Historical information

On 19 November 1941, HMAS Sydney was involved in a mutually destructive engagement with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran, and was lost with all hands
(645) aboard.

Significance

This object was handmade to house a Life Buoy from HMAS Sydney II which was lost at sea with all hands on board in 1941. The Life Buoy made from kapok ceased to be used by the RAN in the early 1950's. It was found in poor condition discarded in a bin at Spectacle Island in Sydney and later restored.

Physical description

Long narrow timber board mounted with timber crest consisting of crown and red anchor on white background within gold coloured circled rope.

Inscriptions & markings

SYDNEY

Gold coloured plaque - Donated by Peter L CARDWELL Ex HMAS SYDNEY (3) 2002