Harold Ozanne was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in September 1897, promoted to Lieutenant July 1898 and joined the Royal Navy Mediterranean Fleet in July 1899

He was posted to HMS Hibernia in Valetta Harbour, Malta

After 12 years under construction in Plymouth, Hibernia had been launched in 1804. She served as the Flag Ship of the Mediterranean fleet for 50 years

After serving at the Flag Ship of the Mediterranean Fleet, Hibernia then became a depot ship moored in Grand Harbour Malta for another 50 years

By the time Harold Ozanne joined her she was nearly 100 years old. Living conditions on board were such that in April 1900 Harold Ozanne was hospitalised with 'Mediterranean Fever' (Brucellosis) which is caused by drinking unpasteurised milk. Interestingly the officers were served fresh milk whilst the sailors had to make do with tinned