Little Hawk. I agree that identifying a disguised merchant raider is no easy task hence the need for extra vigilance and prudence. The Kormoran was doing its level best in obfuscating its signal replies to Sydney's demands for identification. Until a satisfactory reply was received by Sydney it should have stood off. Then, with no satisfactory reply, rip a couple of 6" shells over her bows. If this didn't bring a change heart then blow it out of the water. Remember - there was a war going on at the time.

JG/FME.