First Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)
The British 1st 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.
Battle of Jutland, June 1916
The 1st Battle Squadron was initially part of the Royal Navy's 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:
- 1st Division
- 2nd Division
- Colossus - Captain Pound, Rear-Admiral Gaunt
- Collingwood - Captain Ley
- Neptune - Captain Bernard
- St. Vincent - Captain Fisher
After Jutland, 1916
Following the Battle of Jutland, the 1st Battle Squadron was reorganized. Much of the 1st Squadron was transferred to the British 4th Battle Squadron. The organization was as follows, with dates the ship entered and left the squadron indicated.
- Colossus - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July,1916
- Hercules - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
- St Vincent - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
- Collingwood - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
- Neptune - Transferred to 4th Battle Squadron in July, 1916
- Agincourt - Transferred to 2nd Battle Squadron in October,1918
- Revenge - Squadron Flagship, flying Flag Vice-Admiral
- Royal Oak - Joined May,1916
- Royal Sovereign - Joined June,1916
- Benbow - Joined July,1916
- Emperor of India - Joined July, 1916
- Resolution - Joined December,1916
- Ramillies - Joined September,1917
Command of the 1st Battle Squadron
The Vice-Admiral Commanding the Battle Squadron commanded one division. His second in command, Rear-Admiral 1st Battle Squadron, commanded the other division.
Vice-Admiral Commanding 1st Battle Squadron
- Rear-Admiral Lewis Bayly (promoted to Vice-Admiral in September, 1914) (- December, 1914)
- Vice-Admiral Cecil Burney (December, 1914 - November, 1916)
- Vice-Admiral Charles Madden (November, 1916 - April, 1919)
Rear-Admiral Commanding 1st Battle Squadron
- Rear-Admiral Hugh Evan-Thomas (July, 1913 - August, 1915)
- Rear-Admiral Ernest Gaunt (August, 1915 - December, 1916)
