FOUGHT TO LAST MAN.
Reading edition
An excellent idea of the vicious attack by the Australian cruiser Sydney that ended the career of the German cruiser Emden is gained in a letter from an officer of the Indian army in Ceylon, where the Emden's wounded were taken. He writes:
"The Sydney was warned by a wireless message from the Cocos Islands station to put on full speed; she made twenty-nine knots. When she sighted the Emden the latter was anchored, but came out to give battle.
"The Emden got in the first three shots. Only one landed, as after that the Sydney took care to keep out of range. The larger guns fired 600 rounds, and after one and a half hours of action, during which the ships covered fifty-six miles in manœuvring, the Sydney forced the Emden to beach herself, her steering gear having broken.
"The Sydney then put up a signal to surrender, but as all on deck except three had been killed this was not done. The Sydney accordingly gave her two more broadsides as she lay on the beach.
"When the Germans succeeded in showing the white flag the Sydney went off to sink the collier. After this she returned to the Emden and sent parties to help the survivors. It is said the Emden was a perfect shambles. She had nearly 200 killed.
"The Germans had torn up their flag and threw it into the sea."