HMAS Sydney vs SMS Emden

The SMS Emden was a German raider-cruiser that was located in the Pacific Islands. 25 allied cargo ships and 2 warships had been destroyed or taken captive by the Emden. It soon became on of the most feared enemy ships sailing the seas.

On November 9th 1914, The SMS Emden was in the process of attacking a British wireless and cable station when the commanding officer, Karl Von Muller, was alerted that there was an enemy ship approaching. It was the HMAS Sydney. The staff on the Island were able to make a distress call and that call was received before the station was attacked.

The Sydney was ordered to attack the German cruiser. The Emden started the firing with the first few shots missing the Sydney. They soon hit the Sydney, causing some damage. However, the HMAS Sydney had the advantage because it was faster and had a larger firing range. The Sydney was able to move out of range but the Emden was still able to hit the allied ship.

The Emden was close to being out of action so Von Muller ordered the crew to aground the ship. With 134 men killed in the battle, the SMS Emden surrendered, waving a white flag.

This was the Royal Australian Navy’s first victory and the end to the Emden’s reign.