Monday 9th November 1914
At 7 oclock it is known that a wireless message had reached the Naval Escort from Cocos Island. “A foreign warship entering harbour refuses answer signals.” The Sydney was forthwith ordered away, and we waited all excitement. Cocos was about 50 miles away on our Port side. Later in the morning a wireless was received that the Sydney was in action. The Abouki immediately steamed at top towards the horizon her huge battle flags streaming from her masts and turned and twisted as though to keep another ship in sight. Presently she stopped and a wireless reached us almost immediately that the foreign ship had gone ashore and then that she was the notorious Emden. Great excitement prevailed, and loud cheers were given. The Sydney was reported to have 2 killed and thirteen wounded. We all realized with relief what a narrow escape we had had.
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