| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | AWM2020.7.68 |
| Collection number | AWM2017.1001.2 |
| Collection type | Digitised Collection |
| Record type | Wallet |
| Item count | 1 |
| Object type | Letter |
| Physical description | 8 Image/s captured |
| Maker |
Scudds, Frederick William |
| Place made | Mediterranean Sea |
| Date made | 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copying Provisions | Digital format and content protected by copyright. |
Wallet 1 of 1 - Letters from Frederick William Scudds to his family, 1940
Description
Collection relating to the Second World War service of 20733 Leading Seaman Frederick William Scudds, HMAS Sydney (1935-1941), Royal Australian Navy, Mediterranean Sea, 1940.
Wallet 1 of 1 - Collection consists of two letters written by Leading Seaman Scudds to members of his family. The first letter, dated 22 July 1940, was written to Leading Seaman Scudd’s mother, Catherine Margaret Scudds, and the second letter, dated 18 August 1940, was written to his aunt, Eileen Helena “Eily” O’Brien. In his letters, Leading Seaman Scudds gives a first-hand account of the Battle of Cape Spada on 19 July 1940, in which HMAS Sydney II sunk the Italian cruiser, Bartolomeo Colleoni. He describes the exchange of fire, the chase, the smoke and flames as the enemy ship sunk, and the ovation the crew received when they arrived back at harbour. He also reports on damage done to HMAS Sydney’s funnel during the action. Additionally, Leading Seaman Scudds mentions receiving mail and responds to news from home.