Philip Nelson-Ward

Who was Philip Nelson-Ward?

Admiral Philip Nelson-Ward CVO was a British Royal Navy officer and courtier.

Nelson-Ward was the son of a clergyman who was a grandson of Lord Nelson through his daughter Horatia. He entered the Royal Navy at the age of thirteen. In 1882, while a Midshipman in the Bacchante class corvette HMS Euryalus, he saw active service in Egypt. In 1886 he was commissioned Sub-Lieutenant. In April 1887 he joined HMS Tourmaline and in October 1887 HMS Comus. In April 1889 he was promoted Lieutenant and specialised in navigation, remaining a navigating officer throughout his career. In April 1889 he rejoined HMS Tourmaline, in February 1890 he joined HMS Sphinx, in November 1893 the protected cruiser HMS Thames, in January 1894 the protected cruiser HMS Aeolus, and in July 1897 the battleship HMS Barfleur.

He served in the Barfleur during the Boxer Rebellion, after which he was promoted Commander in June 1900. In February 1901 he was appointed navigating officer of the liner HMS Ophir, which was commissioned by the Royal Navy for the tour of the British Empire conducted by the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York. He then became navigating officer of the flagship of the Mediterranean Fleet. In February 1904 he joined the battleship HMS Albion, flagship of the China Station.