FEARED LOST

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20629, 3 December 1941, Page 5

FEARED LOST

CRUISER SYDNEY RAIDER SUNK NO SUBSEQUENT TRACE WIDE SEARCH CONTINUES (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 3, 9 a.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 2. The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. J. Curtin, announced in Canberra that the Australian cruiser, I-I.M.A.S. Sydney, of 0830 tons, which carried a complement of 645 (42 officers and 603 ether ranks), was missing and was presumed lost. The Sydney had been in action with a heavily-armed merchant raider, which she sank by gunfire. The place of action was not named in Mr, Curtin’s statement, but in an official announcement from his department on the Sydney’s career, it was stated that she had remained on duty on the Australian station since early this year.

Captain Joseph Burnett took over the command of the Sydney from Captain J. A. Collins in May last. Launched in 1934, the Sydney cost £2,100,000.

Mr. Curtin’s statement was: “Information has been received from the Australian Naval Board that H.M.A.S. Sydney has been in action with a heavily-armed enemy merchant raider which she sank by gunfire. Information was received from the survivors from the enemy vessel who were picked up some time after the action. No subsequent communication has been received from the Sydney, and the Government regrets to say that it must be presumed that she has been lost. Search for Survivors

“An extensive search by air and service units to locate survivors continues. The next-of-kin, to whom the Government and the Naval Board extend the deepest sympathy, were informed last Wednesday. “Although this action took place some few days ago, the announcement of it was not made earlier for three reasons. For strategical reasons, including the safety of other ships, it was not desirable to publish information earlier than now. There was the remote, yet not impossible eventuality, of the Sydney still being afloat and hope that a version could be obtained from one of her personnel. “Time was taken in the very desirable direction of informing the next-of-kin. The Government and the Naval Board had, however, kept the press informed of the developments as information was received, and are sensible of the co-operation of the press in withholding publication. “While regretting the loss of a fine ship and her gallant complement, the people of Australia will be proud that she and they upheld the traditions of the Royal Australian Navy and completed her glorious career in successful action against the enemy.” Gallant Action The Minister for the Navy, Mr. N. J. Makin. said that although it was not certain what had happened to the Sydney, it was known she had taken part in a “gallant action with conspicuous success.” Mr. Makin said: “I learned with profound regret that the Sydney had hec-n posted missing. While it is difficult to believe she has foundered, the time by which she is now overdue makes us believe that our worst fears are correct.

“This we do know: She fought a gallant action with conspicuous success and worthily emulated the former Sydney and her fight at Cocos Island 27 years ago. “To all relatives so sadly bereaved I tender my deep sympathy. I hope the knowledge that their men served their country with such devotion to duty will afford them some solace. “We have not entirely abandoned hope. The search for the ship or survivors will go on until we are convinced that everything possible has been done.” Quest Being Continued The Prime Minister stated further at Canberra to-day that for the present no further information could be given regarding the fate of -the Sydney. The authorities, he added, were still without information of events leading to her disappearance beyond what was obtained from survivors of the raider which the Sydney sank. There was still no definite evidence that the Sydney had been sunk. There was merely the presumption, which was so strong, that all hope of her being afloat had been officially abandoned. Nevertheless, the search was being continued over a wide area.

Mr. Curtin pointed out that the Government, in declining to give any further reports, was acting on reasons of security and strategy dictated by its service experts. Mr. Curtin announced that he had given approval for a national fund initiated already in Sydney to replace the vessel. The cost, it was estimated, would be in the vicinity of £3,500,000. One city business man headed the fund with a donation of £IOOO.

The wives and other dependants ol members of the crew of the Sydney will continue to receive their allotments until further notice, after which, when the fate of the cruiser is finally decided, adequate pensions will be paid. A solemn requiem mass for the crew he'd in St. Mary’s Cathedral to-day was attended by people of every class and creed, as well as representatives of the navy.