‘Emden’s Last Battle’ by Claus Bergen [1885-1964].Source 1914: Two sides of the EMDEN-SYDNEY fight in Art [II]. by Horatio J. Kookaburra
Sydney memorial in Hyde park. SMS Emden Gun pointing up Oxford St. Photo by the author. Taken on 100th anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/2017
Sydney’s memorials
There are 3 permanent memorials in Sydney to the victory of the Cruiser Sydney (l) over the German sea raider, SMS Emden on the 9th of November 1914.
Arguably the most imposing is the HMAS Sydney mast at Bradley’s Head, Mosman.
Floating crane ‘Titan’ Installing the HMAS Sydney mast at Bradleys Head, prior to its dedication ceremony in 1934. Source: Barry O’Keefe Library ‘Trace’ digital archive.
HMAS Sydney mast at Bradleys Head seen from Watsons Bay to Circular Quay ferry. Photo by the Author.
The mast was ceremonially dedicated in 1934 (on the same day as the Hyde Park War Memorial.) The Bradley’s Head location was chosen after plans for the ‘Sow and Pigs’ reef and Hyde Park Memorial fell through in 1929.
Another memorial is located at Milsons Point, North Sydney (under the Harbour Bridge.) Here part of Sydney’s bow protrudes from the sea wall.
Bow of HMAS Sydney at Milsons Point, North Sydney. Photo taken by the author 9/11/15
The 3rd memorial is the Emden gun located in the south-east corner of Hyde Park, pointing up Oxford St.1 It was officially dedicated, 100 years ago today.
Emden gun and view looking up Oxford St. From NRS 4481 [ST7699]
Sydney memorial in Hyde park. SMS Emden Gun pointing up Oxford St. Photo by the author. Taken on 100th anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/2017
100 years ago today.
Source: Exceedingly picturesque scenes..the vicinity, gay with bunting.
The unveiling of the Emden gun on December 21, 1917, was attended by thousands. In the crowd were civil dignitaries, veterans and crew from the HMAS Sydney . The Sydney Morning Herald reported
The naval gun captured from the German raider Emden by the Australian cruiser Sydney, and presented to the City of Sydney by the Commonwealth Government, was formally unveiled in Hyde Park, near the intersection of Oxford, College, and Liverpool streets, at noon to-day, by Alderman Meagher, the Lord Mayor.
Emden Gun pointing up Oxford St. Source; State Records Digital ID: NRS20499_a050_000011
An enclosure had been erected around the polished trachyte pedestal on which the gun is mounted, and the vicinity was gay with bunting
The scene was exceedingly picturesque, with the brilliant sunshine and the gay colours which flew above the enclosure, where many leading citizens gathered…The Headquarters Band from Liverpool..provided the music. The gun was covered with the Union Jack..
“THE CAPTURED EMDEN GUN.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954) 22 December 1917: 12. Web. 27 Oct 2017
Prominent citizens were in attendance.1 Mr. Cook, Minister for the Navy, and Captain Glossop, commander of the Sydney at the time of her encounter with the Emden, were among the dignitaries.
The Lord Mayor then related the circumstances of the historic sea fight. The Lord Mayor, in unveiling the gun, said:
We are assembled today to participate in an historic function to unveil a trophy of war won by the youngest navy in the world under circumstances which bring a thrill of pride and gratification to all true Australians and faithful sons of Empire that the young Australian navy is worthy to rank with the great and glorious parent-the British navy, not only in courage, seamanship, and devotion to duty, but also in mercy and magnanimity extended to a beaten foe. (Cheers.)2
Three cheers were given for Captain Glossop, his officers and crew, as the Mayor released the flags and the gun was unveiled.
Mr. Cook then spoke about the importance of the British Navy to Australia. He also told of the need for Australia to develop a ‘sea sense’ for its own protection as a part of the British Empire.
Mr. Cook said it was a happy idea to associate the gun with the great city of Sydney. It would remind them of all that lay in the wonderful fabric of self-government..3
‘What has that to do with the gun?’
The 1916 plebiscite on conscription had split the nation. On Dec. 20th, Australians were asked again to vote ‘YES’ or ‘NO’. Captain Glossop used the public occasion on the 21st to vent his feelings about the results
B&W Photograph ‘Unveiling the Emden Gun: Captain Glossop addressing the crowd.’
Sydney memorial in Hyde park. SMS Emden Gun pointing up Oxford St. Photo by the author. Taken on 100th anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/2017
The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate reported:
“It is,” [Glossop] sald, “with very mixed feelings I came here today. You must all know about the great referendum which has just taken place, and what my feelings are on the subject. You have given for the second time a decided ‘No.’ (Dissent, and cries of “No, not yet.”) And seeing this gun in front of you here, do you still refuse to reinforce your men at the front. (Voices: “No, no.”) By your votes yesterday you said “Yes.” “
Mr. West, M.H.R. :‘We will send reinforcements voluntarily.”
If everybody were allowed to do what he liked on a ship,” continued the Captain, “how could any action be fought or work carried out ? The Government put a proposal before you and you turned it down.”
(Dissent on the outskirts of the crowd and a voice, “What has that to do with the gun”?)
“I daresay I am encroaching on a political subject,” Captain Glossop went on, “but how can I help it ? Your vote yesterday said “No” by a larger majority than on the previous occasion. The feelings of our naval and military ratings are the same. They emphatically asked you to say “Yes,” and you said “No.”
I consider that you hear too much of what you like to hear. You need to hear a few of the things that you will not like to hear. I am no speaker, and you could put me down with ease, but you certainly require to hear a little of the plain truth about many things4
After a few more minutes of attempting to shame young men who refused to volunteer, Glossop ended, reciting Kipling -
Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet,
Lest we forget, lest we forget.
Cheers were given for the King, Captain Glossop, and the H.M.A.S. Sydney boys, and the proceedings terminated.
“EMDEN GUN UNVEILED.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954) 22 December 1917: 12. Web. 27 Oct 2017
Sydney memorial in Hyde park. SMS Emden Gun pointing up Oxford St. Photo by the author. Taken on 100th Anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/1917
Mutiny on the battleship Australia
Battleship HMAS Australia docked in Sydney Harbour with the Grand Fleet in 1913.
At the time of the Emden gun unveiling speech Captain Glossop had been promoted ‘Captain-in-charge of naval establishments.’
This post, third in importance in the Australian Navy, brought him into sustained contact with civilian attitudes to the war; deeply patriotic himself, he was upset by the slowness of recruiting and the difficulties involved in dealing with unions in the manning and coaling of ships.5
Glossop may have humoured ‘‘NO’ voters during his speech, but dissent in the ranks was another matter.
If everybody were allowed to do what he liked on a ship..how could any action be fought or work carried out ? If the stokers down below said they would not do so much, and if the men on deck said they would not do what I told them, how do you imagine I would get on in an action?”6
B&W Photograph ‘Unveiling the Emden Gun’: Captain Glossop addressing the crowd.’
After the war Glossop would pass judgement on another ship’s crew for such a transgression, in a little known incident in Australian history.
The stokers have left the boiler room
In 1919 the nation’s flagship, HMAS Australia, returned home after years of war service. She missed the Battle of Jutland but participated in a bold commando raid on Belgian ports.
HMAS Sydney at full speed in a heavy sea off Dogger Bank.
Australia’s crew had seen little action during the war and duty aboard had been monotonous; there had been several misunderstandings relating to pay and enlistment conditions; leave in Britain had been severely limited ..and discipline was perceived as being unduly harsh, particularly after the end of hostilities. Australia was not a happy ship.7
Crew collecting their pay on board HMAS Australia.
At Fremantle extended shore-leave was denied. Sailors felt aggrieved that they could not continue to enjoy the hospitality of the locals. For some this was the final straw.
When Capt. C. Cumberlege gave the order to ‘let go aft’, a report came to the bridge that the stokers on watch had left the boiler rooms.8
Unidentified stokers at work in the boiler room on board HMAS Australia.
After this ‘stop work’ action, 27 men were given 90 days behind bars. 12 were arrested and charged with mutiny. 5 were court-martialed.
In Sydney Capt. Glossop presided over the trial. The sailors pleaded guilty and asked for clemency:
Our respective ages range from l8 to 23 years of age, and we have been on active service, principally in the North Sea, for periods ranging from three to five years….When we returned on board Sunday morning, and learnt for the first time that the ship was sailing in an hour of two, a great deal of resentment was evidenced among the crew. Personally, we are not too clear of what followed, as we were feeling more or less the effects of the four days’ festivities.
Certainly we did not realise the seriousness of attempting to prevent the departure of the ship, or that the same would be tantamount to an act of mutiny. In placing ourselves on the mercy of the Court, we express the hope that the members thereof will remember our record of services, also the great mental strain our relatives have been subjected to, and ask that clemency be exercised towards us.9
SAILORS PLAYING IN THE SNOW ON THE DECK OF HMAS ‘AUSTRALIA’ IN THE NORTH SEA.
No luck. They were handed very harsh sentences, including up to 2 years of imprisonment. 1 unfortunate mutineer was given 2 yrs. hard labour.
The severity of the sentences caused a political uproar and [Glossop] was attacked in the Federal parliament. He was defended by the acting navy minister but the affair may have contributed to his failure to be appointed Australian naval representative in London, a post for which he was recommended by the Naval Board.10
Sydney I’s sailors were eventually shown clemency after the public outcry and Government appeal to the Admiralty. 2 senior officers including Sydney’s Commander Capt. Dumaresq offered to resign over the matter.11
HMAS Australia’s crew. Source; http://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-australia-i.
After the fall-out from the court-martial Glossop served overseas in the Royal Navy, and was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1921. He retired next day for a quieter life with family in Devon, England.12
His professional career included being Mentioned in Dispatches in 1914 and appointed a C.B. for destroying the Emden. He was awarded the Japanese Order of the Rising Sun and the Légion d’honneur, in 1917.13
HMAS Australia was scuttled in 1924. She was replaced by her namesake. Australia II saw plenty of action in WW II.
Sydney’s namesake Sydney II was lost in mysterious circumstances.
Emden’s survivors were interned for the duration of the war. Her crew on Direction Island made a daring and arduous escape, back to their homeland; Emden’s Captain and crew became decorated as heros. The ship itself was awarded a posthumous Iron Cross, which Emden (II) displayed on her bow. Crew members were even able to take the surname ‘Emden’ to pass on to their children
HMS Sydney (1) went on to have an interesting wartime career. Her mast at Bradleys Head, bow at Milson’s point and Emden’s gun at Hyde Park, are all open-air memorials in Sydney, viewable at any time.
HMAS Sydney mast at Bradleys Head seen from Watsons Bay to Circular Quay ferry. Photo by the Author.
Follow the Sydney-Emden… story
After Cocos: Sydney-Emden memorial unveiled!
After Cocos: HMAS Sydney’s progress
After Cocos: Holsworthy Concentration Camp
Sydney v Emden, a century later
HMAS Sydney’s mast dedication, 80 years ago today
Sydney’s mast not destined for ‘Sow and Pigs’
Footnotes
1 Other Emden guns are on display at the AWM, the RAN Heritage Museum and HMAS Penguin.
Left: Emden gun at HMAS Penguin base, 2004. Photo courtesy Kevin Browning via Geoff Green. Right: Sydney gun at Fleet Air Arm museum, Nowra. Photo by the author.
2 EMDEN GUN UNVEILED.-.-PATRIOTIC SPEECHES.
The Emden gun, which was presented to this city by the Commonwealth Government, was unveiled in Hyde Park by the Lord Mayor, Ald. R. D. Meagher, yesterday in the presence of many thousands of people. Among those on the platform were the Minister for the Navy, Mr. J. Cook, Captain Glossop, C.B. (who commanded H.M.A.S. Sydney when she defeated the Emden), the Lady Mayoress, General and Mrs. Lee, Aldermen C. S. Mallett, McElbone, Vernon, Addison, Walkcr. C. Bridges, Richards, R. Harris, and Lindsay Thompson, Sir Charles Mackellar, Sir Thomas Dibbs, Judge Backhouse, Mr. J. West, M.P., Inspector-General Mitchell, the Consul-General for Japan, M. Shimizu; the Consul General for France, M. Chayet, Rabbi Cohen, Mr. J. H. Burnet, president of the Baptist Union; Mr. Denison Miller, Captain Waley, Lieut-colonel Lamrock, Messrs. A. W. Meeks, M.L.C., J. T. S. McGowen, M.L.C., J. J. Cohen, M.L.A., Mrs. and Miss Holman, Mrs. R. Hagon, and quite a number of naval and military veterans from La Perouse, also some of the crew of the Sydney who are on furlough.
3 “EMDEN GUN UNVEILED: PATRIOTIC SPEECHES” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954) 22 December 1917:
4 CAPTAIN GLOSSOP OUTSPOKEN. (1917, December 29). Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 – 1954), p. 32. Retrieved 19/12/17, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87411619
5 Fairfax, Denis Glossop, John Collings Taswell (1871–1934) Australian Dictionary of Biography retrieved online 19/12/17 http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/glossop-john-collings-taswell-6403
6 “EMDEN GUN UNVEILED: PATRIOTIC SPEECHES” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954) 22 December 1917:
7 HMAS Australia mutiny Australian War Memorial retrieved online 19/12/17 https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/E141
8 Fairfax, Denis _Glossop, John Collings Taswell _retrieved online 19/12/17 http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/glossop-john-collings-taswell-6403
9 “MILD MUTINY.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 – 1954) 21 June 1919: 13. Web. 19 Dec 2017
10 Fairfax, Denis _Glossop, John Collings Taswell _retrieved online 19/12/17 http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/glossop-john-collings-taswell-6403
11 HMAS Australia : Mutiny retrieved 21/11/17 from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMAS_Australia_)
12 Fairfax, D. _Glossop, J.C.T. _retrieved online 21/12/17 http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/glossop-john-collings-taswell-6403
13 Ibid.
Appendix: Memorial facings.
Emden gun broadside view. From NRS 4481 [ST7698]
On the northern face:-
Photo by the author. Taken on 100th Anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/1917
“Killed in action: Petty Officer T. Lynch, Able Seaman R. Sharpe, Able Seaman A. Hoy, Ordinary Seaman R. Bell, Wounded: Lieutenant Geoffrey C. Hampden, R.N., Petty Officer M. Harvey, Able Seaman J. Butcher, T. Gascoigne, A. Crosby, B. Green, J. Kinniburg, R. Horne, A. Hooper, Seaman W. Meldrum, Signalman, 2nd-class, T. Stevenson, Seaman, 2nd-class, T. Williamson. Received Distinguished Service Medal: Chief Petty Officer A. Lambert, Sick Berth Steward T. Mullins, Able Seamen B. Green. J. Kinniburg, H. Collins, W. Taylor.”
On the eastern face is the following Inscription:-
Photo by the author. Taken on 100th Anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/1917
“This monument was erected by the Municipal Council of Sydney to commemorate the destruction of the German raider Emden by H.M.A.S. Sydney, commanded by Captain John C. T. Glossop, R.N., In the naval action off Cocos Island on the 9th November, 1914; the monument being unveiled on 21st December, 1917, by the Right Hon. R. D. Meagher, M.L.C., Lord Mayor of Sydney. Thomas H. Nesbitt, Town Clerk; W. G. Layton, Deputy Town Clerk; R. H. Brodrick, Architect and City Building Surveyor.”
On the southern face:-
Photo by the author. Taken on 100th Anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/1917
“This monument is surmounted by a 4-inch gun taken from the German raider Emden, destroyed by H.M.A.S. Sydney. A gift from the Commonwealth Government to the citizens of Sydney.”
On the western face is the following:-
Photo by the author. Taken on 100th Anniversary of its unveiling 21/11/1917
“List of officers on board H.M.A.S. Sydney on the occasion of the destruction of S.M.S. Emden on 9th November, 1914. Captain J. C. T. Glossop, Lieutenant Commander J. V. Finlayson, Lieutenants D. E. Rahilly, B. O. Bell Salter, F. L. Cavaye, G. C. Hampden. C. Pope, R. C. Garsia, Sub-lieutenant J. M. C. Johnstone, Engineer-lieutenant Commander A. W. Coleman, Engineer Lieutenants L. P. Fowler, C. Dennis, Chaplain V. A. S. Little, Staff Paymaster E. C. Norton, Assistant Paymaster E. Kingsford-Smith, Surgeons L. Darby and A.Todd, Gunners G. B. Salter, J. C. McFarlane, Boatswain A. M, Martin, Carpenter E. C. Behenna, Artificer Engineer G. A. Hutchison.”
Photograph from UNVEILING THE EMDEN’S GUN IN HYDE PARK. (1917, December 22). The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 – 1923), p. 14
National Maritime Museum EMDEN souvenir photographs taken by the Medical Officer aboard HMS CADMUS