This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 9 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Dec 01, 1941
Page
1
The Sydney suffered a naval disaster with heavy losses while its crew, including 643 naval ratings and air force personnel, reported casualties. The ship reportedly sank an enemy raider before being lost in action, marking a severe wartime event for the Royal Australian Navy.
Prime Minister Curtin confirmed last night that H.M.A.S. Sydney with 645 aboard, including Captain Joseph Burnett, is presumed lost after sinking a heavily armed enemy raider. Survivors from the enemy vessel were rescued. no further word has come from the Sydney. Next of kin have been informed and extensive searches continue. The announcement cites strategic reasons for the delay.
The record lists senior officers of the Sydney station including Commander Bamrald Wyborg Thrus, DAC RN, promoted to Commander last June after arriving from Royal Navy duty. Linnt Commander Singer and Lieut Commander Michael Morgat Boge with prior Royal Navy service. Lieut Commander Jack Cawnton Boros on exchange since April. Montgomary Leeicommandse CA CO Montgom-WT as Sydney naval officer. Gielen Mayo overseeing operations. Commander Gallen prominent in Sydney. Lieut Commander Wilkinson and Lieut Commander Alexander Mackay Wilkinson from Victoria joined Sydney last July after staff duties. notes on transfers, exchanges, and wartime appointments.
The report notes HMAS Sydney, a Town-class cruiser, serving on the Australian station under Captain J Collina, engaged in Mediterranean duties before being sunk. It details the ship’s construction, armament, and notable actions with the Mediterranean Fleet, including bombardment of Bardia and battles against Italian cruisers in 1940.
A fragment notes that Sydney will be replaced due to arrangements with relatives tending to matters. The sparse text lacks clear names, dates, or locations for full context.
British submarines in Arctic seas damaged and sunk German transports and supply ships near the Murmansk front. Admiralty communique notes the Trident and Racvily sank multiple ships, while the Tigris and other subs inflicted serious damage to convoys.
Signs mount that Japan teeters on the brink as Allied and American diplomacy falters. Reports from The New York Times and officials indicate Washington warns Japan against further aggression while negotiations stall. Observers note potential moves over the Philippines and Indo-China, with French forces under Vichy wary of war impacts.
Fragmentary report notes Duff Gooper, British premier, arriving at Singapore and warning of possible attacks on the Philippines and Singapore. Mentions air raid shelters and a debate over Philippine independence amid Allied defense concerns.
War Cabinet meets today in Canberra amid Far East talks and naval reinforcements. Hull and Halifax discuss Washington talks as Thailand troops and Singapore forces prep for possible action. Britain and India reinforce troops as Tokyo signals caution while Japan’s stance remains uncertain.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.