Item 01: Sir Charles Rosenthal diary, 25 September 1914-31 December 1918 - Page 32
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[Page 32]
Two horses sick today. Heat is very trying to them. Men are all at work with only a pair of dungaree trousers as covering – Position at noon 8o05'S, 93o46' East. Mileage 252.
Splendid news came through today re German ship "Emden", telling us that H.M.A.S. "Sydney" had captured her. I read out the news to the men on Parade, and we all gave lusty cheers.
The following is a copy of the wireless message officially sent out by the "Orvieto".
"Sydney" started off for Cocos at 7 AM. At 9.30 she had sighted the enemy. Travelling at full speed she was able to get within range in 20 minutes, at the same time she signalled that the chase was steering north. At 10.45 "Sydney" was engaging the enemy briskly and at 11.10 the latter had to beach herself to avoid sinking. Her foremast and three funnels were down but the flag was still flying. "Sydney" then went after "Emdens" collier, took the crew off and sank her. "Sydney" returned again to "Emden" who surrendered. The extent and nature of the German casualties are not yet known, but they are bound to be severe. The "Sydneys" own casualties required hospital treatment which was promptly found on "Direction Island". The "Emden" had had time to destroy Wireless Telegraph Station and to cut one of the three cables. A second cable was intact and possibly the third. All the instruments were destroyed excepting one. This had been buried and is in use again. The Wireless Telegraph and Cable operators deserve much praise for sticking to their post, and sending out distress signals, also for saving instruments. "Sydney" will sail for Colombo as soon as she has succeeded in getting German wounded and prisoners on board. The operation May take 24 hours as it presents considerable difficulty."
Naturally such a message (received 1.30 PM) has given us food for conversation. We are all delighted the "Sydney" has done such good work and acquitted herself so well.
The following are censorship arrangements for Colombo. All mails from A.I.F. Transports will be sent to "Orvieto" for censorship. Open letters, plain post cards and urgent telegrams will be passed by Censor for immediate despatch provided all references to ships, places and date are omitted. Closed letters and parcels will be delayed.
This afternoon we noticed one of the New Zealand ships stop and lower a boat. The "Ibuki" steamed off rapidly in her direction, but presently we saw the boat again hauled up into the Davits. Presumably a