kormoran in the Indian Ocean off the Western Australian Coast. Sydney’s 645-strong crew all perished.
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of finding HMAS Sydney the museum will present a symposium exploring its short yet honourable service, the historic day its resting place was discovered and a recent expedition that captured a stunning array of images and scientific data.
Presenters and topics covered include:
- David Mearns, UK-based shipwreck hunter (live via satellite) – The Discovery of the Wrecks
- John Perryman, Senior Naval Historical Officer and Bob Trotter Finding Sydney Foundation President Cmdr (rtrd)
- Gillian Lewis Museum Volunteer and Speaker – The Impact on Families
- Dr Andrew Woods, Curtin University – 3D Footage and Visualisations of the Wrecks from the 2015 Expedition.
