The Jan. 12, 2009, Herald Sun of Australia reports that a computer has done a graphic reconstruction of the battle between the HMAS Sydney and German raider Kormoran. It is based on German accounts and what was discovered this past spring at the wreck's site.
The Sydney was not only hit by a torpedo, but also peppered with close range gunfire. In the graphics, as seen from the Kormoran, the Sydney is seen having its portside riddled, then hit by a torpedo in the port bow. She turned and then had her starboard side peppered. Then, she is seen rolling over on its side, and starting to sink while billowing huge clouds of black smoke.
It was determined that any Sydney survivors making it into the water would have been in too bad of a shape to survive. All life boats and floats were rendered useless by the shelling.
The Kormoran also sank, but lost only 78 of the 343 crew. On board the Sydney, all 645 lost their lives.
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