NELSON'S FLAGSHIP RETIRED

New Zealand Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12272, 16 May 1903, Page 4 (Supplement)

NELSON'S FLAGSHIP RETIRED

FAMOUS OLD SHIP PASSES OUT Of SERVICE. After over 100 years' service under the White Ensign the old wooden line of battleship Victory is to haul down the naval emblem and the Union Jack. She has served the nation in storm and calm, in war and peace, and links the old days of wood and sails with the modem fleet of steel and steam, while it can never be forgotten that on her Nelson fought his last fight and laid down his life. Around this same venerable relic -luster memories of Keppel and Kenspenfeldt, of Howe and Hood, who commanded their fleets from the self-same quarterdeck on which Nelson received his death-wound, as did the gallant Admiral Sir Christopher Myngs before him. Now, though she will probably remain at her familiar moorings in Portsmouth Harbour, the Victory is to hand over to another vessel the duty of flying the flag of the red bt. Georges cross of the adfmiral of the port, and'/ will pass from active service, there is no explanation of the change, which is thus briefly announced in a note attached to Lord Selborue's annua) statement on the navy: "At Portsmouth the Hercules will shortly replace the Victory as flagship and signal-school." The Victory was launched at Chatham on May 17, 1765, and from the date of her completion she has been employed practically without intermission.