Media Room: Defence Alert

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE LOSS OF HMAS SYDNEY II –PUBLIC HEARING
 

What: Public hearing of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the loss of HMAS Sydney II.

Who:   The President of the Commission, The Hon. Terence Cole AO, RFD, QC, will convene a public hearing of the Inquiry.  Evidence will be tendered and a number of retired members of the Royal Australian Navy will be called to give evidence, including surviving Australian sailors who served on HMAS Sydney II prior to the tragedy.

When: 10:00am Monday, 1 September and Tuesday, 2 September 2008.

Where: AAT Building, Hearing Room 3, Level 5, 55 Market Street, Sydney.

Background

The Commission was appointed by the Chief of Defence Force to inquire into and report upon

circumstances associated with the loss of HMAS Sydney II in November 1941 and consequent

loss of life and related subsequent events.

HMAS Sydney II was lost with all 645 crew on 19 November 1941 following an engagement with the German raider, HSK Kormoran off the Western Australian coast. 

HMAS Sydney II was found on 16 March 2008 following the discovery of HSK Kormoran, approximately 112 nautical miles off Steep Point, Western Australia lying in 2,560 metres of water.

Media Notes: 

No television cameras will be granted access inside the hearing room. 

(Vision of the hearing was previously obtained via SBS pooling arrangement at the initial hearing held 30 May 08).  A splitter box will be available for other media.

Transcripts and further information is available on the Inquiry’s website at www.defence.gov.au/sydneyii/

Media Contacts:

Lieutenant Darren Mallet           0400 488 054 (Hearing days only)          

Defence Public Affairs:             02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664