Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Groups

Lot 5183    Session 19 (4.30pm Friday 25 November)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Australian Groups

Estimate $10,500
Bid at live.noble.com.au

GROUP OF FIVE TO A HMAS SYDNEY II CASUALTY: Africa Star; 1939-45 Star; War Medal 1939-45; Australia Service Medal 1939-45; Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVIR) and Bartolomeo Colleoni Medal mounted on contemporary stand with small enamelled HMAS Sydney badge. 16687 B.F.Biram on first four medals, 16687 P.O. Cook B.F.Biram R.A.N. on last medal. First to fourth medals impressed, last medal engraved but with recipient's rank and part of name re-engraved. Very fine.

Together with PO Birams diary describing life on the HMAS Sydney II between 18Apr1940 to 30Dec1940 including his account of the action with the Bartolomeo Colleoni. A folio with a substantial amount of research, photos, newspaper clippings, original telegram to family offering sympathy for the loss of their son on the HMAS Sydney, CD of the official enquiry into the loss of the HMAS Sydney II, PO cap badge.

Bernard Frank Biram, Petty Officer Cook RAN, born 1906 in Warragul, Vic; Enl.22Jun1925 at Coogee, NSW; Home Port, Sydney; DOD 20Nov1940; posting on death HMAS Sydney II.

Bartolomeo Colleoni medal engraved twice around edge 'B.F.Biram P.O. Cook (O) D.N. 16687.

Loss of HMAS Sydney II in the Indian Ocean with all hands on board.
On 19 November 1941 HMAS Sydney encountered a merchant ship which turned out to be the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran in disguise. A fierce battle ensued. The Sydney was last seen by the German crew limping off into the distance. A fire on board was visible on the horizon and finally she disappeared, believed sunk with all officers and crew on board. The severely disabled Kormoran was scuttled. It was not until 2008 that the wreck of the Sydney and the Kormoran were found about 21km apart in the Indian Ocean and about 2,500 metres below sea level. On discovery, both wrecks were placed under the protection of the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 and they were placed on the Australian National Heritage List on 14 March 2011.

This is one of the best documented HMAS Sydney II medal groups to be offered, the diary adding the true personal touch.