British battleship HMS Nelson visited Malta in 1929

Nelson. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

Nelson firing a broadside with her main armament. Source UNT

Brand in the rank of captain on 16 June 1917, portrait by Francis Dodd.

The American Consulate at Valetta, Malta wrote the US State of Secretary on 12 March 1929 that the British battleship HMS Nelson (1) flagship of admiral Sir Hubert Brand (2) commander-in-chief of the British Atlantic Fleet just ended her visit during a week of Malta. Brand spoke the C-in-Cie of the Mediterranean Fleet regarded the forthcoming strategical and tactical exercuses by the combined fleets on and after 16 March. The Nelson arrived accompanied by a destroyer and a submarine, the latter fitted out with a seaplane for reconnaissance purposes used in target pratcice within the vicinity of Malta. Furthermore was a large number of British writers on naval affairs present invited the British Admiralty to witnes the firing and efficiency of the new 40,46cm/16” guns of the Nelson.

Notes

1. Part of Nelson-class, preceded by N-3 class (not realized) and Revenge-class, succeeded by King George V-class. Sister ship Rodney. Pennant 28. A simplified design of the N-3 battleships which was cancelled by the British Royal navy as a result of the Washing Naval Treaty of 1922. She was to able to compete with the USS Colorado and the Japanese Nagato battleship classes. Her building was ordered on 1 January 1923, laid down on 28 December 1922 at Armstrong-Whitworth, Newcastle launched on 3 September 1925, commissioned on 15 August 1927, 1941-1942 extensively repairs needed as a result of an Italian torpedo, decommissioned in February 1948 and on 15 March a year begun her breaking up

2. Sir Hubert George Brand (20 May 1870-14 December 1955), served in the Royal Navy between 1883-1932. Commander-in-chief of the Atlantic Fleet since 1927.

Source

National Archives. Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records AdministrationSeries: Records of the Department of State Relating to Internal Affairs of Great Britain. Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: 841.315 THRU 841.31553 THRU Naval Affairs, Navy, Navy Vessels: Movement of Naval Vessels: 841.33 - 841.3311/64. Microcopy 580 roll 92.