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Towards the end of 1925 Turkey became hostile
towards Iraq following a border award made by the Council of the League
of Nations. If Turkey was to invade Iraq it was Britains job to reestablish
the border & in this the Mediterranean Fleet would play a major
part.
In November Malta was extremely busy in a build up for an expedition
to Turkey. The strategy was to occupy the Turkish Islands, move into
the Sea of Marmora & blockade Constantinople. It was considered
mines would be laid by the Turkish in the Dardanelles so the reservist
minesweepers in Malta were recommissioned. The 1st Minesweeping Flotilla
based in England was moved to Malta in readiness.
The 3rd Destroyer Flotilla based in Malta at this time were fitted with
paravanes.
The fleet was made up of -
| Force
A |
Queen Elizabeth
(flagship), 2 Iron Duke class
battleships, Eagle (aircraft
carrier), 3 cruisers, one flotilla of destroyers & 4 minesweepers.
This force would steam directly to Constantinople & use Eagle's
aircraft to fly over the city. |
| Force
B |
2 Iron
Duke class battleships, Hermes
(aircraft carrier), 1 flotilla of destroyers & 5 minesweepers.
This force was to gather intelligence & blackade 2 naval ports. |
| Force
C |
1 cruiser, 1 flotilla of destroyers,
2 tankers & 1 collier (coal).
This force would patrol the Turkish Islands & not get involved
in fighting. Their role was to refuel the combating vessels. |
| Force
D |
1Queen Elizabeth class battleship,
Furious (aircraft carrier), the 1st cruiser squadron & 1 flotilla
of destroyers.
This force was to patrol the Dardanelles & attack any Turkish
warships which approached the operation. |
The Turkish attack never materialised so the
fleet was not called into action.
Possibly HMS
Hermes which may have been photographed around this time.
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