Home > Historic > World War I and II > Historical events
Sinking of the Emden
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Sinking of the Emden
The predatory German cruiser Emden is sunk upon coral reef by the Australians
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 618976
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10088240
Australians Coral Cruiser Emden Predatory Reef Sinking Sunk Wreck
EDITORS COMMENTS
November 1914: The Sinking of the Emden - A Historical Moment Frozen in Time In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the coral-studded waters around the Cocos Keeling Islands concealed a dramatic and pivotal moment in the annals of naval warfare. This evocative photograph captures the final moments of the German cruiser Emden, as it succumbed to the unforgiving embrace of a coral reef, brought to its knees by the determined Australians. The Emden, a predatory German cruiser, had wreaked havoc on Allied shipping lines in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, sinking or damaging over thirty vessels. Its daring raids had left a trail of fear and uncertainty in its wake. However, the tables were about to turn. In the early hours of November 9, 1914, the Emden, under the command of Captain Karl von Müller, entered the lagoon of Direction Island, part of the Cocos Keeling Islands, with the intention of replenishing its water supply. Unbeknownst to the German crew, the Australian cruiser HMAS Sydney, under the command of Captain John Glossop, had been tracking the Emden's movements and was lying in wait. As the Emden dropped anchor, the Sydney launched a surprise attack, and the ensuing battle lasted for over three hours. Despite the Emden's valiant efforts, it was no match for the superior firepower of the Sydney. With its hull riddled with bullets and its engines damaged, the Emden was forced to abandon ship. In this photograph, the Emden, now a mere shadow of its former glory, lies stranded on the coral reef, its once-proud mast now a mere skeleton. The crew, having abandoned ship, can be seen wading through the water, their faces etched with a mix of relief and despair. The sinking of the Emden marked a turning point in the war for the Australians and served as a reminder of the unpredictability and danger that lurked on the high seas during wartime.
MADE IN THE USA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
