HMAS Sydney was one of three modified Leander-class light cruisers operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Ordered for the Royal Navy as HMS Phaeton, the cruiser was purchased by the Australian government and renamed prior to her 1934 launch.
During the early part of her operational history, Sydney helped enforce sanctions during the Abyssinian crisis, and at the start of World War II was assigned to convoy escort and patrol duties in Australian waters. In May 1940, Sydney joined the British Mediterranean Fleet for an eight-month deployment, during which she sank two Italian warships, participated in multiple shore bombardments, and provided support to the Malta Convoys, while receiving minimal damage and no casualties. On her return to Australia in February 1941, Sydney resumed convoy escort and patrol duties in home waters.
On 19 November 1941, Sydney was involved in a mutually destructive engagement with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran, and was lost with all hands (645 aboard).
HMAS Sydney (II) 1935HMAS Sydney (II) 1935HMAS Sydney seen in 1936HMAS Sydney (II) 1937HMAS Sydney (II) 24 Sep1938HMAS Sydney 1938 in Sydney HarbourHMAS Sydney seen at Sydney, NSW, Australia in 1938HMAS Sydney (II) Alexandria Egypt 20 July 1940Forward turrets of HMAS Sydney, likely late 1930’sHMAS Sydney seen at Alexandria, Egypt in July 1940.HMAS Sydney (II)1 Aug 1941HMAS Sydney October 1941 in Sydney HarbourHMAS Sydney photographed in Sydney, 1941HMAS Sydney in Sydney HarbourHMAS Sydney (II)HMAS SydneyHMAS SydneyHMAS SydneyHMAS Sydney (II)
Photos of HMAS Sydney’s Aircraft
Weymouth, England. Sep 1935 Supermarine Seagul V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being prepared for hoisting aboard HMAS SydneyWeymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.Weymouth, England. c. 1935-09. Supermarine Seagull V amphibian aircraft A2-2 being hoisted by crane aboard HMAS Sydney II.RAAF Seagull V aircraft, serial A2-18, on HMAS Sydney (II)circa 1938-39, a Supermarine Seagull Mk.V (A2-9)A Supermarine Walrus being recovered by HMAS Sydney C. 1941.HMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) being recovered by HMAS Sydney June 21, 1940 after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraftHMAS Sydney’s Supermarine Walrus (A2-21) showing bullet holes after being attacked by R.A.F. Gloster Gladiator aircraft
Photos Following the Battle of Cape Spada
Gun Barrels of A and B Turrets HMAS Sydney Being Cleaned Following the Battle of Cape SpadaGun Barrels of A and B Turrets HMAS Sydney Being Cleaned Following the Battle of Cape SpadaGun Barrels of B Turret HMAS Sydney Showing Blistering of Paint Following the BattleGun Barrels of A Turret HMAS Sydney Being Cleaned Following the BattleHMAS Sydney Arriving in Alexandria Following the Battle of Cape Spada July 1940HMAS Sydney 21 July 1940 in AlexandriaHole in the Forward Funnel of HMAS SydneyHMAS Sydney in Floating Drydock Alexandria 17 July 1940Hole in the Forward Funnel of HMAS Sydney Caused by a 6″ Shell From the Italian Cruiser BartolomeoHole in the Forward Funnel of HMAS Sydney Caused by a 6″ Shell From the Italian Cruiser BartolomeoHole in the Forward Funnel of HMAS Sydney Caused by a 6″ Shell From the Italian Cruiser BartolomeoCrew of HMAS Sydney looking through the hole in the forward funnelHMAS Sydney 21 July 1940 in Alexandria undergoing repairs to the forward funnelHMAS Sydney 24 July 1940 in Alexandria showing repair work to funnelCamouflage Scheme Being Painted on the After Funnel of HMAS Sydney July 1940
