Photo: A semi-circular wall in black granite embedded with flecks of natural gold listing the names, rank and home base of 645 men who lost their lives on the HMAS Sydney in 1941

The tragic sinking of HMAS Sydney in November 1941 sent shockwaves reverberating through Australia, etching its place as the most significant loss of life in the country’s naval history. Prior to this fateful event, HMAS Sydney had garnered national acclaim for its victorious return from the Mediterranean, where it had dealt a decisive blow to the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni near Crete in 1940. The ship and its crew were hailed as the ‘toast of the country,’ providing a much-needed morale boost to the Australian public in the early stages of World War II.

The ill-fated encounter occurred on November 19, 1941, off the West Australian coast when HMAS Sydney engaged the German raider Kormoran. The Kormoran, disguised as the Dutch freighter Straat Malakaa, cunningly lured the technologically superior Sydney into the range of its formidable guns and torpedoes. The ensuing battle left both ships critically damaged, and they ultimately sank in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The tragic outcome claimed the lives of all 645 men on board HMAS Sydney, leaving no survivors.

The first earnest attempts to locate the Sydney were initiated on November 24 when the ship failed to return to port as scheduled. On that same evening, a British tanker crew reported rescuing 25 German seamen from a raft, providing the first clues to the encounter’s grim aftermath. Subsequent searches revealed 315 more survivors from Kormoran’s crew, shedding light on the magnitude of the maritime catastrophe.

For 67 years, the location of HMAS Sydney remained a mystery until its discovery in 2008, resting 2,468 meters below the ocean surface and approximately 20 kilometres from the wreckage of the Kormoran. The revelation of the site brought closure but also intensified the solemnity of the tragedy for the people of Australia, particularly the families of the victims.

The impact of the loss of HMAS Sydney extended beyond the immediate aftermath, as the circumstances surrounding its demise remained shrouded in mystery. People had to rely on the accounts of Kormoran’s survivors to piece together the events leading to the ship’s sinking.

One poignant story emerged from the tragedy—the tale of ‘the Unknown Sailor.’ It is believed that only one Australian sailor managed to reach a life raft during the sinking. Despite surviving the battle, he met a tragic end at sea. For 80 years, he remained nameless, remembered only as ‘the Unknown Sailor.’ However, on the anniversary of the sinking, it was revealed that new DNA evidence had conclusively identified him as Able Seaman Thomas Welsby Clark from New Farm in Brisbane.

In a move to honour all those who lost their lives on HMAS Sydney (II), the Office of Australian War Graves announced that next year, on the anniversary of his identification, Tom’s grave in Geraldton War Cemetery will be marked by a new headstone bearing his name. This marks a significant step in ensuring that the sacrifices of those aboard HMAS Sydney are remembered and commemorated appropriately.

As the nation reflects on the anniversary of the Sydney’s loss, it serves as a solemn occasion to remember the victims of this tragedy and pay tribute to all Australian servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. The sinking of HMAS Sydney remains a poignant chapter in Australia’s naval history, a testament to the profound impact of war on individuals, families, and the collective memory of a nation.

The Battle of Berlin, a crucial chapter in the air war over Europe during World War II, marked the culmination of the Royal Air Force’s Bomber Command’s strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany. This intensive campaign aimed to weaken German industry, disrupt transportation, and lower civilian morale. Australians played a significant role in this conflict, with their pilots contributing to the arduous and perilous missions conducted by Bomber Command.

The Battle of the Ruhr and the Battle of Hamburg had set the stage for the RAF’s strategic bombing campaign. The Ruhr Valley, Germany’s industrial powerhouse, and Hamburg, a key port city, were strategic targets due to their economic and military significance. The focus then shifted to the German capital, Berlin, during the Battle of Berlin, which lasted from November 1943 to March 1944.

The Battle of Berlin was distinct for its duration and intensity, involving 16 massed bombing attacks on the German capital. Bomber Command’s objective was to cripple Berlin’s infrastructure, industrial capabilities, and erode the morale of the German population. The campaign, however, proved to be incredibly challenging and costly for the Allies.

The involvement of Australian pilots in the Battle of Berlin was substantial. These aviators, part of the larger British Commonwealth, flew alongside their British counterparts in the iconic Lancaster, Halifax, and other heavy bombers. The harsh conditions and constant threat of enemy fighters and anti-aircraft fire made these missions perilous. Many Australian pilots displayed exemplary courage and skill, contributing significantly to the overall effort.

Despite the strategic importance of the Battle of Berlin, it exacted a heavy toll on the RAF. Arthur “Bomber” Harris, the head of Bomber Command, initially predicted the loss of 400 to 500 aircraft. However, the actual losses surpassed these estimates. Over 1,000 aircraft and 7,000 aircrew members were lost during the Battle of Berlin, highlighting the formidable challenges faced by bomber aircrews.

Australian pilots were not exempt from the perils of the Battle of Berlin. Several of them were shot down over enemy territory, facing the grim realities of captivity or loss of life. Their sacrifice and bravery, however, were integral to the broader Allied strategy to weaken the German war machine.

Arthur Harris, despite the high losses, remained steadfast in his belief that the Battle of Berlin would be a decisive blow against Germany. The heavy toll on German industry and morale, he argued, would ultimately contribute to the Allied victory. The Battle of Berlin, along with the entire strategic bombing campaign, played a role in disrupting German war production and diverting resources from other fronts.

Throughout the entirety of World War II, bomber aircrews, including Australians, bore a disproportionate share of casualties and received more decorations per capita than any other element of the Allied military forces. Their dedication and sacrifice underscored the challenges and importance of strategic bombing in the overall Allied war effort. The Battle of Berlin stands as a testament to the courage of these aircrews and their significant contribution to the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany.

The best way to book transport to a DVA-approved medical appointment is via DVA’s online portal MyService.

You may be eligible to book transport if you’re over 80 and have a DVA Gold Card, or if you meet certain criteria outlined on the ‘Arrange for a taxi or hire car’ page of the DVA website.

We recommend that you watch the following video that walks you through the process:

It explains that you need to sign in to myGov to access your MyService account. You’ll then need to provide your pick-up address and destination address as well as the date and time of your appointment. You’ll also need to provide details about your provider, the primary condition being treated and the kind of appointment it is. You can even provide special instructions to the driver.

Once you’ve submitted the request, you can go back and edit or cancel it if necessary.

The businessman has spent several years and hundreds of millions of dollars for the best SpaceX engineers to create a new generation of aircraft! It can reach a hypersonic speed of 4,600 miles per hour with minimal fuel consumption, thanks to a unique engine that was previously used only in space shuttles! The aircraft is armed with one of the strongest microwave systems that can affect both equipment and people! The fighter has an advanced camouflage that hides it from radar and sight so much that it can easily be confused with a cloud, and it also has one very interesting feature ….?

Hello Everyone,

I’ve taken the time to read through all the thoughtful messages, emails, and texts I received during my time in and out of the hospital. It’s impossible for me to individually thank each one of you, but please accept this heartfelt appreciation. Your kindness has truly made me feel special and humble.

On the health front, I’m doing well with no pain, diligently following the doctors’ orders. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have Julie by my side, caring for me with such love and attentiveness. Who knows, I just might keep her for another 55 years!

Once again, thank you all for your wonderful and caring mateship.

Best regards,

Ray

THERE are two distinguishing features of the bronze memorial panels lining the Hall of Memory walls of Australia’s War Memorial.

Firstly, all those listed are equal in death, listed neither by age, rank, race, creed, gender or sexual preference, just surname and initials, ranked only in alphabetical order by unit.

The second is the proliferation of red paper poppies, the symbol of sacrifice in most Commonwealth countries after the poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Canadian medical officer and Boer War veteran John McCrae who would himself succumb during the war, aged 45, to pneumonia.

CLICK LINK to continue reading Australian Defence History, Policy and Veterans Issues (targetsdown.blogspot.com)

ED: In the past I have expressed my total support and enthusiasm for nuclear energy in Australia. Nuclear energy is often debated due to its potential benefits, such as low greenhouse gas emissions and high energy density, as well as concerns about safety, radioactive waste disposal, and the risk of nuclear accidents.

My argument is that nuclear power is a reliable and low-carbon energy source, which would contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels. It would give us a reliable and sustainable source of power.

I’m very impressed with young Will Shackel and hope you may support the objective.

CLICK LINK  https://www.nuclearforaustralia.com/

The Australian Defence Force is set to embark on a transformative journey as gunners prepare to undergo training in the United States for the nation’s new High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) regiment. This initiative marks a significant development in Australia’s defence capabilities and underscores the strategic importance of investing in cutting-edge artillery technology.

Scheduled to commence next year, the training program will take place at the prestigious US Artillery School in Oklahoma, providing Australian gunners with an immersive and comprehensive learning experience. The focal point of this endeavour is the establishment of the inaugural HIMARS unit, known as the 14 Regiment, stationed at Puckapunyal in central Victoria.

The 14 Regiment will serve as the launchpad for Australia’s HIMARS capabilities, with the first of 20 recently procured HIMARS units expected to be delivered in 2025. The initial deployment will involve one troop of four HIMARS, primarily dedicated to operational tasks, while the remaining units will be utilized for training, maintenance, and certification purposes. Plans are in place to expand the HIMARS battery to three troops by 2027, further enhancing Australia’s artillery capabilities.

Gunner Izaiah Roch of the Royal Australian Artillery 8th/12th Regiment expressed his enthusiasm for the introduction of HIMARS, citing the novelty of the system within the Australian Army as a motivating factor. Roch, who aspires to join a HIMARS troop, highlighted the allure of exploring new technologies in his artillery career. “The fact that it’s new and no one in the Army has used it before gives me the drive to stay in artillery,” said Gunner Roch. “It might not be the be-all and end-all, but it’s good knowing there is more to explore in the job.”

The recent Exercise Talisman Sabre provided Australian troops with a firsthand look at American HIMARS and Korean K9 Thunder vehicles, offering them an opportunity to engage with current operators. Specialist Juan Jimanez of the American 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Battalion, emphasized the excitement surrounding HIMARS, noting its impact on morale. “I was cool with being a rocket man. When the Australians ask me what job I do, I tell them I’m HIMARS and their eyes light up,” said Specialist Jimanez. “It’s good for you guys to see how we operate and shoot. It gets the excitement going, so when you do get them, it’s like, ‘Alright, let’s go play’.”

A notable achievement during this transition to HIMARS was the successful launch conducted at the Lancelin Defence Training Area in Western Australia. The operation demonstrated the system’s prowess by effectively prosecuting a maritime target using advanced integrated targeting technology, showcasing the formidable capabilities that the HIMARS regiment brings to Australia’s defence arsenal.

As Australia ventures into this new era of artillery technology, the integration of HIMARS into its defence infrastructure represents a strategic move towards modernization, providing enhanced capabilities and bolstering the nation’s preparedness for contemporary security challenges.