Public Art Around The World

More Than Just The Plaque

HMAS Sydney I Memorial Masthead

HMAS Sydney Memorial Masthead

Public Art : HMAS Sydney I Memorial Masthead

Designer/Architect: London and Glasgow Engineering and Iron Shipbuilding Company

Description:

Date Unveiled: The Mast was removed from Sydney (I) when she was decommissioned in 1928 and erected at Bradley’s Head in 1934. It was officially unveiled during a visit to Sydney by the Duke of Glouster on the 24th of November.

Location: The masthead is located on the headland on Bradleys Head on the north shore side of Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia.

Background of the HMAS Sydney I  :

HMAS Sydney was a Chatham class light cruiser of the Royal Australian Navy built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1911.

During WWI, the HMAS Sydney I became Australia’s first naval ship to have a successful engagement with an enemy ship. On the 9th of November , 1914, whilst escorting a convoy the HMAS Sydney was requested to investigate an SOS coming fromthe Cocos Keeling Islands. As the HMAS Sydney headed to the area at top speed it came across the German Raider Emden. Emden had been caught off guard with many of the crew onshore at Direction Island. The German cruiser opened fire first. The gunners fired rapidly . The German captain hoped to overwhelm Sydney with a barrage of shells before Sydney could retaliate. Two hit the Sydney, one fail to explode while the other disabled a fire control station. 

While the Sydney was finding range the Emden turned directly towards the Sydney. It was preparing to fire a torpedo.  Sydney in the meantime had found range and was bombarding the enemy with more powerful 6″ guns.  Again the German Captain attempted to line its torpedos up with the Sydney but their fire power was wreaking havoc. A shell from the Sydney disabled the Emden’s stearing gear but this did not deter the German captain. He again attempted to lauch a torpedo attack. A shell from the Sydney detonated ammunition near their starboard gun , starting a fire. The final attempt at sinking the Sydney failed and the captain decided to beach the striken Emden to save the lives of his crew. By the time the Australians reached the wrecked ship the Germans had render all the weapons unusable and had burned all signal books and secret papers. 

In the end Sydney lost 3 crew members and 13had been injured. The Emden didn’t fair so well. 133 officers and enlisted men died. The German survivors including the captain were taken into captivity. The German’s were sent back to their homeland in 1920.

When the ship was decommissioned in 1928 the Mayor of Mosman purchased it (using Commonwealth money). The mast was then erected at Bradley’s Head in 1934. 

On November of 1964 the HMAS Sydney I mast became a memorial to those who served in the Royal Australian Navy and to the 19 ships lost in service.

In June 2007, it was announced that all Australian and foreign naval vessels that enter Sydney Harbour will be required to give ceremonial honours to the HMAS Sydney Memorial Mast. This means that the men and women who are on the upperdecks at the time are required to stand to attention while a special naval whistle is sounded (Boatswain’s call). This ceremonial represents a mark of respect and recognition to the Australian officers, sailors and ships lost at sea and in combat. 

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

It is main inner container footer text