British Mediterranean Fleet preparing to leave Malta for exercises followed by harbor visits in January-February 1928

Sketch of Vice Admiral Sir Roger Keyes (1872–1945), KCB, CMG, CVO, DSO, by the British painter Glyn Warren Philpot, 1918. 

Courtesy of the collection of the Imperial War Museums.

The American Consulate at Valetta, Malta wrote the US State of Secretary on 10 January 1928 No. 223 that the British Mediterranean Fleet under admiral Sir George Keyes (1) was to depart from Malta on 16 January for exercises and afterwards to be splitted into divisions for a cruise to the Levant. The entire fleet was to reassemble at Malta on 2 February. The 4th Destroyer Flotilla and Sandhurst (2) were to arrive at Valona [Vlorë, Albania?] on 20 January, leaving on 30 January and arriving at Malta on 2 February.

Notes

1. 1. Roger John Brownlow Keyes, 1st Baron Keyes (4 October 1872 Punjab, British India-26 December 1945 Tingewick, United Kingdom). served in the Royal Navy between 1885-1935 and 1940-1941 ending his career in the rank of Admiral of the Fleet.

2. Launched by Harland&Wolff from slip 5 on 14 December 1905, delivered on 13 January 1906, hired as merchant ship Mainupur by the Royal Navy in 1914, purchased in 1915, served as dummy for the British battleship HMS Indomitable, conversion into a depot ship which completed in September 1916, several times de- and recommissioned, served in the Mediterranean and finally broken up at Dalmuir, Scotland in April 1946.

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.