DSTO scientists appear before HMAS Sydney Commission of Inquiry
News Item
- Date:
- 12 January, 2009
DSTO scientists and technical experts from the Australian division of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) have given expert opinion and advice on the probable circumstances which contributed to the loss of HMAS SYDNEY in November 1941, and the consequent loss of life.
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- DSTO computer-generated graphic of the HMAS SYDNEY under fire
On 19 November 1941, the Royal Australian Navy Modified Leander Class light cruiser HMAS SYDNEY II, en route to Fremantle, intercepted the disguised German raider the HSK KORMORAN about 100 nautical miles west of Steep Point off the coast of Western Australia. In the ensuing battle, HMAS SYDNEY was sunk with the loss of her entire crew of 645 men. The HSK KORMORAN was subsequently scuttled with the loss of 81 lives.
Following the discovery of the wrecks of HMAS SYDNEY and HSK KORMORAN by The Finding Sydney Foundation in March 2008, the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal A.G. Houston AC, AFC, established a Commission of Inquiry, charged with the following Terms of Reference:
To inquire into and report upon the circumstances associated with the loss of HMAS SYDNEY in November 1941 and consequent loss of life and related events thereto
In support of these Terms of Reference, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) of the Department of Defence in collaboration with the Australian Division of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) were appointed to provide expert advice and opinion.
The wreck sites of HSK KORMORAN and HMAS SYDNEY were extensively surveyed by Geosounder. The footage was extensively analysed by DSTO and RINA to assess the extent and type of damage to both HSK KORMORAN and HMAS SYDNEY.
The "Report on Technical Aspect of the sinking of the HMAS SYDNEY and HSK KORMORAN" is available as an attachment on this page. Alternatively, hard copies can be requested from the DSTO Library.
Images of HMAS SYDNEY can be viewed on the Commission of Inquiry Media Gallery. DSTO's computer-generated animation of the last hours of the HMAS SYDNEY can be seen on the Defence Media Video Gallery.
For further information about DSTO's role in the HMAS SYDNEY Commission of Inquiry, email the DSTO HMAS SYDNEY team.
The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is part of Australia's Department of Defence. DSTO's role is to ensure the expert, impartial and innovative application of science and technology to the defence of Australia and its national interests.