| Place | Oceans: Indian Ocean, Cocos Keeling Islands |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/00470 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Medical equipment |
| Physical description | Brass, Cork, Glass, Wood |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Hypodermic syringe in wooden case from SMS Emden
Description
A small glass hypodermic syringe kit encased in a lidded wooden box, possibly made from cedar. The top and bottom edges of the box are bevelled and the lid is latched by a small sliding brass clip. The interior is shaped to fit the various syringe components - there are five compartments - and a strip of cork has been glued to the inside of the box to stop the contents moving. Still remaining inside are the glass syringe tube, and two small shaped brass pieces which remain unidentified.
History / Summary
This case was taken from the sick bay of the German cruiser SMS Emden after she grounded on Cocos Island. She had been defeated in an engagement with HMAS Sydney on 9 November 1914. The case was given to Commander Eric Kingsford-Smith by one of the boarding party.