British Mediterranean Fleet preparing departure from Malta for exercises and harbor visits in 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.

HMS Eagle. ©Warshipsresearch.blogspot.com

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 aircraft carrier HMS Eagle (2), and the destroyers Vimiera (3) and Vivacious (4) were to arrive at Astakos, Greece on 19 January, leaving on 31 January and arriving at Malta on 2 February.

Notes

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. Building ordered as Chilean battleship Almirante Cochrane on 29July 1912, laid down by Armstrong Whitworth with yard number 858 on 20 February 1913, launched on 8 June 1918, purchased on 28 February 1918, commissioned on 20 February 1924 and sunk by the German submarine U-73 on 11 August 1942.

3. Admiralty V-class destroyer, preceded by S-and Parker-classes and succeeded by Thornycroft type destroyer leaders Ambuscade and Amazon, laid down by Swan Hunter, Tyne and Wear in October 1916, launched on 22 June 1917, completed on 19 September 1917 and sunk after striking a mine in the Thames Estuary off Warden, Kent on 9 January 1942.

4. Admiralty V-class destroyer, preceded by S-and Parker-classes and succeeded by Thornycroft type destroyer leaders Ambuscade and Amazon, ordered on 30 June 1916, laid down by Yarrows, Glasgow, Scotland in July 1916, launched on 3 November 1917, completed in December 197, commissioned between 29 December 1917-mid 1930s and August 1939-summer 1945, sold to be broken up on 7 May 1947 which started on 10 September 1948.

Source

National Archives. Record Group 64: Records of the National Archives and Records Administration Series: 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.