The Australian Government has concluded an inquiry into the sinking of the HMAS 'Sydney', a Royal Australian Navy warship that was sunk by the German Navy's 'Kormoran'. All 645 crewmembers of the Australian vessel were killed.
Greg Combet, the Australian Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, commended the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) for the reconstructive work which uncovered the circumstances surrounding the loss of the ship.
"Through the Commission of Inquiry's report we now have a better understanding of the circumstances which resulted in Australia's greatest naval tragedy," Mr Combet said.
A key piece of evidence placed before the commission was a computer-generated simulation produced by DSTO to depict the final hours of the ship.
The simulation, based on extensive scientific computer models, analyses of video imagery and photographs of the wreck site, as well as historical documents and photographs, illustrated the extent of the torpedo and shell damage sustained by the vessel.
"While some World War II vessels survived single torpedo hits or damage from larger calibre shells, the 'Sydney' endured sustained attack at close range," Mr Combet said.
"I hope the publishing of this report ends the controversy that has surrounded the loss of the HMAS 'Sydney II'.
"The relatives of the crew can take some comfort from the comprehensive work undertaken to determine the final hours of the tragedy."
