Difference between revisions of "First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)"

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The '''British 1st Battle Squadron''' was a formation of [[battleship]]s of the [[Royal Navy]].  The squadron changed composition often as ships were damaged, retired or transferred.  For tactical reasons the squadron was divided into two divisions.
+
The '''First Battle Squadron''' was a formation of [[battleship]]s of the [[Royal Navy]].  The squadron changed composition often as ships were damaged, retired or transferred.  For tactical reasons the squadron was divided into two divisions.
  
−
==Battle of Jutland, June 1916==
+
==Composition==
−
The 1st Battle Squadron was initially part of the Royal Navy's [[British Home Fleet|Home Fleet]].  During the [[First World War]] the Home Fleet was renamed the [[Grand Fleet]].  As an element in the Grand Fleet, the Squadron participated in the [[Battle of Jutland]]. During the Battle of Jutland, the composition of the 1st Battle Fleet was as follows:
+
[[File:First Battle Squadron, 1915.jpg|thumb|right|512px|The First Battle Squadron of the [[Grand Fleet]] at sea at sunset, April, 1915.<br><small>Photo: United States Navy.  Naval History and Heritage Command. NH2714.</small>]]
−
*1st Division
 
−
**[[HMS Iron Duke (1912)|''Iron Duke'']] - Captain [[Frederic Charles Dreyer|Dreyer]], Admiral of the Fleet Sir [[John Jellicoe, 1st Earl Jellicoe|John Jellicoe]]
 
−
**[[HMS Revenge (1915)|''Revenge'']] - Captain [[Edward B.Kiddle|Kiddle]]
 
−
**[[HMS Hercules (1910)|''Hercules'']] - Captain Bernard
 
−
**[[HMS Agincourt (1913)|Agincourt]] - Captain Doughty
 
−
*2nd Division
 
−
**[[HMS Colossus (1910)|''Colossus'']] - Captain Pound, Rear-Admiral Gaunt
 
−
**[[HMS Collingwood (1908)|''Collingwood'']] - Captain Ley
 
−
**[[HMS Neptune (1909)|''Neptune'']] - Captain Bernard
 
−
**[[HMS St. Vincent (1908)|''St. Vincent'']] - Captain Fisher
 
  
−
==After Jutland, 1916==
+
===May, 1912===
−
Following the Battle of Jutland, the 1st Battle Squadron was reorganized. Much of the 1st Squadron was transferred to the [[4th Battle Squadron|British 4th Battle Squadron]]. The organization was as follows, with dates the ship entered and left the squadron indicated.
+
*{{UK-1Neptune}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
−
** ''Colossus'' - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in [[July]],[[1916]]
+
*{{UK-StVincent}}
−
** ''Hercules'' - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
+
*{{UK-Bellerophon}}
−
** ''St Vincent'' - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
+
*{{UK-Dreadnought}}
−
** ''Collingwood'' - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
+
*{{UK-Collingwood}}
−
** ''Neptune'' - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
+
*{{UK-Temeraire}}
−
** ''Agincourt'' - Transferred to [[British 2nd Battle Squadron|2nd Battle Squadron]] in [[October]],[[1918]]  
+
*{{UK-Superb}}
−
** Revenge - Squadron Flagship, flying Flag Vice-Admiral
+
*{{UK-Vanguard}}
−
** [[HMS Royal Oak (1914)|''Royal Oak'']] - Joined [[May]],[[1916]]
 
−
** [[HMS Royal Sovereign (1915)|''Royal Sovereign'']] - Joined [[June]],[[1916]]
 
−
** [[HMS Benbow (1913)|''Benbow'']] - Joined [[July]],[[1916]]
 
−
** [[HMS Emperor of India (1913)|''Emperor of India'']] - Joined July, 1916
 
−
** [[HMS Resolution (1915)|''Resolution'']] - Joined [[December]],[[1916]]
 
−
** [[HMS Ramillies (1916)|''Ramillies'']] - Joined [[September]],[[1917]]
 
  
−
==Command of the 1st Battle Squadron==
+
On 22 June, 1912 Vice-Admiral [[Stanley Cecil James Colville|Sir Stanley C. J. Colville]] hoisted his flag in {{UK-Collingwood}} as Vice-Admiral Commanding the First Squadron (as it was then known).
  
−
The Vice-Admiral Commanding the Battle Squadron commanded one division.  His second in command, Rear-Admiral 1st Battle Squadron, commanded the other division.
+
===December, 1912===
 +
The squadron was comprised of:<ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum.  [BRG 1/1]</ref>
  
−
===Vice-Admiral Commanding 1st Battle Squadron===
+
*{{UK-Collingwood}}
 +
*{{UK-StVincent}}
 +
*{{UK-Colossus}}
 +
*{{UK-Vanguard}}
 +
*{{UK-Bellerophon}}
 +
*{{UK-Superb}}
 +
*{{UK-Temeraire}}
 +
*{{UK-Dreadnought}}
  
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Lewis Bayly]] (promoted to Vice-Admiral in September, [[1914]]) (- December, 1914)
+
===December, 1913===
−
*Vice-Admiral [[Cecil Burney]] (December, 1914 - November, 1916)
+
{{UK-Hercules}} from the {{UK-BS|2}} has replaced {{UK-Dreadnought}}, which has been bumped over to become the flagship of the {{UK-BS|4}}.<ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum.  [BRG 1/1]</ref>
−
*Vice-Admiral [[Charles Edward Madden, 1st Baronet|Charles Madden]] (November, 1916 - April, 1919)
 
  
−
===Rear-Admiral Commanding 1st Battle Squadron===
+
*{{UK-Collingwood}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-StVincent}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Colossus}}
 +
*{{UK-Hercules}} (newly joined)
 +
*{{UK-Vanguard}}
 +
*{{UK-Bellerophon}}
 +
*{{UK-Superb}}
 +
*{{UK-Temeraire}}
  
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Hugh Evan-Thomas]] (July, 1913 - August, 1915)
+
By this time, this squadron had been equipped with [[British Wireless Systems#Battleship Auxiliary|Battleship Auxiliary W/T sets]].{{ARTS1913|W/T Appendix, p. 13}}
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Ernest Frederic Augustus Gaunt|Ernest Gaunt]] (August, 1915 - December, 1916)
 
  
−
==External links==
+
===April, 1914===
−
*[http://www.royal-navy.mod.uk/server/show/nav.3940 Royal Navy History]
+
{{SMNLApr14|p. 267}}
 +
 
 +
{|style="margin:0 auto;" align=left width=30% class="toccolours"
 +
|style="background:#CEDFF2" align=center  colspan=2|'''Serving in First Fleet, Home Fleets'''
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2|'''Battleships'''
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]||{{UK-Collingwood}}
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-Colossus}}
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-Hercules}}
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-1Neptune}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]||{{UK-StVincent}}
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-Vanguard}}
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-Superb}}
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-Temeraire}}
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2|'''Light Cruiser'''
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-Bellona}}
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2|'''Repair Ship'''
 +
|-
 +
|&nbsp;||{{UK-Cyclops}}
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===July, 1914===
 +
The squadron was comprised of:{{AWO1914|109 of 10 July, 1914}}
 +
 
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-StVincent}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Colossus}}
 +
*{{UK-Hercules}}
 +
*{{UK-1Neptune}}
 +
*{{UK-Collingwood}}
 +
*{{UK-Vanguard}}
 +
*{{UK-Superb}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}, repair ship ''Cyclops''.
 +
 
 +
===5 August, 1914===
 +
The squadron and its commanders on this date were:{{DittColl|p. 15}}{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 438}}
 +
 
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}}, Flag Captain [[Edmund Percy Fenwick George Grant|E.P.F.G. Grant]] [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-StVincent}},  Flag Captain [[William Wordsworth Fisher|W.W. Fisher]], M.V.O. [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Colossus}}, Captain [[Edward Stafford Fitzherbert, Thirteenth Baron Stafford|The Hon. E.S. Fitzherbert]]
 +
*{{UK-Hercules}}, Captain [[Henry Harvey Bruce|H.H. Bruce]], M.V.O.
 +
*{{UK-1Neptune}}, Captain [[Allen Thomas Hunt|A.T. Hunt]], C.S.I.
 +
*{{UK-Vanguard}}, Captain [[Cecil Spencer Hickley|C.S. Hickley]], M.V.O.
 +
*{{UK-Collingwood}}, Captain [[James Clement Ley|J.C. Ley]]
 +
*{{UK-Superb}}, Captain [[Price Vaughan Lewes|P. Vaughan Lewes]], C.B., D.S.O.
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}, Captain [[Percy Molyneux Rawson Royds|Percy Royds]]
 +
 
 +
These same ships would continue to comprise the squadron through October, 1915 &mdash; an uncommonly stable configuration.{{SMNLSep14|p. 8}}{{SMNLJan15|p. 8}}{{SMNLMar15|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun15|p. 10}}{{SMNLJul15|p. 10}}{{SMNLAug15|p. 10}}{{SMNLSep15|p. 10}}{{SMNLOct15|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
===November, 1915===
 +
''Superb'' was transferred out to the {{UK-BS|4}} and been been replaced by {{UK-Agincourt}}, coming in from that same squadron.{{SMNLOct15|p. 10}}{{SMNLNov15|p. 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-StVincent}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Colossus}}
 +
*{{UK-Hercules}}
 +
*{{UK-1Neptune}}
 +
*{{UK-Vanguard}}
 +
*{{UK-Collingwood}}
 +
*{{UK-Agincourt}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
===December, 1915 into May 1916===
 +
Membership during this period was largely unchanged, though {{UK-Colossus}} replaced {{UK-StVincent}} as second flagship.{{SMNLDec15|p. 10}}{{SMNLJan16|p. 10}}{{SMNLFeb16|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar16|p. 10}}{{SMNLMay16|p. 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Hercules}}
 +
*{{UK-1Neptune}}
 +
*{{UK-Collingwood}}
 +
*{{UK-Vanguard}}
 +
*{{UK-StVincent}}
 +
*{{UK-Agincourt}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}}, joined in May, 1916.
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
{{UK-Vanguard}} was transferred to the {{UK-BS|4}} prior to the [[Battle of Jutland]], but the strength of the squadron is shown including her and {{UK-Revenge}} in May, 1916.
 +
 
 +
===Battle of Jutland===
 +
:{{Main|First B.S. (Royal Navy) at the Battle of Jutland}}
 +
 
 +
During the battle, the squadron's composition was:
 +
*First Division
 +
**{{UK-Marlborough}}, Captain [[George Parish Ross|Ross]], Vice-Admiral [[Cecil Burney, First Baronet|Burney]]
 +
**{{UK-Revenge}}, Captain [[Edward Buxton Kiddle|Kiddle]]
 +
**{{UK-Hercules}}, Captain [[Lewis Clinton-Baker|Clinton-Baker]]
 +
**{{UK-Agincourt}}, Captain [[Henry Montagu Doughty|Doughty]]
 +
*Second Division
 +
**{{UK-Colossus}}, Flag Captain Pound [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
**{{UK-Collingwood}}, Captain [[James Clement Ley|Ley]]
 +
**{{UK-1Neptune}}, Captain [[Vivian Henry Gerald Bernard|Bernard]]
 +
**{{UK-StVincent}}, Captain [[William Wordsworth Fisher|Fisher]]
 +
 
 +
[[File:H.M.S. Benbow.jpg|thumb|400px|{{UK-Benbow|f=p}}, seen from {{UK-EmperorOfIndia}}, leading {{UK-Marlborough}} and {{UK-IronDuke}}.<br><small>Photo: United States Navy.  Naval History and Heritage Command.  NH50158.</small>]]
 +
 
 +
===June, 1916===
 +
The Battle's effects required some immediate changes.  {{UK-Marlborough}} had torpedo damage to repair, and so was removed from her role as flagship while she was made whole.{{SMNLJun16|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
The opportunity was taken to recast 1BS as one enriched in the more powerful dreadnought types.  Its 12-in ships {{UK-Colossus}}, {{UK-1Neptune}}, {{UK-Collingwood}}, {{UK-Hercules}} and {{UK-StVincent}} were transferred to the {{UK-BS|4}} in exchange for {{UK-EmperorOfIndia}}, {{UK-Benbow}} and {{UK-Canada}}, and 15-in "R" class heavyweights {{UK-RoyalOak}} and {{UK-RoyalSovereign}} joined the squadron as soon as they'd become ready for service, with ''Royal Oak'' becoming the temporary flagship.{{SMNLMay16|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun16|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]], temporary flagship, newly placed in service
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]], coming from {{UK-BS|4}}
 +
*{{UK-Agincourt}}
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}, coming from {{UK-BS|4}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}, coming from {{UK-BS|4}}
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}, newly placed in service
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
The squadron was to retain this composition in July and August, as ''Marlborough'' was repaired.{{SMNLJul16|p. 10}}{{SMNLAug16|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
===September, 1916===
 +
{{UK-Marlborough}} was returned to service and able to relieve {{UK-RoyalOak}} as flagship.  The squadron was otherwise unaltered.{{SMNLSep16|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Agincourt}}
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
The squadron was to retain this configuration through January or perhaps February, 1917.{{SMNLSep16|p. 10}}{{SMNLOct16|p. 10}}{{SMNLNov16|p. 10}}{{SMNLDec16|p. 10}}{{SMNLJan17|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar17|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
===March, 1917===
 +
Some of the changes noted here may have occurred in February, 1917, as no ''Supplement to the Monthly Navy List'' for that month has been located.  It is knonw, however, that {{UK-Marlborough}} took on the second flagship role on 23 February.<ref>Nicholson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 214.</ref>  By March, however, changes since January were as follows.  Upon being relieved by {{UK-QueenElizabeth}} as flagship of the [[Grand Fleet]], {{UK-IronDuke}} joined the First Battle Squadron.  At the same time, the flagships shuffled, another "R" class ship joined, and {{UK-Agincourt}} left to join the {{UK-BS|2}}.{{SMNLMar17|p. 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}}
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}}
 +
*{{UK-IronDuke}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
===April, 1917===
 +
{{UK-Marlborough}} has again been removed from a flag role, handing it back to {{UK-EmperorOfIndia}}, which may mean the latter ship has just returned from another refit. The attending light cruiser has also been changed, with the relieved {{UK-Bellona|f=p}} next cropping up in "Home Waters or on detached service" in May, though she was to return to this squadron within the year.{{SMNLApr17|p. 10}}{{SMNLMay17|p. 14}}{{SMNLAug17|p. 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}}
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}}
 +
*{{UK-IronDuke}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Blonde|f=t}}, coming in from the {{UK-BS|4}} in April.  The steadfast {{UK-Bellona|f=t}} was detached in April, coming back to join ''Blonde'' in August before leaving a final time in October.
 +
 
 +
Otherwise, things remained stable until November.{{SMNLMay17|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun17|p. 10}}{{SMNLJul17|p. 10}}{{SMNLAug17|p. 10}}{{SMNLSep17|p. 10}}{{SMNLOct17|p. 10}}{{SMNLNov17|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
===November, 1917===
 +
{{UK-Ramillies}} has joined, bringing the strength up to ten dreadnoughts, none with guns smaller than 13.5-in.{{SMNLNov17|p. 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}}
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}}
 +
*{{UK-IronDuke}}
 +
*{{UK-Ramillies}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Blonde|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
===Second Battle of Heligoland Bight===
 +
The squadron was represented in [[Second Battle of Heligoland Bight|the battle]] on 17 November, 1917 as:{{UKNavalOpsV|pp. 168-169}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:AdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}}
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}}
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
 
 +
:Screened by:
 +
:*{{UK-Saumarez}} (Flotilla leader)
 +
:*{{UK-Valhalla}} (Flotilla leader)
 +
:*{{UK-Noble}}
 +
:*{{UK-Nonsuch}}
 +
:*{{UK-Napier}}
 +
:*{{UK-Penn}}
 +
:*{{UK-Paladin}}
 +
:*{{UK-Prince}}
 +
:*{{UK-Mischief}}
 +
:*{{UK-Munster}}
 +
:*{{UK-Narborough}}
 +
 
 +
===December, 1917===
 +
{{UK-Revenge}} has been relieved as flagship by {{UK-Resolution}}.  In all likelihood, this means ''Revenge'' has entered refit.{{SMNLDec17|p. 10}}{{INF}}
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}}
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}}
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-IronDuke}}
 +
*{{UK-Ramillies}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Blonde|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
{{UK-Resolution}}'s role as flagship was to continue only through February, 1918, though the roster was to remain for some time further.{{SMNLJan18|p. 10}}{{SMNLFeb18|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar18|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
===March, 1918===
 +
{{UK-Revenge}} has been restored as flagship.  In all likelihood, this means she has completed a refit which kept her away.{{INF}}  Nothing else has changed.{{SMNLMar18|p. 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Benbow}}
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
*{{UK-IronDuke}}
 +
*{{UK-Marlborough}}
 +
*{{UK-Ramillies}}
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
 
 +
Attached:  {{UK-Blonde|f=t}}
 +
 
 +
This configuration seemingly persisted through February 1919.{{SMNLApr18|p. 10 and Supplements through February 1919, less September which was not located}}
 +
 
 +
===March, 1919===
 +
With demobilisation taking hold, the 13.5-in ships were removed from service, leaving six ships.  {{UK-Blonde}} has been let go, as well.{{SMNLMar19|p. 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Canada}}
 +
*{{UK-Ramillies}}
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
 
 +
This configuration lasted but one month.
 +
 
 +
===April, 1919===
 +
{{UK-Canada}} has been let go, leaving just five ships with a uniform 15-in armament.{{SMNLApr19|p. 10.  ''Ramillies'' is indicated as a flagship in this source, but on page 4 it seems that this is not so}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Ramillies}} 
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
 
 +
This configuration lasted but one month.
 +
 
 +
===May, 1919===
 +
The squadron is now part of the [[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Atlantic Fleet]].{{SMNLApr19|pp. 4, 10}}
 +
*{{UK-Revenge}} [[File:VAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Resolution}} [[File:RAdmRN.png|25px]]
 +
*{{UK-Ramillies}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalOak}}
 +
*{{UK-RoyalSovereign}}
 +
 
 +
This configuration lasted through at least July, 1919.{{SMNLJun19|p. 10}}{{SMNLJul19|p. 10}}
 +
 
 +
==In Command==
 +
The commander of the squadron was variously Rear, Vice and full Admirals.
 +
 
 +
Dates of appointment given:
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:office0 otitle="Vice-Admiral Commanding, First Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Stanley Cecil James Colville|nick=The Hon. Sir Stanley C. J. Colville|appt=22 June, 1912{{UKCeased|Unnumbered page}}|end=22 June, 1914<ref>Colville Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.|D7579032}} f. 29.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Lewis Bayly|nick=Sir Lewis Bayly|appt=22 June, 1914<ref>Bayly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}} f. 444.</ref>|end=19 December, 1914<ref>Bayly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}} f. 444.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{AdmRN}}|name=Cecil Burney, First Baronet|nick=Sir Cecil Burney|appt=19 December, 1914{{UKCeased|p. 2}}|end=28 November, 1916<ref>Burney Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}} f. 84/180.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Admiral|name=Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|nick=Sir Charles E. Madden|appt=28 November, 1916{{UKCeased|p. 2}}<ref>Madden Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/87.}}  f. 124.</ref>|end=7 April, 1919<ref>Madden Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/87.}}  f. 124.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Sydney Robert Fremantle|nick=Sir Sydney R. Fremantle|appt=1 May, 1919<ref>Fremantle Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  p. 293.</ref>|end=3 May, 1921<ref>Fremantle Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 293.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=William Coldingham Masters Nicholson|nick=Sir William C. M. Nicholson|appt=3 May, 1921<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 23 March, 1921.  Issue '''42676''', col D, p. 12.</ref>|end=14 October, 1922}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Edwyn Sinclair Alexander-Sinclair, Twelfth Laird of Freswick|nick=Sir Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair|appt=3 October, 1922<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  p. 194.</ref>|succBy=Renamed as Second Battle Squadron|end=14 October, 1924<ref>Alexander-Sinclair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 361.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=William Wordsworth Fisher|nick=William W. Fisher|appt=14 October, 1924<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 14 October, 1924.  Issue '''43782''', col E, p. 6.</ref>|precBy=1BS Reformed in Mediterranean}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Cecil Minet Staveley|nick=Cecil M. Staveley|appt=7 September, 1925<ref>"New Flag Commands" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 11 May, 1925.  Issue '''43958''', col C, p. 9.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Michael Henry Hodges|nick=Michael H. Hodges|appt=9 March, 1926<ref>Hodges Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|}} f. 250.</ref>|end=30 April, 1927<ref>Hodges Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|}} f. 250.</ref>|note=and as Second in Command, Mediterranean}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=John Donald Kelly|nick=John D. Kelly|appt=30 April, 1927<ref>Kelly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/89.}}  f. 109.</ref>|end=26 April, 1929<ref>Kelly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/89.}}  f. 109.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=William Archibald Howard Kelly|nick=W. A. Howard Kelly|appt=26 April, 1929<ref>"Flag Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 9 June, 1929.  Issue '''45096''', col G, p. 6.</ref><ref>Kelly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 230.</ref>|end=10 October, 1930<ref>Kelly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 230.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=William Wordsworth Fisher|nick=William W. Fisher|appt=12 September, 1930<ref>Fisher Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.}}  f. 231.</ref>|ass=10 October, 1930<ref>Fisher Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.}}  f. 231.</ref>|end=12 April, 1932<ref>Fisher Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.}}  f. 231.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Charles Morton Forbes|nick=Charles M. Forbes|appt=25 April, 1934<ref>Forbes Service Record {{TNA|ADM 196/90.|D8115858}} f. 130.</ref>|end=25 July, 1936<ref>Forbes Service Record {{TNA|ADM 196/90.|D8115858}} f. 130.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Geoffrey Layton|nick=Geoffrey Layton|appt=January, 1939<ref>Layton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/49/134.|D7604233}} f. ?.</ref>|end=20 November, 1939<ref>Layton Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/49/134.|D7604233}} f. ?.</ref>|note=and as Second in Command, Mediterranean Fleet}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Henry Daniel Pridham-Wippell|nick=Henry D. Pridham-Wippell|appt=12 May, 1941<ref>Pridham-Wippell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/14.|D7576677}}  ff. 177, 253.</ref>|end=1 April, 1942<ref>Pridham-Wippell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/14.|D7576677}}  ff. 177, 253.</ref>|note=and as Second in Command, Mediterranean Fleet}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Arthur John Power|nick=Arthur J. Power|appt=1 December, 1943<ref>Power Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/92/68.|}} f. 68.</ref>|end=}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Charles Saumarez Daniel|nick=Sir Charles S. Daniel|appt=c. June 1945<ref>Daniel Service Record.  {{TNA|196/56/148.|}} f. 150.</ref>|end=late 1945<ref>Daniel Service Record.  {{TNA|196/56/148.|}} f. 150.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:office0>
 +
 
 +
==Seconds-in-Command==
 +
Dates of appointment given:
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:office1 otitle="Rear-Admiral in the First Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{RearRN}}|name=Charles Edward Madden, First Baronet|nick=Charles E. Madden|appt=5 January, 1912{{UKCeased|Unnumbered page}}<ref>Madden Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 83.</ref>|end=10 November, 1912<ref>Madden Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 83.</ref>|precBy=Charles E. Madden,<br>as [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the First Division, Home Fleet]]|note=formerly known as [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Rear-Admiral in the First Division, Home Fleet]]}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Somerset Arthur Gough-Calthorpe|nick=The Hon. Somerset A. Gough-Calthorpe|appt=10 December, 1912<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 11 December, 1912.  Issue '''40079''', col C, p. 14.</ref><ref>Gough-Calthorpe Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 130/264.</ref>|end=10 December, 1913<ref>Gough-Calthorpe Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 130/264.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Hugh Evan-Thomas|nick=Hugh Evan-Thomas|appt=10 December, 1913{{UKCeased|p. 2}}<ref>Evan-Thomas Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 105.</ref>|end=25 August, 1915<ref>Evan-Thomas Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 105.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt|nick=Ernest Gaunt|appt=25 August, 1915{{UKCeased|p. 2}}<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>|end=12 June, 1916<ref>Gaunt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 276.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Alexander Ludovic Duff|nick=Alexander L. Duff|appt=12 June, 1916{{UKCeased|p. 2}}|end=30 November, 1916<ref>Duff Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 80.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=William Coldingham Masters Nicholson|nick=Sir William C. M. Nicholson|appt=1 December, 1916{{UKCeased|p. 2}}|end=20 March, 1919<ref>Nicholson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 214.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Victor Albert Stanley|nick=The Hon. Victor A. Stanley|appt=1 April, 1919<ref>Stanley Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 432.</ref>|end=1 April, 1920<ref>Stanley Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 205.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Henry Montagu Doughty|nick=Henry M. Doughty|appt=24 March, 1920<ref>"Naval Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 11 March, 1920.  Issue '''42356''', col F, p. 6.</ref>|end=14 April, 1921<ref>Doughty Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|}} f. 50.</ref>|ass=1 April, 1920<ref>Predecessor left that day.  Stanley Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 205.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Rudolf Walter Bentinck|nick=Sir Rudolf W. Bentinck|appt=3 May, 1921<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 23 March, 1921.  Issue '''42676''', col D, p. 12.</ref>|end=3 May, 1922<ref>Bentinck Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}} f. 47.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Arthur Allan Morison Duff|nick=Arthur A. M. Duff|appt=3 May, 1922<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 2 March, 1922.  Issue '''42969''', col G, p. 20.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=William Archibald Howard Kelly|nick=William A. H. Kelly|appt=3 May, 1923<ref>"Flag Changes" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Friday, 16 March, 1923.  Issue '''43291''', col E, p. 14.</ref>|end=3 May, 1924}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=William Henry Dudley Boyle, Twelfth Earl of Cork and Orrery|nick=William H. D. Boyle|appt=3 May, 1924<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 4 February, 1924.  Issue '''43556''', col F, p. 20.</ref><ref>Kelly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 230.</ref>|end=3 May, 1924<ref>Kelly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 230.</ref>|succBy=Renamed as Second Battle Squadron}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=William Wordsworth Fisher|nick=William W. Fisher|appt=14 October, 1924<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 14 October, 1924.  Issue '''43782''', col E, p. 6.</ref>|precBy=1BS Reformed in Mediterranean|end=7 September, 1925<ref>Fisher Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.}}  f. 231.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Cecil Minet Staveley|nick=Cecil M. Staveley|appt=15 October, 1925<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 4 November, 1925.  Issue '''44110''', col E, p. 5.</ref>|end=1 October, 1926}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=David Thomas Norris|nick=David T. Norris|appt=1 October, 1926<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Friday, 1 October, 1926.  Issue '''44391''', col C, p. 6.</ref><ref>Norris Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44/174.|}}  f. 158.</ref>|end=1 October, 1927<ref>Norris Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44/174.|}}  f. 158.</ref>|ass=c. 1 November, 1926<ref>Norris Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44/174.|}}  f. 158.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Bernard St. George Collard|nick=Bernard St. G. Collard|appt=1 October, 1927<ref>"Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 17 August, 1927.  Issue '''44662''', col B, p. 19.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=William Munro Kerr|nick=William M. Kerr|appt=20 March, 1928<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44/225.}}  f. 225.</ref>|end=5 April, 1929<ref>Kerr Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44/225.}}  f. 225.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Reginald Aylmer Ranfurly Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax|nick=The Hon. Reginald A. R. P.-E.-E.-Drax|appt=12 April, 1929<ref>"Flag Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 9 June, 1929.  Issue '''45096''', col G, p. 6.</ref>|end=26 April, 1930<ref>Drax Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/45.}} f. 214.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{RearRN}}|name=Henry Daniel Pridham-Wippell|nick=Henry D. Pridham-Wippell|appt=8 May, 1940<ref>Pridham-Wippell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/14.|D7576677}}  ff. 177, 253.</ref>|end=24 October, 1940<ref>Pridham-Wippell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/14.|D7576677}}  ff. 177, 253.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:office1>
 +
 
 +
==Other Personnel==
 +
 
 +
===Squadron Gunnery Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFGO otitle="Squadron Gunnery Officer, First Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''G''')|name=Cyril Gordon Sedgwick|nick=Cyril G. Sedgwick|appt=8 April, 1919{{NLDec19|p. 855}}|end=}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''G''')|name=Arthur Lumley St. George Lyster|nick=Arthur L. St. G. Lyster|appt=28 December, 1922{{NLJul24|p. 216}}|end=}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFGO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron Torpedo Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFTO otitle="Squadron Torpedo Officer, First Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''T''')|name=Baldwin Charles Walker|nick=Baldwin C. Walker|appt=8 April, 1919{{NLDec19|p. 855}}|end=8 July, 1920}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''T''')|name=Edward Wilson MacKichan|nick=Edward W. MacKichan|appt=12 September, 1922<ref>MacKichan Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/58.|}} f. 199.</ref>{{NLJul24|p. 216}}|end=January, 1925<ref>MacKichan Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/58.|}} f. 199.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''T''')|name=Gilbert Alfred Barratt|nick=Gilbert A. Barratt|appt=6 August, 1927<ref>Barratt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/54/59.|}} f. 59.</ref>|end=August, 1929<ref>Barratt Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/54/59.|}} f. 59.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFTO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron W/T Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFWO otitle="Squadron W/T Officer, First Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LieutRN}} ('''T''')|name=Basil Edward Reinold|nick=Basil E. Reinold|appt=31 July, 1912{{NLJan14|p. 295}}|end=}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LieutRN}} ('''T''')|name=Cedric Swinton Holland|nick=Cedric S. Holland|appt=14 April, 1919{{NLDec19|p. 855}}|end=3 May, 1920|note=is this for {{UK-BS|2}}?}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LCommRN}} ('''S''')|name=John Montagu Howson|nick=John M. Howson|appt=2 May, 1923{{NLJul24|p. 216}}|end=}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFWO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron Signal Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFSO otitle="Squadron Signal Officer, First Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LCommRN}} ('''S''')|name=Nigel Bellairs Deare|nick=Nigel B. Deare|appt=2 May, 1924<ref>Deare Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/117/42.|}} f. 42.</ref>{{NLJul24|p. 216}}|end=19 October, 1924<ref>Deare Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/117/42.|}} f. 42.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFSO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron Navigating Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFNO otitle="Squadron Navigating Officer, First Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''N''')|name=Arthur Lucius O'Brien|nick=Arthur L. O'Brien|appt=8 April, 1919{{NLMay19|p. 895}}|end=June, 1919{{INF}}}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''N''')|name=Arthur Bannatyne Arnold Baker|nick=Arthur B. A. Baker|appt=5 June, 1919<ref>Baker Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/48/79.|}} f. 483.</ref>{{NLDec19|p. 855}}|end=3 May, 1921<ref>Baker Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/48/79.|}} f. 483.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFNO>
 +
 
 +
==Footnotes==
 +
{{reflist}}
 +
 
 +
==Bibliography==
 +
{{refbegin}}
 +
*{{DittColl}}
 +
*{{UKNavalOpsV}}
 +
{{refend}}
 +
 
 +
==See Also==
 +
{{refbegin}}
 
*[http://www.gwpda.org/naval/fdrn0004.htm Composition of the Grand Fleet]
 
*[http://www.gwpda.org/naval/fdrn0004.htm Composition of the Grand Fleet]
 +
{{refend}}
  
−
[[Category:Royal Navy squadrons]]
+
{{RNBattleSquadrons|sort=1}}

Latest revision as of 23:41, 10 November 2022

The First Battle Squadron was a formation of battleships of the Royal Navy. The squadron changed composition often as ships were damaged, retired or transferred. For tactical reasons the squadron was divided into two divisions.

Composition

The First Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet at sea at sunset, April, 1915.
Photo: United States Navy. Naval History and Heritage Command. NH2714.

May, 1912

On 22 June, 1912 Vice-Admiral Sir Stanley C. J. Colville hoisted his flag in Collingwood as Vice-Admiral Commanding the First Squadron (as it was then known).

December, 1912

The squadron was comprised of:[1]

December, 1913

Hercules from the Second Battle Squadron has replaced Dreadnought, which has been bumped over to become the flagship of the Fourth Battle Squadron.[2]

By this time, this squadron had been equipped with Battleship Auxiliary W/T sets.[3]

April, 1914

[4]

Serving in First Fleet, Home Fleets
Battleships
VAdmRN.png Collingwood
  Colossus
  Hercules
  Neptune
RAdmRN.png St. Vincent
  Vanguard
  Superb
  Temeraire
Light Cruiser
  Bellona
Repair Ship
  Cyclops

July, 1914

The squadron was comprised of:[5]

Attached: scout cruiser Bellona, repair ship Cyclops.

5 August, 1914

The squadron and its commanders on this date were:[6][7]

Attached: scout cruiser Bellona, Captain Percy Royds

These same ships would continue to comprise the squadron through October, 1915 — an uncommonly stable configuration.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]

November, 1915

Superb was transferred out to the Fourth Battle Squadron and been been replaced by Agincourt, coming in from that same squadron.[16][17]

Attached: scout cruiser Bellona

December, 1915 into May 1916

Membership during this period was largely unchanged, though Colossus replaced St. Vincent as second flagship.[18][19][20][21][22]

Attached: scout cruiser Bellona

Vanguard was transferred to the Fourth Battle Squadron prior to the Battle of Jutland, but the strength of the squadron is shown including her and Revenge in May, 1916.

Battle of Jutland

Main article: First B.S. (Royal Navy) at the Battle of Jutland

During the battle, the squadron's composition was:

H.M.S. Benbow, seen from Emperor of India, leading Marlborough and Iron Duke.
Photo: United States Navy. Naval History and Heritage Command. NH50158.

June, 1916

The Battle's effects required some immediate changes. Marlborough had torpedo damage to repair, and so was removed from her role as flagship while she was made whole.[23]

The opportunity was taken to recast 1BS as one enriched in the more powerful dreadnought types. Its 12-in ships Colossus, Neptune, Collingwood, Hercules and St. Vincent were transferred to the Fourth Battle Squadron in exchange for Emperor of India, Benbow and Canada, and 15-in "R" class heavyweights Royal Oak and Royal Sovereign joined the squadron as soon as they'd become ready for service, with Royal Oak becoming the temporary flagship.[24][25]

Attached: scout cruiser Bellona

The squadron was to retain this composition in July and August, as Marlborough was repaired.[26][27]

September, 1916

Marlborough was returned to service and able to relieve Royal Oak as flagship. The squadron was otherwise unaltered.[28]

Attached: scout cruiser Bellona

The squadron was to retain this configuration through January or perhaps February, 1917.[29][30][31][32][33][34]

March, 1917

Some of the changes noted here may have occurred in February, 1917, as no Supplement to the Monthly Navy List for that month has been located. It is knonw, however, that Marlborough took on the second flagship role on 23 February.[35] By March, however, changes since January were as follows. Upon being relieved by Queen Elizabeth as flagship of the Grand Fleet, Iron Duke joined the First Battle Squadron. At the same time, the flagships shuffled, another "R" class ship joined, and Agincourt left to join the Second Battle Squadron.[36]

Attached: scout cruiser Bellona

April, 1917

Marlborough has again been removed from a flag role, handing it back to Emperor of India, which may mean the latter ship has just returned from another refit. The attending light cruiser has also been changed, with the relieved H.M.S. Bellona next cropping up in "Home Waters or on detached service" in May, though she was to return to this squadron within the year.[37][38][39]

Attached: scout cruiser Blonde, coming in from the Fourth Battle Squadron in April. The steadfast scout cruiser Bellona was detached in April, coming back to join Blonde in August before leaving a final time in October.

Otherwise, things remained stable until November.[40][41][42][43][44][45][46]

November, 1917

Ramillies has joined, bringing the strength up to ten dreadnoughts, none with guns smaller than 13.5-in.[47]

Attached: scout cruiser Blonde

Second Battle of Heligoland Bight

The squadron was represented in the battle on 17 November, 1917 as:[48]

Screened by:

December, 1917

Revenge has been relieved as flagship by Resolution. In all likelihood, this means Revenge has entered refit.[49][Inference]

Attached: scout cruiser Blonde

Resolution's role as flagship was to continue only through February, 1918, though the roster was to remain for some time further.[50][51][52]

March, 1918

Revenge has been restored as flagship. In all likelihood, this means she has completed a refit which kept her away.[Inference] Nothing else has changed.[53]

Attached: scout cruiser Blonde

This configuration seemingly persisted through February 1919.[54]

March, 1919

With demobilisation taking hold, the 13.5-in ships were removed from service, leaving six ships. Blonde has been let go, as well.[55]

This configuration lasted but one month.

April, 1919

Canada has been let go, leaving just five ships with a uniform 15-in armament.[56]

This configuration lasted but one month.

May, 1919

The squadron is now part of the Atlantic Fleet.[57]

This configuration lasted through at least July, 1919.[58][59]

In Command

The commander of the squadron was variously Rear, Vice and full Admirals.

Dates of appointment given:

Seconds-in-Command

Dates of appointment given:

Other Personnel

Squadron Gunnery Officer

Squadron Torpedo Officer

Squadron W/T Officer

Squadron Signal Officer

Squadron Navigating Officer

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
  2. ↑ Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
  3. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. W/T Appendix, p. 13.
  4. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April 1914). p. 267.
  5. ↑ Admiralty Weekly Order No. 109 of 10 July, 1914.
  6. ↑ Dittmar; Colledge. British Warships 1914–1919. p. 15.
  7. ↑ Naval Operations. Volume I. p. 438.
  8. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). p. 8.
  9. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 8.
  10. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1915). p. 10.
  11. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1915). p. 10.
  12. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1915). p. 10.
  13. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1915). p. 10.
  14. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1915). p. 10.
  15. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 10.
  16. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 10.
  17. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1915). p. 10.
  18. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1915). p. 10.
  19. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1916). p. 10.
  20. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1916). p. 10.
  21. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1916). p. 10.
  22. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1916). p. 10.
  23. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1916). p. 10.
  24. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1916). p. 10.
  25. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1916). p. 10.
  26. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1916). p. 10.
  27. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1916). p. 10.
  28. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1916). p. 10.
  29. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1916). p. 10.
  30. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1916). p. 10.
  31. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1916). p. 10.
  32. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1916). p. 10.
  33. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1917). p. 10.
  34. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1917). p. 10.
  35. ↑ Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 214.
  36. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1917). p. 10.
  37. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1917). p. 10.
  38. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1917). p. 14.
  39. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). p. 10.
  40. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1917). p. 10.
  41. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). p. 10.
  42. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1917). p. 10.
  43. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). p. 10.
  44. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1917). p. 10.
  45. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1917). p. 10.
  46. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1917). p. 10.
  47. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1917). p. 10.
  48. ↑ Naval Operations. Vol. V. pp. 168-169.
  49. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1917). p. 10.
  50. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). p. 10.
  51. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). p. 10.
  52. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 10.
  53. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 10.
  54. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1918). p. 10 and Supplements through February 1919, less September which was not located.
  55. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1919). p. 10.
  56. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1919). p. 10. Ramillies is indicated as a flagship in this source, but on page 4 it seems that this is not so.
  57. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1919). pp. 4, 10.
  58. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1919). p. 10.
  59. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1919). p. 10.
  60. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. Unnumbered page.
  61. ↑ Colville Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 29.
  62. ↑ Bayly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 444.
  63. ↑ Bayly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 444.
  64. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  65. ↑ Burney Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 84/180.
  66. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  67. ↑ Madden Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/87. f. 124.
  68. ↑ Madden Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/87. f. 124.
  69. ↑ Fremantle Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. p. 293.
  70. ↑ Fremantle Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 293.
  71. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 23 March, 1921. Issue 42676, col D, p. 12.
  72. ↑ Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. p. 194.
  73. ↑ Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 361.
  74. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 14 October, 1924. Issue 43782, col E, p. 6.
  75. ↑ "New Flag Commands" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 11 May, 1925. Issue 43958, col C, p. 9.
  76. ↑ Hodges Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 250.
  77. ↑ Hodges Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 250.
  78. ↑ Kelly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/89. f. 109.
  79. ↑ Kelly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/89. f. 109.
  80. ↑ "Flag Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 9 June, 1929. Issue 45096, col G, p. 6.
  81. ↑ Kelly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 230.
  82. ↑ Kelly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 230.
  83. ↑ Fisher Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 231.
  84. ↑ Fisher Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 231.
  85. ↑ Forbes Service Record The National Archives. ADM 196/90. f. 130.
  86. ↑ Forbes Service Record The National Archives. ADM 196/90. f. 130.
  87. ↑ Layton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/49/134. f. ?.
  88. ↑ Layton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/49/134. f. ?.
  89. ↑ Pridham-Wippell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/14. ff. 177, 253.
  90. ↑ Pridham-Wippell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/14. ff. 177, 253.
  91. ↑ Power Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/92/68. f. 68.
  92. ↑ Daniel Service Record. The National Archives. 196/56/148. f. 150.
  93. ↑ Daniel Service Record. The National Archives. 196/56/148. f. 150.
  94. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. Unnumbered page.
  95. ↑ Madden Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 83.
  96. ↑ Madden Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 83.
  97. ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 11 December, 1912. Issue 40079, col C, p. 14.
  98. ↑ Gough-Calthorpe Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 130/264.
  99. ↑ Gough-Calthorpe Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 130/264.
  100. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  101. ↑ Evan-Thomas Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 105.
  102. ↑ Evan-Thomas Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 105.
  103. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  104. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  105. ↑ Gaunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 276.
  106. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  107. ↑ Duff Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 80.
  108. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 2.
  109. ↑ Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 214.
  110. ↑ Stanley Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 432.
  111. ↑ Stanley Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 205.
  112. ↑ "Naval Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 11 March, 1920. Issue 42356, col F, p. 6.
  113. ↑ Doughty Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 50.
  114. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 23 March, 1921. Issue 42676, col D, p. 12.
  115. ↑ Bentinck Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 47.
  116. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 2 March, 1922. Issue 42969, col G, p. 20.
  117. ↑ "Flag Changes" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Friday, 16 March, 1923. Issue 43291, col E, p. 14.
  118. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 4 February, 1924. Issue 43556, col F, p. 20.
  119. ↑ Kelly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 230.
  120. ↑ Kelly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 230.
  121. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 14 October, 1924. Issue 43782, col E, p. 6.
  122. ↑ Fisher Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 231.
  123. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 4 November, 1925. Issue 44110, col E, p. 5.
  124. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Friday, 1 October, 1926. Issue 44391, col C, p. 6.
  125. ↑ Norris Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/174. f. 158.
  126. ↑ Norris Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/174. f. 158.
  127. ↑ "Naval and Military" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 17 August, 1927. Issue 44662, col B, p. 19.
  128. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/225. f. 225.
  129. ↑ Kerr Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/225. f. 225.
  130. ↑ "Flag Appointments" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 9 June, 1929. Issue 45096, col G, p. 6.
  131. ↑ Drax Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/45. f. 214.
  132. ↑ Pridham-Wippell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/14. ff. 177, 253.
  133. ↑ Pridham-Wippell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/14. ff. 177, 253.
  134. ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1919). p. 855.
  135. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1924). p. 216.
  136. ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1919). p. 855.
  137. ↑ MacKichan Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/58. f. 199.
  138. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1924). p. 216.
  139. ↑ MacKichan Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/58. f. 199.
  140. ↑ Barratt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/54/59. f. 59.
  141. ↑ Barratt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/54/59. f. 59.
  142. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1914). p. 295.
  143. ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1919). p. 855.
  144. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1924). p. 216.
  145. ↑ Deare Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/117/42. f. 42.
  146. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1924). p. 216.
  147. ↑ Deare Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/117/42. f. 42.
  148. ↑ The Navy List. (May, 1919). p. 895.
  149. ↑ Baker Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/48/79. f. 483.
  150. ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1919). p. 855.
  151. ↑ Baker Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/48/79. f. 483.

Bibliography

  • Dittmar, F.J.; Colledge, J.J. (1972). British Warships 1914–1919. London: Ian Allan.
  • Newbolt, Henry (1931). Naval Operations. Vol. V. London: Longmans, Green and Co..

See Also


British Battle Squadrons
First Battle Squadron | Second Battle Squadron | Third Battle Squadron | Fourth Battle Squadron
Fifth Battle Squadron | Sixth Battle Squadron | Seventh Battle Squadron | Eighth Battle Squadron
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