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German cruiser SMS Emden, WW1
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German cruiser SMS Emden, WW1
The German light cruiser SMS Emden after being attacked by HMAS Sydney on 9 November 1914, at the Battle of Cocos. Escaping crew can be seen in a boat in the foreground.
1914
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Media ID 14171032
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
Allied Allies Attack Attacked Australian Chatham Cocos Crew Cruiser Damage Damaged Emden Escaping Hmas Sailors Sydney
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the aftermath of the Battle of Cocos, which took place on November 9, 1914, during the early stages of World War I. In the foreground, a small boat filled with German sailors from the cruiser SMS Emden can be seen making their escape from the battlefield. The Emden, a light cruiser of the German Imperial Navy's Chatham class, had been engaged in a daring and successful commerce raiding campaign in the Indian Ocean before being ambushed by the Australian cruiser HMAS Sydney and the British light cruiser HMAS Melbourne. The Emden, visible in the background of the image, displays the telltale signs of the intense battle that had just taken place. Smoke rises from her funnels, and her hull is peppered with bullet holes and other damage. The Australian and British ships had managed to inflict significant damage on the Emden, forcing her to retreat and eventually surrender. The Battle of Cocos was a significant victory for the Allied forces, as it marked the first major naval engagement of the war in the Pacific and demonstrated the growing strength of the Australian Navy. The capture of the Emden and her crew also provided valuable intelligence to the Allies, who were able to learn more about German naval capabilities and tactics. The image is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, as the escaping crew members in the boat look back at the damaged Emden with a mix of resignation and determination. The photograph is a testament to the bravery and resilience of the sailors on both sides of the conflict, and serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made during the First World War.
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