HMAS Sydney was an Australian light cruiser that served in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II. Launched in 1934, it was named after the city of Sydney, New South Wales. The ship played a significant role in various naval operations, including escorting convoys and engaging enemy vessels. The most notable event in its history occurred on November 19, 1941, when HMAS Sydney was sunk in a battle with the German raider Kormoran off the coast of Western Australia. The loss of the ship resulted in the deaths of 645 crew members, making it one of Australia's greatest naval tragedies.