Difference between revisions of "Fourth Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)"
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Dates of appointment given: | Dates of appointment given: | ||
| − | *{{ViceRN}} [[Charles John Briggs|Sir Charles J. Briggs]], 1 July, 1912.<ref>Briggs Service Record. | + | *{{ViceRN}} [[Charles John Briggs|Sir Charles J. Briggs]], 1 July, 1912.<ref>Briggs Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/38}}. f. 168.</ref> |
| − | *Vice-Admiral [[Douglas Austin Gamble|Sir Douglas A. Gamble]], 1 July, 1914.<ref>Gamble Service Record. | + | *Vice-Admiral [[Douglas Austin Gamble|Sir Douglas A. Gamble]], 1 July, 1914.<ref>Gamble Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/38}}. f. 507.</ref> |
| − | *Admiral [[Frederick Charles Doveton Sturdee|Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, Bart.]], 7 February, 1915.<ref>Sturdee Service Record. | + | *Admiral [[Frederick Charles Doveton Sturdee|Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, Bart.]], 7 February, 1915.<ref>Sturdee Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/39}}. f. 1256.</ref> |
| − | *Vice-Admiral [[Montague Edward Browning|Sir Montague E. Browning]], 12 February, 1918.<ref>Browning Service Record. | + | *Vice-Admiral [[Montague Edward Browning|Sir Montague E. Browning]], 12 February, 1918.<ref>Browning Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}. f. 309.</ref> |
===Rear-Admiral, Fourth Battle Squadron=== | ===Rear-Admiral, Fourth Battle Squadron=== | ||
Dates of appointment given: | Dates of appointment given: | ||
| − | *Rear-Admiral [[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]], 22 October, 1914.<ref>Duff Service Record. | + | *Rear-Admiral [[Alexander Ludovic Duff|Alexander L. Duff]], 22 October, 1914.<ref>Duff Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}. f. 80.</ref> |
| − | *Rear-Admiral [[Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt|Ernest F. A. Gaunt]], 12 June, 1916.<ref>Gaunt Service Record. | + | *Rear-Admiral [[Ernest Frederick Augustus Gaunt|Ernest F. A. Gaunt]], 12 June, 1916.<ref>Gaunt Service Record. {TNA|ADM 196/42}}. f. 276.</ref> |
| − | *Rear-Admiral [[Roger John Brownlow Keyes, First Baron Keyes|Roger J. B. Keyes]], 23 June, 1917.<ref>Keyes Service Record. | + | *Rear-Admiral [[Roger John Brownlow Keyes, First Baron Keyes|Roger J. B. Keyes]], 23 June, 1917.<ref>Keyes Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/43}}. f. 291.</ref> |
| − | *Rear-Admiral [[Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|Douglas R. L. Nicholson]], 25 September, 1917.<ref>Nicholson Service Record. | + | *Rear-Admiral [[Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|Douglas R. L. Nicholson]], 25 September, 1917.<ref>Nicholson Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}. f. 290.</ref> |
==Composition== | ==Composition== | ||
| − | + | ===May, 1912=== | |
*{{UK-Exmouth}} (Flagship, Vice-Admiral [[Charles John Briggs|C. J. Briggs]]), replaced 17 December, 1912 by {{UK-Albemarle}} | *{{UK-Exmouth}} (Flagship, Vice-Admiral [[Charles John Briggs|C. J. Briggs]]), replaced 17 December, 1912 by {{UK-Albemarle}} | ||
*{{UK-Duncan}} (Flagship, Rear-Admiral [[Thomas Henry Martyn Jerram|T. H. M. Jerram]]), Captain [[Frederick Laurence Field]] | *{{UK-Duncan}} (Flagship, Rear-Admiral [[Thomas Henry Martyn Jerram|T. H. M. Jerram]]), Captain [[Frederick Laurence Field]] | ||
| Line 35: | Line 35: | ||
In February, 1912 the battleships {{UK-Africa}} and {{UK-Hindustan}} of the {{UK-BS|3}} joined the Fourth temporarily. | In February, 1912 the battleships {{UK-Africa}} and {{UK-Hindustan}} of the {{UK-BS|3}} joined the Fourth temporarily. | ||
| − | + | ===December, 1912=== | |
| + | <ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]</ref> | ||
<br>At a strength of just four pre-dreadnoughts, at this point the squadron was half the size of the majority of her peers. | <br>At a strength of just four pre-dreadnoughts, at this point the squadron was half the size of the majority of her peers. | ||
| Line 43: | Line 44: | ||
*{{UK-Russell}} | *{{UK-Russell}} | ||
| − | + | ===December, 1913=== | |
| + | <ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]</ref> | ||
<br>Only {{UK-Cornwallis}} remains from last year's edition. {{UK-Duncan}} and {{UK-Russell}} have been moved over to the {{UK-BS|6}}, while {{UK-Dreadnought}} and the two most modern pre-dreadnoughts have been transferred in from other squadrons. | <br>Only {{UK-Cornwallis}} remains from last year's edition. {{UK-Duncan}} and {{UK-Russell}} have been moved over to the {{UK-BS|6}}, while {{UK-Dreadnought}} and the two most modern pre-dreadnoughts have been transferred in from other squadrons. | ||
| Line 51: | Line 53: | ||
*{{UK-Cornwallis}} | *{{UK-Cornwallis}} | ||
| − | + | ===July, 1914=== | |
| + | {{AWO1914|109 of 10 July, 1914}} | ||
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| Line 60: | Line 63: | ||
Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} | Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} | ||
| − | + | ===5 August, 1914=== | |
At the outbreak of the [[First World War]] the Squadron was composed solely of 12-inch gunned dreadnoughts as follows.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}} The requisitioned battleship {{UK-Agincourt}} was about to be commissioned and had already been earmarked for service in the Squadron. {{UK-Agamemnon}} has been moved elsewhere. | At the outbreak of the [[First World War]] the Squadron was composed solely of 12-inch gunned dreadnoughts as follows.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}} The requisitioned battleship {{UK-Agincourt}} was about to be commissioned and had already been earmarked for service in the Squadron. {{UK-Agamemnon}} has been moved elsewhere. | ||
| Line 71: | Line 74: | ||
At outbreak of war, the {{UK-Blonde|f=t}}, Captain [[Albert Charles Scott|A. C. Scott]] was attached.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}} | At outbreak of war, the {{UK-Blonde|f=t}}, Captain [[Albert Charles Scott|A. C. Scott]] was attached.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}} | ||
| − | + | ===September, 1914=== | |
| + | The squadron acquired {{UK-Erin}} to bring its strength to a very eclectic five dreadnoughts.{{SMNLSep14|p. 8}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Agincourt}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Erin}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} | ||
| − | + | This line-up would last until November or December.{{SMNLOct14|p. 8}}{{SMNLDec14|p. 8}} | |
| + | ===December, 1914=== | ||
| + | The squadron acquired {{UK-Benbow}} and {{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} to bring its strength to a diverse dreadnoughts, now meriting a second flagship. {{UK-Dreadnought}} has ceded her flagship role, and another cruiser has attached.{{SMNLDec14|p. 8}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Agincourt}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Erin}} | ||
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}}, {{UK-Sapphire|f=t}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last just one month. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===January, 1915=== | ||
| + | The Squadron has lost a cruiser.{{SMNLJan15|p. 8}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
*{{UK-Bellerophon}} | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Agincourt}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Erin}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until June.{{SMNLMar15|p. 10}}{{SMNLApr15|p. 10}}{{SMNLMay15|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===June, 1915=== | ||
| + | A powerful new dreadnought, {{UK-QueenElizabeth}} has brought the strength up to eight.{{SMNLJan15|p. 8}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-QueenElizabeth}} | ||
*{{UK-Temeraire}} | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
*{{UK-Agincourt}} | *{{UK-Agincourt}} | ||
| − | *{{UK-Erin}} | + | *{{UK-Erin}} |
| − | + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} | |
| − | |||
| − | *{{UK- | ||
| − | + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} | |
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until September.{{SMNLJul15|p. 10}}{{SMNLAug15|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===September, 1915=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Canada}} has brought the strength up to nine.{{SMNLJan15|p. 8}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-QueenElizabeth}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Agincourt}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Erin}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Canada}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last just one month. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===October, 1915=== | ||
| + | {{UK-QueenElizabeth}} was transferred to the newly-created {{UK-BS|5}}.{{SMNLOct15|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Agincourt}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Erin}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Canada}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last just one month. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===November, 1915=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Superb}} was transferred in from the {{UK-BS|1}} in exchange for {{UK-Agincourt}}, and {{UK-Erin}} left to join the {{UK-BS|2}}.{{SMNLNov15|p. 10}} | ||
*{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
*{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
*{{UK-Bellerophon}} | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Canada}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until January, 1916.{{SMNLDec15|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===January, 1916=== | ||
| + | The {{UK-Blanche|f=t}} has attached as a second cruiser, coming from the {{UK-BS|3}}.{{SMNLJan16|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Benbow}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
*{{UK-Superb}} | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
*{{UK-Temeraire}} | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} | ||
*{{UK-Canada}} | *{{UK-Canada}} | ||
| − | Attached: {{UK-Blonde}} | + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde}}, {{UK-Blanche}} |
| − | + | This line-up would last until Mid-May.{{SMNLFeb16|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar16|p. 10}}{{SMNLApr16|p. 10}}{{SMNLMay16|p. 10}} | |
| − | {{UK-Dreadnought}} had been relegated to use as a spare by May 16th or earlier, and {{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} had both gone into refit in May, and consequently missed the [[Battle of Jutland]]. Luckily, {{UK-RoyalOak}} had become available for service. | + | ===Battle of Jutland=== |
| + | {{UK-Dreadnought}} had been relegated to use as a spare by May 16th or earlier, and {{UK-EmperorOfIndia}} had both gone into refit in May, and consequently missed the [[Battle of Jutland]]. Luckily, {{UK-RoyalOak}} had become available for service. {{UK-Blonde}} also seems to have missed the battle. | ||
*Third Division, Grand Fleet. | *Third Division, Grand Fleet. | ||
| Line 110: | Line 202: | ||
**{{UK-Vanguard}} | **{{UK-Vanguard}} | ||
| − | + | Attached: {{UK-Blanche}} | |
| + | |||
| + | ===June, 1916=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Blonde}} was detached some time before the Battle of Jutland, for work in "Home Waters or on detached service".{{SMNLJun16|pp. 10, 14}} | ||
*{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
*{{UK-Collingwood}} | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
*{{UK-Neptune}} | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
*{{UK-Vanguard}} | *{{UK-Vanguard}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blanche}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would persist until October, 1916.{{SMNLJul16|p. 10}}{{SMNLAug16|p. 10}}{{SMNLSep16|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===October, 1916=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Blonde|f=t}} rejoined the Squadron from {{UK-BS|5}}.{{SMNLSep16|p. 10}} {{SMNLOct16|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
*{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
*{{UK-Superb}} | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Vanguard}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Blanche}}, {{UK-Blonde}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would persist until December.{{SMNLNov16|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===December, 1916=== | ||
| + | Now, it is {{UK-Blanche|f=t}} who detaches for work in "Home Waters or on detached service".{{SMNLJun16|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
*{{UK-Bellerophon}} | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
*{{UK-Temeraire}} | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
*{{UK-StVincent}} | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Vanguard}} | ||
| − | '''July | + | Attached: {{UK-Blonde}} |
| − | + | ||
| + | This line-up would persist until April, 1917.{{SMNLJan17|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===April, 1917=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Blonde}} transfers to the {{UK-BS|1}}, leaving the Squadron without a light cruiser. An armed boarding steamer has replaced her.{{SMNLApr17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Vanguard}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would persist until Jun.{{SMNLMay17|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===June, 1917=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Bellerophon}} replaces {{UK-Colossus}} as second flagship.{{SMNLJun17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Vanguard}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last one month. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===July, 1917=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Bellona}} arrives from work in "Home Waters or on detached service".{{SMNLMay17|p. 14}}{{SMNLJun17|p. 14}}{{SMNLJul17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Vanguard}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Bellona|f=t}}, armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last just the month. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===August, 1917=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Vanguard}} was lost to internal explosion in July, and {{UK-Bellona|f=t}} transferred out to the {{UK-BS|1}}.{{SMNLAug17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until October.{{SMNLSep17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===October, 1917=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Colossus}} resumed its role as second flagship.{{SMNLOct17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until January, 1918.{{SMNLNov17|p. 10}}{{SMNLDec17|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===January, 1918=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Boadicea}} attached, coming from work in "Home Waters or on detached service".{{SMNLDec17|p. 14}}{{SMNLJan18|p. 10}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Superb}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Boadicea|f=t}}, armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until May.{{SMNLFeb18|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar18|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===May, 1918=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Dreadnought}} attached, coming from the now-disbanded {{UK-BS|3}}.{{SMNLApr18|p. 13}}{{SMNLMay18|p. 10}} | ||
*{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
*{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
*{{UK-Bellerophon}} | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
*{{UK-Collingwood}} | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| − | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} (paid off in August) | + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} (paid off in August, 1918 through at least January 1919) |
*{{UK-Neptune}} | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
*{{UK-StVincent}} | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| − | *{{UK-Superb}} | + | *{{UK-Superb}} (paid off in May and June) |
*{{UK-Temeraire}} | *{{UK-Temeraire}} | ||
| − | + | Attached: {{UK-Boadicea|f=t}}, armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | |
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until sometime between September and November.{{SMNLFeb18|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar18|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun18|p. 10}}{{SMNLJul18|p. 10}}{{SMNLAug18|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===November, 1918=== | ||
| + | {{UK-Temeraire}} and {{UK-Superb}} were detached for service in the Aegean Squadron.{{SMNLNov18|pp. 10, 22}} | ||
*{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| Line 139: | Line 368: | ||
*{{UK-Bellerophon}} | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
*{{UK-Collingwood}} | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} (paid off in August, 1918 through at least January 1919) | ||
*{{UK-Neptune}} | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
*{{UK-StVincent}} | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Boadicea|f=t}}, armed boarding steamer ''King Orry'' | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last until January, 1919.{{SMNLFeb18|p. 10}}{{SMNLMar18|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun18|p. 10}}{{SMNLJul18|p. 10}}{{SMNLAug18|p. 10}}{{SMNLNov18|p. 10}}{{SMNLDec18|p. 10}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | ===January, 1919=== | ||
| + | ''King Orry'' was detached.{{SMNLJan19|pp. 10, 22}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | *{{UK-Hercules}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Colossus}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] | ||
| + | *{{UK-Bellerophon}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Collingwood}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-Dreadnought}} (paid off in August, 1918 through at least January 1919) | ||
| + | *{{UK-Neptune}} | ||
| + | *{{UK-StVincent}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | Attached: {{UK-Boadicea|f=t}} | ||
| + | |||
| + | This line-up would last just the month. | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==February, 1919== | ||
| + | The Squadron appears to be have been dispersed in February, with {{UK-Dreadnought}}, {{UK-Hercules}} and {{UK-Neptune}} going to Rosyth, {{UK-Colossus}} to Devonport, and {{UK-StVincent}} to Portsmouth, {{UK-Collingwood}} to Devonport and {{UK-Bellerophon}} to the Nore to become gunnery schools, .{{SMNLFeb19|pp. 16, 17,20}} | ||
==Footnotes== | ==Footnotes== | ||
Revision as of 20:48, 1 January 2013
The Fourth Battle Squadron was a formation of battleships in the Royal Navy.
History
The Fourth Battle Squadron was originally born out of the battleship force of the Mediterranean Fleet, which until Mid-1912 had traditionally been seen as the front-line active force in the Royal Navy. With the reforms announced by First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill in March, 1912, the Mediterranean battleship Squadron eventually became the Fourth Battle Squadron of the First Fleet.
In minutes submitted and approved by the Board of Admiralty on 8 July, 1914, it had been decided that by April, 1917, the Fourth Battle Squadron would consist solely of eight Revenge class dreadnought battleships.[1]
Command of the Fourth Battle Squadron
The Vice-Admiral Commanding the Battle Squadron commanded one division. The Rear-Admiral Second-in-Command commanded the other division.
Vice-Admiral, Fourth Battle Squadron
Dates of appointment given:
- Vice-Admiral Sir Charles J. Briggs, 1 July, 1912.[2]
- Vice-Admiral Sir Douglas A. Gamble, 1 July, 1914.[3]
- Admiral Sir F. C. Doveton Sturdee, Bart., 7 February, 1915.[4]
- Vice-Admiral Sir Montague E. Browning, 12 February, 1918.[5]
Rear-Admiral, Fourth Battle Squadron
Dates of appointment given:
- Rear-Admiral Alexander L. Duff, 22 October, 1914.[6]
- Rear-Admiral Ernest F. A. Gaunt, 12 June, 1916.[7]
- Rear-Admiral Roger J. B. Keyes, 23 June, 1917.[8]
- Rear-Admiral Douglas R. L. Nicholson, 25 September, 1917.[9]
Composition
May, 1912
- Exmouth (Flagship, Vice-Admiral C. J. Briggs), replaced 17 December, 1912 by Albemarle
- Duncan (Flagship, Rear-Admiral T. H. M. Jerram), Captain Frederick Laurence Field
- Cornwallis, Captain F. E. C. Ryan
- Russell, Captain G. W. Smith
- Commonwealth, Captain P. V. Lewes
In February, 1912 the battleships Africa and Hindustan of the Third Battle Squadron joined the Fourth temporarily.
December, 1912
[10]
At a strength of just four pre-dreadnoughts, at this point the squadron was half the size of the majority of her peers.
December, 1913
[11]
Only Cornwallis remains from last year's edition. Duncan and Russell have been moved over to the Sixth Battle Squadron, while Dreadnought and the two most modern pre-dreadnoughts have been transferred in from other squadrons.
- Dreadnought
(joined from First Battle Squadron) - Agamemnon (joined from Second Battle Squadron)
- Lord Nelson (ditto)
- Cornwallis
July, 1914
Attached: scout cruiser Blonde
5 August, 1914
At the outbreak of the First World War the Squadron was composed solely of 12-inch gunned dreadnoughts as follows.[13] The requisitioned battleship Agincourt was about to be commissioned and had already been earmarked for service in the Squadron. Agamemnon has been moved elsewhere.
- Dreadnought Vice-Admiral Sir Douglas A. Gamble, Captain W. J. S. Alderson
- Bellerophon, Captain E. F. Bruen
- Temeraire, Captain E. S. Alexander-Sinclair, M.V.O.
- Agincourt, Captain D. R. L. Nicholson, A.D.C.
At outbreak of war, the scout cruiser Blonde, Captain A. C. Scott was attached.[14]
September, 1914
The squadron acquired Erin to bring its strength to a very eclectic five dreadnoughts.[15]
Attached: scout cruiser Blonde
This line-up would last until November or December.[16][17]
December, 1914
The squadron acquired Benbow and Emperor of India to bring its strength to a diverse dreadnoughts, now meriting a second flagship. Dreadnought has ceded her flagship role, and another cruiser has attached.[18]
Attached: scout cruiser Blonde, third class protected cruiser Sapphire
This line-up would last just one month.
January, 1915
The Squadron has lost a cruiser.[19]
Attached: scout cruiser Blonde
This line-up would last until June.[20][21][22]
June, 1915
A powerful new dreadnought, Queen Elizabeth has brought the strength up to eight.[23]
Attached: scout cruiser Blonde
This line-up would last until September.[24][25]
September, 1915
Canada has brought the strength up to nine.[26]
Attached: scout cruiser Blonde
This line-up would last just one month.
October, 1915
Queen Elizabeth was transferred to the newly-created Fifth Battle Squadron.[27]
Attached: scout cruiser Blonde
This line-up would last just one month.
November, 1915
Superb was transferred in from the First Battle Squadron in exchange for Agincourt, and Erin left to join the Second Battle Squadron.[28]
Attached: Blonde
This line-up would last until January, 1916.[29]
January, 1916
The destroyer Blanche has attached as a second cruiser, coming from the Third Battle Squadron.[30]
This line-up would last until Mid-May.[31][32][33][34]
Battle of Jutland
Dreadnought had been relegated to use as a spare by May 16th or earlier, and Emperor of India had both gone into refit in May, and consequently missed the Battle of Jutland. Luckily, Royal Oak had become available for service. Blonde also seems to have missed the battle.
- Third Division, Grand Fleet.
- Fourth Division, Grand Fleet.
Attached: Blanche
June, 1916
Blonde was detached some time before the Battle of Jutland, for work in "Home Waters or on detached service".[35]
Attached: Blanche
This line-up would persist until October, 1916.[36][37][38]
October, 1916
scout cruiser Blonde rejoined the Squadron from Fifth Battle Squadron.[39] [40]
This line-up would persist until December.[41]
December, 1916
Now, it is destroyer Blanche who detaches for work in "Home Waters or on detached service".[42]
Attached: Blonde
This line-up would persist until April, 1917.[43][44]
April, 1917
Blonde transfers to the First Battle Squadron, leaving the Squadron without a light cruiser. An armed boarding steamer has replaced her.[45]
Attached: armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would persist until Jun.[46][47]
June, 1917
Bellerophon replaces Colossus as second flagship.[48]
Attached: armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would last one month.
July, 1917
Bellona arrives from work in "Home Waters or on detached service".[49][50][51]
Attached: scout cruiser Bellona, armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would last just the month.
August, 1917
Vanguard was lost to internal explosion in July, and scout cruiser Bellona transferred out to the First Battle Squadron.[52]
Attached: armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would last until October.[53]
October, 1917
Colossus resumed its role as second flagship.[54]
Attached: armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would last until January, 1918.[55][56]
January, 1918
Boadicea attached, coming from work in "Home Waters or on detached service".[57][58]
Attached: destroyer Boadicea, armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would last until May.[59][60]
May, 1918
Dreadnought attached, coming from the now-disbanded Third Battle Squadron.[61][62]
- Hercules
- Colossus
- Bellerophon
- Collingwood
- Dreadnought (paid off in August, 1918 through at least January 1919)
- Neptune
- St. Vincent
- Superb (paid off in May and June)
- Temeraire
Attached: destroyer Boadicea, armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would last until sometime between September and November.[63][64][65][66][67]
November, 1918
Temeraire and Superb were detached for service in the Aegean Squadron.[68]
- Hercules
- Colossus
- Bellerophon
- Collingwood
- Dreadnought (paid off in August, 1918 through at least January 1919)
- Neptune
- St. Vincent
Attached: destroyer Boadicea, armed boarding steamer King Orry
This line-up would last until January, 1919.[69][70][71][72][73][74][75]
January, 1919
King Orry was detached.[76]
- Hercules
- Colossus
- Bellerophon
- Collingwood
- Dreadnought (paid off in August, 1918 through at least January 1919)
- Neptune
- St. Vincent
Attached: destroyer Boadicea
This line-up would last just the month.
February, 1919
The Squadron appears to be have been dispersed in February, with Dreadnought, Hercules and Neptune going to Rosyth, Colossus to Devonport, and St. Vincent to Portsmouth, Collingwood to Devonport and Bellerophon to the Nore to become gunnery schools, .[77]
Footnotes
- ↑ "Cruiser Squadron and Battle Squadron Programme." The National Archives. ADM 1/8383/179. p. 14.
- ↑ Briggs Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 168.
- ↑ Gamble Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/38. f. 507.
- ↑ Sturdee Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/39. f. 1256.
- ↑ Browning Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 309.
- ↑ Duff Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 80.
- ↑ Gaunt Service Record. {TNA|ADM 196/42}}. f. 276.
- ↑ Keyes Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 291.
- ↑ Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 290.
- ↑ Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
- ↑ Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
- ↑ Admiralty Weekly Order No. 109 of 10 July, 1914.
- ↑ Naval Operations. Volume I. p. 439.
- ↑ Naval Operations. Volume I. p. 439.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). p. 8.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1914). p. 8.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 8.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 8.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 8.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 8.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 8.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1915). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1916). pp. 10, 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1916). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1917). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1918). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1918). pp. 10, 22.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1918). p. 10.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1919). pp. 10, 22.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1919). pp. 16, 17,20.
Bibliography
- Corbett, Sir Julian S. (1920). Naval Operations. Volume I. London: Longmans, Green and Co..
- Dittmar, F.J.; Colledge, J.J. (1972). British Warships 1914–1919. London: Ian Allan.
| 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 |
