Royal Navy

With the possible exception of the invincible legions of ancient Rome, no armed service in history has ever had a tradition so long and glorious as that of the Royal Navy.

—Warships of the World—Victory Edition

Fleets

At the end of the nineteenth century the main British fleet was the Mediterranean Squadron based on Malta. This fleet guarded the sea-routes to the Indian Empire, and guarded against possible war with the French. In Home waters was the Channel Squadron, as well as reserve squadrons at the Home Ports. Squadrons representing British interests around the world were maintained on the North America and West Indies Station, the Cape of Good Hope Station, off China, Australia and the West Coast of America.