Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. HMAS Sydney (I48/D48), named for the Australian city of Sydney, was one of three Modified Leander class light cruisers operated by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). Ordered for the Royal Navy as HMS Phaeton, the cruiser was purchased by the Australian government and renamed prior to her 1934 launch. During the early part of her operational history, Sydney helped enforce sanctions during the Abyssinian crisis, and at the start of World War II was assigned to convoy escort and patrol duties in Australian waters.