Difference between revisions of "Channel Fleet (Royal Navy)"

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==History, 1903-1909==
 
==History, 1903-1909==
Vice-Admiral [[Charles William de la Poer Beresford, First Baron Beresford|The Right Hon. Lord Charles Beresford]] was appointed Vice-Admiral Commanding, Channel Squadron, on 17 April, 1903.<ref>''The Navy List'' (June, 1903).  p. 216.</ref> On 6 May he was informed by the Admiralty "that for the future the Channel Squadron shall be known as the Channel Fleet."<ref>Letter No 743 of 6 May, 1903.  The National Archives.  ADM 144/16.  f. 60.</ref>
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Vice-Admiral [[Charles William de la Poer Beresford, First Baron Beresford|The Right Hon. Lord Charles Beresford]] was appointed Vice-Admiral Commanding, Channel Squadron, on 17 April, 1903.{{NLJun03|p. 216}} On 6 May he was informed by the Admiralty "that for the future the Channel Squadron shall be known as the Channel Fleet."<ref>Letter No 743 of 6 May, 1903.  {{TNA|ADM 144/16.|}} f. 60.</ref> The formation was at that stage comprised of six battleships, two armoured cruisers and three smaller cruisers.{{NLMay03|p. 218}}
  
On 14 December, 1904, the Admiralty informed the Commander-in-Chief of the [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Home Fleet]], [[Arthur Knyvet Wilson, Third Baronet|Sir Arthur K. Wilson]], that his command would forthwith be styled "The Channel Fleet", and that he would be styled "The Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet."<ref>M.14018.  The National Archives.  ADM 144/17.  f. 225.</ref>  
+
On 14 December, 1904, the Admiralty informed the Commander-in-Chief of the [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Home Fleet]], [[Arthur Knyvet Wilson, Third Baronet|Sir Arthur K. Wilson]], that his command would forthwith be styled "The Channel Fleet", and that he would be styled "The Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet."<ref>M.14018.  {{TNA|ADM 144/17.|}} f. 225.</ref>  
  
Admiral Beresford succeeded Wilson ''in absentia'' on 4 March, 1907.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 4 March, 1907.  Issue '''38271''', col D, p. 10.</ref>
+
Admiral Beresford succeeded Wilson ''in absentia'' on 4 March, 1907.{{NMI|Monday, 4 March, 1907.  Issue '''38271''', col D, p. 10}}
  
 
===Seconds-in-Command===
 
===Seconds-in-Command===
 
On 5 June, 1903, Rear-Admiral [[Hedworth Meux|The Honourable Hedworth Lambton]] succeeded Rear-Admiral [[Assheton Gore Curzon-Howe|The Honourable Assheton G. Curzon-Howe]] as Second-in-Command of the Channel Fleet.<ref>Meux Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  f. 774.</ref>  He was succeeded by Rear-Admiral [[Francis Charles Bridgeman Bridgeman|Francis C. B. Bridgeman]] on 25 June, 1904.<ref>Bridgeman Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  f. 167.</ref>   
 
On 5 June, 1903, Rear-Admiral [[Hedworth Meux|The Honourable Hedworth Lambton]] succeeded Rear-Admiral [[Assheton Gore Curzon-Howe|The Honourable Assheton G. Curzon-Howe]] as Second-in-Command of the Channel Fleet.<ref>Meux Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  f. 774.</ref>  He was succeeded by Rear-Admiral [[Francis Charles Bridgeman Bridgeman|Francis C. B. Bridgeman]] on 25 June, 1904.<ref>Bridgeman Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  f. 167.</ref>   
  
Rear-Admiral [[Charles James Barlow|Charles J. Barlow]] had been Second-in-Command of the Home Fleet before it was renamed at the end of 1904.  Vice-Admiral [[Arthur William Moore|Sir Arthur W. Moore]] was appointed to succeed Barlow as Second-in-Command on 9 May of that year.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 26 April, 1905.  Issue '''37691''', col B, p. 8.</ref>  Vice-Admiral the Honourable [[Assheton Gore Curzon-Howe|Assheton G. Curzon-Howe]] succeeded Vice-Admiral Moore on 5 December.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 13 November, 1905.  Issue '''37863''', col B, p. 7.</ref>  Vice-Admiral [[Reginald Neville Custance|Sir Reginald N. Custance]] was appointed Second-in-Command dated 23 February, 1907.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 2 February, 1907.  Issue '''38246''', col F, p. 11.</ref>  Custance was succeeded by Vice-Admiral [[Archibald Berkeley Milne, Second Baronet|Sir A. Berkeley Milne]] on 12 June, 1908.<ref>Milne Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  p. 893.</ref>  Milne remained as Second-in-Command until the Channel Fleet was absorbed into the Home Fleet.
+
Rear-Admiral [[Charles James Barlow|Charles J. Barlow]] had been Second-in-Command of the Home Fleet before it was renamed at the end of 1904.  Vice-Admiral [[Arthur William Moore|Sir Arthur W. Moore]] was appointed to succeed Barlow as Second-in-Command on 9 May of that year.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Wednesday, 26 April, 1905.  Issue '''37691''', col B, p. 8.</ref>  Vice-Admiral the Honourable [[Assheton Gore Curzon-Howe|Assheton G. Curzon-Howe]] succeeded Vice-Admiral Moore on 5 December.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 13 November, 1905.  Issue '''37863''', col B, p. 7.</ref>  Vice-Admiral [[Reginald Neville Custance|Sir Reginald N. Custance]] was appointed Second-in-Command dated 23 February, 1907.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 2 February, 1907.  Issue '''38246''', col F, p. 11.</ref>  Custance was succeeded by Vice-Admiral [[Archibald Berkeley Milne, Second Baronet|Sir A. Berkeley Milne]] on 12 June, 1908.<ref>Custance Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 275.</ref><ref>Milne Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  p. 893.</ref>  Milne remained as Second-in-Command until the Channel Fleet was absorbed into the Home Fleet.
  
 
===Rear-Admirals in the Channel Fleet===
 
===Rear-Admirals in the Channel Fleet===
Rear-Admiral [[Richard Poore, Fourth Baronet|Sir Richard Poore, Bart.]], Rear-Admiral in the [[Mediterranean Fleet (Royal Navy)|Mediterranean Fleet]],<ref>"Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 8 October, 1904.  Issue '''37520''', col C, p. 8.</ref> was transferred to the Channel Fleet with four battleships from the Mediterranean in February, 1905.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 17 January, 1905.  Issue '''37606''', col B, p. 9.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[Robert Leonard Groome|Robert L. Groome]] succeeded Rear-Admiral Poore on 16 November, 1905.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 2 November, 1905.  Issue '''37854''', col A, p. 8.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[George Astley Callaghan|George A. Callaghan]] was appointed in succession to Groome on 16 November, 1906.<ref>Callaghan Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/38.  f. 202.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[Robert Swinburne Lowry|Robert S. Lowry]] was appointed as Rear-Admiral in the Channel Fleet on 5 April, 1907.<ref>Lowry Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  f. 800.</ref>  Lowry struck his flag on 30 September, 1907, and on 1 October Rear-Admiral [[Francis John Foley|Francis J. Foley]] hoisted his flag in the battleship [[H.M.S. Illustrious (1896)|''Illustrious'']].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 17 September, 1907.  Issue '''38440''', col A, p. 4.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[James Startin]] succeeded Foley on 1 October, 1908.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 14 September, 1908.  Issue '''38751''', col E, p. 6.</ref>
+
Rear-Admiral [[Richard Poore, Fourth Baronet|Sir Richard Poore, Bart.]], Rear-Admiral in the [[Mediterranean Fleet (Royal Navy)|Mediterranean Fleet]],<ref>"Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Saturday, 8 October, 1904.  Issue '''37520''', col C, p. 8.</ref> was transferred to the Channel Fleet with four battleships from the Mediterranean in February, 1905.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 17 January, 1905.  Issue '''37606''', col B, p. 9.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[Robert Leonard Groome|Robert L. Groome]] succeeded Rear-Admiral Poore on 16 November, 1905.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 2 November, 1905.  Issue '''37854''', col A, p. 8.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[George Astley Callaghan|George A. Callaghan]] was appointed in succession to Groome on 16 November, 1906.<ref>Callaghan Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/38.  f. 202.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[Robert Swinburne Lowry|Robert S. Lowry]] was appointed as Rear-Admiral in the Channel Fleet on 5 April, 1907.<ref>Lowry Service Record.  The National Archives.  ADM 196/39.  f. 800.</ref>  Lowry struck his flag on 30 September, 1907, and on 1 October Rear-Admiral [[Francis John Foley|Francis J. Foley]] hoisted his flag in the battleship [[H.M.S. Illustrious (1896)|''Illustrious'']].<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Tuesday, 17 September, 1907.  Issue '''38440''', col A, p. 4.</ref>  Rear-Admiral [[James Startin]] succeeded Foley on 1 October, 1908, hoisting his flag in {{UK-1London}}, and transferring it to {{UK-Hibernia}} on 28 May 1909.<ref>"Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Monday, 14 September, 1908.  Issue '''38751''', col E, p. 6.</ref><ref>Startin Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}}  f. 502.</ref> Startin left on 9 October, 1909 and went onto half pay the following day.<ref>Startin Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}}  f. 502.</ref>
  
 
===Destroyers===
 
===Destroyers===
Line 23: Line 23:
 
Dates of appointment given:
 
Dates of appointment given:
  
*Vice-Admiral [[Charles William de la Poer Beresford, First Baron Beresford|The Right Honourable Lord Charles Beresford]], 17 April, 1903.<ref>Beresford Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 90.</ref>
+
<div name=fredbot:office0 otitle="Admiral Commanding, Channel Fleet" nat="UK">
*Admiral [[Arthur Knyvet Wilson, Third Baronet|Sir Arthur K. Wilson]], 14 December, 1906.<ref>M.14018.  {{TNA|ADM 144/17.}}  f. 225.</ref>
+
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Charles William de la Poer Beresford, First Baron Beresford|nick=The Rt. Hon. Lord Charles Beresford|appt=6 May, 1903<ref>Letter No 743 of 6 May, 1903.  {{TNA|ADM 144/16.}}  f. 60.</ref>|precBy=Formerly the [[Channel Squadron (Royal Navy)|Channel Squadron]]|note=Formerly the [[Channel Squadron (Royal Navy)|Channel Squadron]]}}
*Admiral [[Charles William de la Poer Beresford, First Baron Beresford|The Right Honourable Lord Charles Beresford]], 4 March, 1907.<ref>Beresford Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 90.</ref>
+
{{Tenure|rank=Admiral|name=Arthur Knyvet Wilson, Third Baronet|nick=Sir Arthur K. Wilson|appt=14 December, 1906<ref>M.14018.  {{TNA|ADM 144/17.}}  f. 225.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Admiral|name=Charles William de la Poer Beresford, First Baron Beresford|nick=The Rt. Hon. Lord Charles Beresford|appt=4 March, 1907<ref>Beresford Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 90.</ref>|end=24 March, 1909<ref>Beresford Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/16.|D7864017}} f. 471.</ref>|succBy=Fleet Reconstituted}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:office0>
  
 
==Seconds-in-Command==
 
==Seconds-in-Command==
 
Dates of appointment given:
 
Dates of appointment given:
  
*Rear-Admiral [[Hedworth Meux|The Honourable Hedworth Lambton]], 5 June, 1903.<ref>Meux Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 774.</ref>
+
<div name=fredbot:office1 otitle="Second-in-Command, Channel Fleet" nat="UK">
*Rear-Admiral [[Francis Charles Bridgeman Bridgeman|Francis C. B. Bridgeman]], 25 June, 1904.<ref>Bridgeman Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 167.</ref>
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Hedworth Meux|nick=The Hon. Hedworth Lambton|appt=5 June, 1903<ref>Meux Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 774.</ref>|end=25 June, 1904<ref>Meux Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}} f. 500.</ref>}}
*Rear-Admiral [[Charles James Barlow|Charles J. Barlow]], 14 December, 1904.
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Francis Charles Bridgeman Bridgeman|nick=Francis C. B. Bridgeman|appt=25 June, 1904<ref>Bridgeman Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 167.</ref>|end=25 August, 1905<ref>Bridgeman Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}} f. 167.</ref>}}
*Vice-Admiral [[Arthur William Moore|Sir Arthur W. Moore]], 9 May, 1905.<ref>Moore Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 915.</ref>
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Charles James Barlow|nick=Charles J. Barlow|appt=9 May, 1904<ref>Barlow Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578771}} f. 31.</ref>|end=9 May, 1905<ref>Barlow Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.|D7578771}} f. 31.</ref>}}
*Vice-Admiral [[Assheton Gore Curzon-Howe|The Honourable Sir Assheton G. Curzon-Howe]], 5 December, 1905.<ref>Curzon-Howe Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 275.</ref>
+
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Arthur William Moore|nick=Sir Arthur W. Moore|appt=9 May, 1905<ref>Moore Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 915.</ref>|end=5 December, 1905<ref>Moore Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 915.</ref>}}
*Admiral [[Reginald Neville Custance|Sir Reginald N. Custance]], 23 February, 1907.<ref>Custance Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 275.</ref>
+
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Assheton Gore Curzon-Howe|nick=The Hon. Sir Assheton G. Curzon-Howe|appt=5 December, 1905<ref>Curzon-Howe Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 275.</ref>|end=22 February, 1907<ref>Curzon-Howe Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/18.}}  f. 529.</ref>}}
*Vice-Admiral [[Archibald Berkeley Milne, Second Baronet|Sir A. Berkeley Milne, Bart.]], 12 June, 1908.<ref>Milne Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  f. 893.</ref>
+
{{Tenure|rank=Admiral|name=Reginald Neville Custance|nick=Sir Reginald N. Custance|appt=23 February, 1907<ref>Custance Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/38.}}  f. 275.</ref>|end=12 June, 1908<ref>Custance Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/17.}}  f. 535.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Archibald Berkeley Milne, Second Baronet|nick=Sir A. Berkeley Milne, Bart.|appt=12 June, 1908<ref>Milne Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.|}}  f. 893.</ref>|ass=12 June, 1908<ref>Milne Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.|}}  p. 893.</ref>|end=24 March, 1909<ref>Milne Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/39.}}  p. 893.</ref>|succBy=Second Division of Home Fleet}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:office1>
 +
 
 +
The contradiction between Barlow and Bridgeman is noted.  Perhaps importantly, Barlow's service record indicates "Home Fleet", crossed out and corrected, perhaps in error, to "Channel Fleet", though his last day matches the successor perfectly.  Also, Startin and Milne appear to conflict.  The relevant page in Startin's best Service Record appears to be missing from the TNA scans.
  
 
==Composition==
 
==Composition==
'''November, 1905:'''<ref>''The Navy List'' (November, 1905). pp. 267, 269.</ref>
+
 
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
===18 September, 1904===
 +
The Fleet is about the same strength as the Channel Squadron which preceded it, but there are now eight battleships rather than six, and there is one fewer cruiser.{{NLOct04|pp. 267, 269}}
 +
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=4 | Battle Squadron
 +
|-
 +
| {{UK-Caesar}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 +
| {{UK-Victorious}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 +
| {{UK-Hannibal}}
 +
| {{UK-Illustrious}}
 +
|-
 +
| {{UK-Jupiter}}
 +
| {{UK-Magnificent}}
 +
| {{UK-Majestic}}
 +
| {{UK-Mars}}
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=4 | Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
 +
|-
 +
| {{UK-Doris}}
 +
| {{UK-Endymion}}
 +
| {{UK-1Hermes}}
 +
| {{UK-Theseus}}
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===18 October, 1905===
 +
The Fleet has grown considerably, now boasting thirteen battleships, five cruisers and twenty-four destroyers.{{NLNov05|pp. 267, 269}}
 +
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan=4 | Battle Squadron
 
! colspan=4 | Battle Squadron
Line 49: Line 84:
 
| {{UK-Cornwallis}}
 
| {{UK-Cornwallis}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{UK-Duncan}}
+
| {{UK-1Duncan}}
| {{UK-Exmouth}} [[File:Adm.png|border|25px]]
+
| {{UK-1Exmouth}} [[File:Adm.png|border|25px]]
 
| {{UK-Glory}}
 
| {{UK-Glory}}
 
| {{UK-Jupiter}}
 
| {{UK-Jupiter}}
Line 65: Line 100:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan=3 | Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
 
! colspan=3 | Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
Line 74: Line 109:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Attached Cruisers
 
! colspan="2" | Attached Cruisers
Line 82: Line 117:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Destroyer Flotilla
 
! colspan="3" | Destroyer Flotilla
Line 95: Line 130:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{UK-Kestrel}}
 
| {{UK-Kestrel}}
| {{UK-Greyhound}}
+
| {{UK-1Greyhound}}
| {{UK-Express}}
+
| {{UK-1Express}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{UK-Peterel}}
+
| {{UK-1Peterel}}
 
| {{UK-Mermaid}}
 
| {{UK-Mermaid}}
 
| {{UK-Kennet}}
 
| {{UK-Kennet}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{UK-Recruit}}
+
| {{UK-1Recruit}}
 
| {{UK-Racehorse}}
 
| {{UK-Racehorse}}
 
| {{UK-Leopard}}
 
| {{UK-Leopard}}
Line 110: Line 145:
 
| {{UK-Osprey}}
 
| {{UK-Osprey}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{UK-Tiger}}
+
| {{UK-1Tiger}}
 
| {{UK-Roebuck}}
 
| {{UK-Roebuck}}
 
| {{UK-Ostrich}}
 
| {{UK-Ostrich}}
Line 123: Line 158:
 
|}
 
|}
  
'''June, 1906:'''<ref>''The Navy List'' (June, 1906). pp. 267, 269.</ref>
+
===18 May, 1906===
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
Sixteen battleships, eight cruisers, thirty-six destroyers.{{NLJun06|pp. 267, 269}}
 +
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan=4 | Battle Squadron
 
! colspan=4 | Battle Squadron
Line 131: Line 167:
 
| {{UK-Caesar}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
| {{UK-Caesar}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
| {{UK-Canopus}}
 
| {{UK-Canopus}}
| {{UK-Duncan}}
+
| {{UK-1Duncan}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{UK-Exmouth}} [[File:Adm.png|border|25px]]
+
| {{UK-1Exmouth}} [[File:Adm.png|border|25px]]
 
| {{UK-Glory}}
 
| {{UK-Glory}}
 
| {{UK-Goliath}}
 
| {{UK-Goliath}}
Line 149: Line 185:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan=3 | Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
 
! colspan=3 | Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
Line 158: Line 194:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Attached Cruisers
 
! colspan="5" | Attached Cruisers
 
|-
 
|-
| {{UK-Pathfinder}} || {{UK-Patrol}} || {{UK-Sapphire}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] || {{UK-Sentinel}} || {{UK-Tyne}}
+
| {{UK-Pathfinder}} || {{UK-Patrol}} || {{UK-Sapphire}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] || {{UK-1Sentinel}} || {{UK-Tyne}}
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="collapsible wikitable collapsed" style="width: 60%"
+
{| class="collapsible wikitable" style="width: 60%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Destroyer Flotillas
 
! colspan="3" | Destroyer Flotillas
 
|-
 
|-
| ''First Flotilla''
+
| [[First Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|First Flotilla]]
| ''Second Flotilla''
+
| [[Second Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Second Flotilla]]
| ''Third Flotilla''
+
| [[Third Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Third Flotilla]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{UK-Boyne}}
 
| {{UK-Boyne}}
Line 187: Line 223:
 
| {{UK-Doon}}
 
| {{UK-Doon}}
 
| {{UK-Ness}}
 
| {{UK-Ness}}
| {{UK-Express}}
+
| {{UK-1Express}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{UK-Fawn}}
 
| {{UK-Fawn}}
Line 195: Line 231:
 
| {{UK-Flirt}}
 
| {{UK-Flirt}}
 
| {{UK-Orwell}}
 
| {{UK-Orwell}}
| {{UK-Greyhound}}
+
| {{UK-1Greyhound}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
| {{UK-Garry}}
 
| {{UK-Garry}}
| {{UK-Seal}}
+
| {{UK-1Seal}}
 
| {{UK-Itchen}}
 
| {{UK-Itchen}}
 
|-
 
|-
Line 209: Line 245:
 
| {{UK-Moy}}
 
| {{UK-Moy}}
 
|-
 
|-
| {{UK-Peterel}}
+
| {{UK-1Peterel}}
 
| {{UK-Thrasher}}
 
| {{UK-Thrasher}}
 
| {{UK-Ouse}}
 
| {{UK-Ouse}}
Line 221: Line 257:
 
| {{UK-Roebuck}}
 
| {{UK-Roebuck}}
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
===18 February, 1907===
 +
Sixteen battleships, three attached cruisers and the separate {{UK-CS|1}} of six armoured cruisers.  The destroyers seem to be gone entirely, First sent to Portsmouth, Second to the Nore, and Third to Devonport.{{NLMar07|pp. 267-269}}
  
 
==Footnotes==
 
==Footnotes==
Line 232: Line 271:
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{refbegin}}
 
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Fleet}}
 
{{WP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Channel_Fleet}}
<!-- is this so?  * [[Home Fleet (Royal Navy)|Home Fleet]], as it was known prior to 1903 -->
 
 
{{refend}}
 
{{refend}}
  
 
[[Category:Royal Navy Fleets and Stations]]
 
[[Category:Royal Navy Fleets and Stations]]
 +
[[Category:Pages with Offices]]

Latest revision as of 12:43, 21 January 2020

History, 1903-1909

Vice-Admiral The Right Hon. Lord Charles Beresford was appointed Vice-Admiral Commanding, Channel Squadron, on 17 April, 1903.[1] On 6 May he was informed by the Admiralty "that for the future the Channel Squadron shall be known as the Channel Fleet."[2] The formation was at that stage comprised of six battleships, two armoured cruisers and three smaller cruisers.[3]

On 14 December, 1904, the Admiralty informed the Commander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet, Sir Arthur K. Wilson, that his command would forthwith be styled "The Channel Fleet", and that he would be styled "The Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet."[4]

Admiral Beresford succeeded Wilson in absentia on 4 March, 1907.[5]

Seconds-in-Command

On 5 June, 1903, Rear-Admiral The Honourable Hedworth Lambton succeeded Rear-Admiral The Honourable Assheton G. Curzon-Howe as Second-in-Command of the Channel Fleet.[6] He was succeeded by Rear-Admiral Francis C. B. Bridgeman on 25 June, 1904.[7]

Rear-Admiral Charles J. Barlow had been Second-in-Command of the Home Fleet before it was renamed at the end of 1904. Vice-Admiral Sir Arthur W. Moore was appointed to succeed Barlow as Second-in-Command on 9 May of that year.[8] Vice-Admiral the Honourable Assheton G. Curzon-Howe succeeded Vice-Admiral Moore on 5 December.[9] Vice-Admiral Sir Reginald N. Custance was appointed Second-in-Command dated 23 February, 1907.[10] Custance was succeeded by Vice-Admiral Sir A. Berkeley Milne on 12 June, 1908.[11][12] Milne remained as Second-in-Command until the Channel Fleet was absorbed into the Home Fleet.

Rear-Admirals in the Channel Fleet

Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Poore, Bart., Rear-Admiral in the Mediterranean Fleet,[13] was transferred to the Channel Fleet with four battleships from the Mediterranean in February, 1905.[14] Rear-Admiral Robert L. Groome succeeded Rear-Admiral Poore on 16 November, 1905.[15] Rear-Admiral George A. Callaghan was appointed in succession to Groome on 16 November, 1906.[16] Rear-Admiral Robert S. Lowry was appointed as Rear-Admiral in the Channel Fleet on 5 April, 1907.[17] Lowry struck his flag on 30 September, 1907, and on 1 October Rear-Admiral Francis J. Foley hoisted his flag in the battleship Illustrious.[18] Rear-Admiral James Startin succeeded Foley on 1 October, 1908, hoisting his flag in London, and transferring it to Hibernia on 28 May 1909.[19][20] Startin left on 9 October, 1909 and went onto half pay the following day.[21]

Destroyers

At the end of August, 1907 the Second and Fourth Destroyer Flotillas and the Home Fleet flotillas under Commodore Bayly ceased to be the responsibility of the Rear-Admiral Commanding Torpedo Boats, Robert A. J. Montgomerie, who with the First and Third Flotillas was transferred to the Channel Fleet.[22] Rear-Admiral Montgomerie consequently became Rear-Admiral (D) in the Channel Fleet. It was decided in November that his appointment would lapse after his term of service was completed,[23] and he struck his flag at sunset on 1 January, 1908.[24] On that day command of the "Western Group" of destroyers, as the Channel Fleet's flotillas were now known,[25] devolved upon Captain Walter H. Cowan.[26] On 5 January, 1909, Cowan was succeeded by Captain Edwyn S. Alexander-Sinclair,[27] in command of what had become the Channel Fleet Destroyer Flotilla.[28]

History, 1914-1915

In the Royal Navy's War Orders from 1912 onwards it was decided that in the event of war with Germany the First Fleet of the Home Fleets would become the Grand Fleet, and the Second and Third Fleets would become the Southern Battle Fleet, known as the Channel Fleet. In August, 1914, under Vice-Admiral Sir Cecil Burney, it was composed of the Fifth Battle Squadron and the Seventh Battle Squadron, with attached light cruisers. The Seventh Battle Squadron was quickly dispersed for other duties, and in November, the Sixth Battle Squadron was formed from the Duncan class battleships of the Third Battle Squadron of the Grand Fleet and joined the Channel Fleet. On 20 December, Vice-Admiral Sir Lewis Bayly succeeded Sir Cecil Burney. After the loss of the Formidable to submarine attack on 1 January, 1915, Bayly was relieved by Vice-Admiral The Hon. Sir. Alexander E. Bethell on 17 January. As 1915 wore on battleship divisions of the Fleet were dispersed, primarily to the Mediterranean for the Dardanelles Campaign, until by May only a number of battleships under the command of Vice-Admiral Bethell were left.

Admirals and Vice-Admirals Commanding

Dates of appointment given:

Seconds-in-Command

Dates of appointment given:

The contradiction between Barlow and Bridgeman is noted. Perhaps importantly, Barlow's service record indicates "Home Fleet", crossed out and corrected, perhaps in error, to "Channel Fleet", though his last day matches the successor perfectly. Also, Startin and Milne appear to conflict. The relevant page in Startin's best Service Record appears to be missing from the TNA scans.

Composition

18 September, 1904

The Fleet is about the same strength as the Channel Squadron which preceded it, but there are now eight battleships rather than six, and there is one fewer cruiser.[47]

Battle Squadron
Cæsar VAdmRN.png Victorious RAdmRN.png Hannibal Illustrious
Jupiter Magnificent Majestic Mars
Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
Doris Endymion Hermes Theseus

18 October, 1905

The Fleet has grown considerably, now boasting thirteen battleships, five cruisers and twenty-four destroyers.[48]

Battle Squadron
Albemarle RAdmRN.png Albion Cæsar VAdmRN.png Cornwallis
Duncan Exmouth AdmRN.png Glory Jupiter
Montagu Prince George Russell Swiftsure
Triumph
Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
Dido Juno Topaze
Attached Cruisers
Patrol Sapphire RAdmRN.png
Destroyer Flotilla
First Division Second Division Third Division
Flirt Gala Blackwater
Kestrel Greyhound Express
Peterel Mermaid Kennet
Recruit Racehorse Leopard
Thorn Ribble Osprey
Tiger Roebuck Ostrich
Vigilant Teviot Vixen
Wizard Wolf Waveney

18 May, 1906

Sixteen battleships, eight cruisers, thirty-six destroyers.[49]

Battle Squadron
Albemarle RAdmRN.png Cæsar VAdmRN.png Canopus Duncan
Exmouth AdmRN.png Glory Goliath Illustrious
Jupiter Montagu Ocean Prince George
Russell Swiftsure Triumph Vengeance
Cruisers attached to Battle Squadron
Dido Juno Topaze
Attached Cruisers
Pathfinder Patrol Sapphire RAdmRN.png Sentinel Tyne
Destroyer Flotillas
First Flotilla Second Flotilla Third Flotilla
Boyne Earnest Arab
Crane Exe Arun
Derwent Lively Cheerful
Doon Ness Express
Fawn Nith Foyle
Flirt Orwell Greyhound
Garry Seal Itchen
Kangaroo Sprightly Liffey
Myrmidon Swale Moy
Peterel Thrasher Ouse
Ribble Ure Racehorse
Waveney Wear Roebuck

18 February, 1907

Sixteen battleships, three attached cruisers and the separate First Cruiser Squadron of six armoured cruisers. The destroyers seem to be gone entirely, First sent to Portsmouth, Second to the Nore, and Third to Devonport.[50]

Footnotes

  1. The Navy List. (June, 1903). p. 216.
  2. Letter No 743 of 6 May, 1903. The National Archives. ADM 144/16. f. 60.
  3. The Navy List. (May, 1903). p. 218.
  4. M.14018. The National Archives. ADM 144/17. f. 225.
  5. "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Monday, 4 March, 1907. Issue 38271, col D, p. 10.
  6. Meux Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 774.
  7. Bridgeman Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 167.
  8. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 26 April, 1905. Issue 37691, col B, p. 8.
  9. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 13 November, 1905. Issue 37863, col B, p. 7.
  10. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Saturday, 2 February, 1907. Issue 38246, col F, p. 11.
  11. Custance Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 275.
  12. Milne Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. p. 893.
  13. "Naval & Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Saturday, 8 October, 1904. Issue 37520, col C, p. 8.
  14. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 17 January, 1905. Issue 37606, col B, p. 9.
  15. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 2 November, 1905. Issue 37854, col A, p. 8.
  16. Callaghan Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 202.
  17. Lowry Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 800.
  18. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 17 September, 1907. Issue 38440, col A, p. 4.
  19. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 14 September, 1908. Issue 38751, col E, p. 6.
  20. Startin Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 502.
  21. Startin Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 502.
  22. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 13 August, 1907. Issue 38410, col B, p. 10.
  23. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 25 November, 1907. Issue 38499, col C, p. 4.
  24. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 19 December, 1907. Issue 38520, col B, p. 10.
  25. Friedman. British Destroyers. p. 272.
  26. Cowan Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. p. 249.
  27. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 3 December, 1908. Issue 38820, col C, p. 7.
  28. Alexander-Sinclair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. p. 361.
  29. Letter No 743 of 6 May, 1903. The National Archives. ADM 144/16. f. 60.
  30. M.14018. The National Archives. ADM 144/17. f. 225.
  31. Beresford Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 90.
  32. Beresford Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/16. f. 471.
  33. Meux Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 774.
  34. Meux Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 500.
  35. Bridgeman Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 167.
  36. Bridgeman Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 167.
  37. Barlow Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 31.
  38. Barlow Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 31.
  39. Moore Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 915.
  40. Moore Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 915.
  41. Curzon-Howe Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 275.
  42. Curzon-Howe Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/18. f. 529.
  43. Custance Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 275.
  44. Custance Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/17. f. 535.
  45. Milne Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 893.
  46. Milne Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. p. 893.
  47. The Navy List. (October, 1904). pp. 267, 269.
  48. The Navy List. (November, 1905). pp. 267, 269.
  49. The Navy List. (June, 1906). pp. 267, 269.
  50. The Navy List. (March, 1907). pp. 267-269.

Bibliography

See Also