Sydney Cipher and Search

摘要

On 19 November 1941 the Australian light cruiser HMAS Sydney, commanded by Captain Joseph Burnett, encountered the German raider Kormoran (under the command of Captain Theodore Detmers) off the coast of Western Australia. In the ensuing battle both ships were mortally damaged and later sank; Sydney with the loss of her entire crew of 645 men. Sydney was the glamour ship of the Royal Australian Navy following her exploits in the Mediterranean in 1940, during which she saw extensive action, that included her destruction of the Italian cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni. Her loss was a severe blow to Australia and one which is still felt by many to this very day. Many theories regarding her final action have been put forward including German treachery, Japanese involvement prior to Pearl Harbor and an Australian Government cover up. Any book written on this subject is bound to receive in-depth scrutiny, and skepticism, from a wide range of academics, historians and ordinary readers. This latest book on the loss of Sydney is no exception.