A Training Ship for Egypt
In 1925 the Egyptian Government expressed a desire to purchase an old man-of-war for use as a training ship. After considerable enquiry, it was determined that the only available option was the hulk “Vernon III” – previously the broadside ironclad HMS Warrior. The vessel was surveyed and it was determined that she was in satisfactory condition, with regards to her age, and that given good weather, she could be towed to Alexandria.
Her status under the Washington Naval Treaty was considered. Although she was once a battleship, it was considered that in view of her age, and provided that the Egyptian authorities provided a specific assurance that the ship would not be used for warlike purposes and would not be armed, it was not expected that the other parties to the WNT would raise any objection to her being sold to Egypt.