The Finding Sydney Foundation and the Australian War Memorial today announced that all video and photographs from the sea bed, showing the wrecks of HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran will be donated to the Australian War Memorial.
Mr Ted Graham AM, Chairman of the Foundation said its members and its Search Director David Mearns, were proud to give the records to the Australian public, where they rightfully belong.
“The imagery is an important historical record of the discovery of the ships and of the final fate of HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran and forms the only objective evidence of the result of the battle between the two ships,” Mr Graham said.
“It is important that this record be made available to the public for future research purposes at the Memorial. The donation includes over 1400 photographs and 50 hours of film, so it is important that this large amount of material receives careful and expert management to protect its integrity and authenticity,” Mr Graham said.
Ms Nola Anderson, Assistant Director of the Australian War Memorial was pleased to accept the donation on behalf of the Memorial.
“The video and photographs of the HMAS Sydney II and HSK Kormoran are an important part of Australia’s naval military history. The Memorial is delighted to accept this donation, so that it can be conserved and be available for future generations at the Memorial,” Ms Anderson said.
The photographs and film will be accessioned by the Memorial into the National Collection
What: Signing of paperwork
Photographs (digital) and film (digibeta) of sea bed available
Media backgrounder available at www.awm.gov.au/media
When: 9.30am, Tuesday 17 November
Where: Western Courtyard Gallery (entry via western glass doors) Australian War Memorial Treloar Crescent Campbell ACT
Further Information:
Australian War Memorial
(02) 6243 4575 media@awm.gov.au
Finding Sydney Foundation
media@findingsydney.com
Ted Graham AM 0409 611 606
Bob Trotter OAM 0418 487 158
16 November 2009