H.M.S. SYDNEY

Grey River Argus, 3 August 1940, Page 5

H.M.S. SYDNEY

FEAT THRILLS AUSTRALIANS.

WELLINGTON, August 2. The Australian Trade Commissioner here reports that the news of the success of the Australian ciffiiser “Sydney” in sinking the "Italian cruiser “Bartolomeo Colleoni” on July 19th was enthusiastically received in Australia; and Australians were delighted that she should hav e repeated -history in following the example oi her famous namesake of the last war, by sinking an enemy cruiser. In a talk over the air a. broadcaster said: “Captain Collins and his crew hav e dropped a brick in the Italian lake, producing ripples whicn will be felt all over Australia. Further afield than Australia, too. They will dampen the enthusiasm of tnc Italians somewhat.”

The “Sydney” is a happy example of th e close co-operation existing between the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Navy, and also between these two services and the merchant service and the Royal Australian Naval Reserve. She numbers representatives from them an among her complement. Her commanding officer, Captain John Coilins, is an Australian, born in Tasmania, and trained at the Naval College at Geelong. Her Commander, Commander J. N. Hilken, is an officer of the Royal Navy, and there are other Royal Navy officers on board The merchant service is represented by sea-going officers of the Royal Australian Naval Reserve. And in addition to officers and men of the permanent Royal Australian Navy, sh e carries a number of young Australians, drawn from all States of the Commonwealth and from all walks of life, who had their first bapt-ism of fire as reserve officers and ratings who left all sorts of peace-time Joos to serve at sea when war broke out. So that Australia has an Austral-ian-born, Australian-trained captain, carrying on in an Australian ship, with an Australian team, the great traditions of the Royal Navy. It is something of which all Australia is proud.