Lot 853

Description

Three telegrams R: Emden received by the Governor of Queensland from Andrew Fischer relating to the sighting and eventual sinking of S.M.S. Emden by H.M.A.S. Sydney. I) Dated 1 Nov 1914, fro Melbourne to Governor, Brisbane. 'Copy of cablegram from High Commissioner dated London 31 st 5. 10. Forty-two official Fischer succeeds Battenburg. Reliable Tokio (sic) reports Emden sunk Russian cruisor Jemchus French torpedo destroyer at Penang alleged Emden flying Japanese flag. Rotterdam reports Germans concentrating the Zeebrugge Leyst, placing big guns facing seaward. Andrew Fischer.' II) Dated 10 Nov 1914. From Melbourne; to Governor Brisbane. 'News received from Commander-in Chief China that Sydney engaged Emden off Cocos Islands and that Emden ashore wrecked at the North of the Islands. Andrew Fischer.' III) Dated Nov 11.14 From Bourke St East Melbourne; to Governor Brisbane. 'High commsissioner announces losses on Sydney three killed, fifteen wounded - Emden's losses heavy. Konigsberg discovered in Rufigi River; bombarded by Chatham and locked in river, Indian and Pacific Oceans this clear except (sic). Andrew Fischer.' A fascinating group of documents relating to the first RAN victory of the Great War. Extremely rare. (3)

ex Spink Sale No 18