Description

Australia Post: 2014 Centenary Of The Sydney/Emden Engagement 50 Cent Coin & Stamp Cover

Shortly after dawn on 9 November 1914, Australian troop transports and warships received the call that the German raider SMS Emden was lurking in the region of Port Refuge in the Cocos-Keeling Islands. The closest warship was the HMAS Sydney, which engaged in a protracted and blazing battle with the Emden.

Whilst forcing the Emden to be grounded on the North Keeling Island Reef, 134 German crewmen were killed in the battle. However, it was much more noteworthy that the wounded German prisoners sang resounding praises of the Australians who treated them. This mutual respect under adversity instilled a long-lasting sense of pride and admiration for this noble force, remembered on the anniversary of this battle.