Seventh Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)

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The Seventh Battle Squadron was a Royal Navy battle squadron composed of second-rate British warships mobilised during the First World War.

History

In 1912 Vice-Admiral Sir Henry B. Jackson took command of the squadron for the annual manœuvres. He hoisted his flag in Illustrious on 2 July, 1912.[1] The event was unique in that Jackson, his Flag Captain, his Flag Commander, and his navigating officer were all on the staff of the Royal Naval War College.[2] Rear-Admiral Charles Dundas of Dundas was selected as Jackson's Second-in-Command, hoisting his flag on 2 July in the Prince George.[3] At Devonport on 13 July, 1914, Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander E. Bethell hoisted his flag in the Prince George, and Rear-Admiral Cecil F. Thursby hoisted his flag in the Hannibal.[4] Thursby struck his flag on 27 July.[5]

On 8 August the Seventh Battle Squadron was merged into the Eighth Battle Squadron.[6]

Composition

December, 1912

Handwritten on stationery from H.M.S. Princess Royal, Albert Francis Barclay Bridges recorded the order of battle for the Grand Fleet, whose contents are found on articles for the various formations. The Fleet flagship was noted as being Neptune, which was not part of any Battle Squadron.[7]

5-8 August, 1914[8][9]

The squadron was based at Devonport on 5 August, 1914 along with with Eighth Battle Squadron. Jupiter may have been transferred in from the other Battle Squadron between 5 and 8 August.

Footnotes

  1. Jackson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. p. 682.
  2. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Saturday, 22 June, 1912. Issue 39932, col A, p. 4.
  3. "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 2 July, 1912. Issue 39940, col D, p. 6.
  4. "Naval Mobilization" (News). The Times. Tuesday, 14 July, 1914. Issue 40575, col G, p. 16.
  5. Thursby Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. p. 658.
  6. Naval Staff Monographs. Volume III. p. 10.
  7. The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
  8. Naval Staff Monographs. Volume X. p. 110.
  9. Dittmar; Colledge. British Warships 1914–1919. p. 15.

Bibliography

  • Naval Staff, Training and Staff Duties Division (1921). Naval Staff Monographs (Historical). Fleet Issue. Volume III. Monograph 6.—Passage of the British Expeditionary Force, August, 1914. Monograph 7.—The Patrol Flotillas at the Commencement of the War. Monograph 11.—The Battle of Heligoland Bight, August 28th, 1914. Monograph 8.—Naval Operations Connected with the Raid on the North-East Coast, December 16th, 1914. Monograph 12:—The Action of Dogger Bank, January 24th, 1915. O.U. 6181 (late C.B. 1585.). Copy No. 127 at The National Archives. ADM 186/610.
  • Naval Staff, Training and Staff Duties Division (1924). Naval Staff Monographs (Historical): Fleet Issue. Volume X. Home Waters—Part I. From the Outbreak of War to 27 August, 1914. O.U. 5528 (late C.B. 917(H)). Copy at The National Archives. ADM 186/619.


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