Germany - Empire Emden Silver Medal "Captain of the cruiser "Emden I" Karl von Müller" 1914

Zetzmann 4051; Silver 18.10 g., 33 mm; by C. Lauer; Obv: Uniformed bust facing slightly left, head facing / Rev: Naval cruiser Emden I sailing right upon the seas; iron cross above; all within wreath of oak and laurel branches; UNC Luster. Completed in 1909, the Emden I spent much of her early life in the far east with the German East Asia Squadron at Qingdao (Tsingtao). Just before the beginning of World War I, she came under the control of Karl von Müller, who saw her capture numerous enemy ships after the outbreak of hostilities, notably roaming and raiding in the Indian Ocean and lAUNChing a surprise attack at the Battle of Penang. She met her end near the Cocos Islands in November 1914 while engaging an Australian cruiser, the HMAS Sydney. Nearly a third of her crew perished in the attack, while the remainder was mostly taken as prisoner by the Aussies.