H.M.A.S. 'Sydneys' exchange off Cocos Keeling Island on November 9th 1914 with the German battle cruiser S.M.S. 'Emden' was the Australian Navy's first important engagement of the First World War. It was estimated this single German cruiser had sunk shipping valued at over £4,000,000. The British Admiralty sent the massage "Warmest congratulations on ther brilliant entry of the Australian Navy into the was, and the single service rendered to the allied cause and to peaceful commerce by the destruction of the Emden". The damage to this crest is alleged to have occured during this action