Cruiser Sydney Poem by don johnson

Our Tin Pot Navy

OUR TIN POT NAVY so THEY SAID in 1914 Sydney in the first World War 1

In 1914 German cruisers were cut loose
and Emden she was one…………….…(fired 38lb shells)
the indian ocean she did for hunting choose
and 9 ships were sunk by gun…….

Then she sailed and shelled Madras, I say
captured 10 more ships, when off Ceylon…
Penang harbour a night visit, … hey!
sank Frog and Ruski warships, and was gone ….(Emden was daring!)

November 8, morse code it said… strange ship a passing there,
out near Cocos island, the German raider caused a stir
Cruiser Sydney she raced west at 25 knots or more
And sighted wily Emden who opened fire for sure
Sydney took 15 hits before, she then hit back …..(with 100lb shells)
blew away her steering gear and knocked her funnels flat (Emden)

.. ………..demise………..some of the crew escaped back to Germany

The Scrap Iron Flotilla they said in 1940

Light Cruiser Sydney in World War 2

Light Cruiser Sydney had some 6 inch guns
she met Italians in the med.
sank destroyer Espero not for fun
in nineteen forty, yes its said

17th july Sydney was on patrol, when,
she was called into a fight
2 Italian cruisers waited, then,
sprung some Pommy destroyers in flight

Yes Sydney came to even up
the Poms out gunned for sure
when she arrived with blazing guns
the Italians run for shore

Bande Nere and Colleoni rushed a bit
made smoke to get away
Band Nere then she took a funnel hit
as Sydney passed her way

Collenoni then she wore the brunt
stopped dead by Sydney's shell
so Band Nere escaped the hunt
Sydney's out of ammo… well? . :)

But if you live by the sword you die by the sword
cunning German's had their day
Sydney met a ship with hidden guns aboard
Raider Kormoran made her play

Koroman she hid behind a Dutch flag
and when Sydney came in range ………a.sitting duck
she fired first, jerked down the rag……...old navy trick
two equals did exchange………………….similar guns…

Though mortally wounded Sydney, still,
had some guns to fire,
x turret still fired with a bitter will
burnt Kornoran …'the liar'…….Don Johnson

……….demise of both……….
http: //www.home.gil.com.au/~djohnson/ RHYMING COUNTRY VERSE