Difference between revisions of "Fourth Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)"

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===April, 1912===
 
===April, 1912===
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The Royal Navy's flotillas are re-arranged, leaving the 4 D.F. with sixteen destroyers of mixed type and a pair of cruisers, all with full crews and based on Portland.<ref>"Torpedo Flotilla Organization"  ''The Times'' (London, England), Saturday, Apr 06, 1912; pg. 4; Issue 39866.</ref>  The extensive reorganisation of the flotillas has made the Fourth one of four running flotillas, along with four patrol flotillas with nucleus crews.  The new complement of the flotilla was comprised of the [[Tribal Class Destroyer (1907)|Tribal class]] and four later destroyers.{{ARTS1912|p. 36}}
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The Royal Navy's flotillas 1&ndash;8 were reorganised this month, leaving the 4 D.F. with sixteen destroyers of mixed type and a pair of cruisers, all with full crews and based on Portland.<ref>"Torpedo Flotilla Organization"  ''The Times'' (London, England), Saturday, Apr 06, 1912; pg. 4; Issue 39866.</ref>  The extensive reorganisation of the flotillas has made the Fourth one of four running flotillas, along with four patrol flotillas with nucleus crews.  The new complement of the flotilla was comprised of the [[Tribal Class Destroyer (1907)|Tribal class]] and four later destroyers.{{ARTS1912|p. 36}}
  
 
{|style="margin:0" width=75% class="toccolours"
 
{|style="margin:0" width=75% class="toccolours"
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{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Hugh Hext Rogers|nick=Hugh H. Rogers|appt=c. mid 1930<ref>Service record indicates "undated".</ref>|end=May, 1932}}
 
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Hugh Hext Rogers|nick=Hugh H. Rogers|appt=c. mid 1930<ref>Service record indicates "undated".</ref>|end=May, 1932}}
 
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Gerald Cartmell Harrison|nick=Gerald C. Harrison|appt=29 April, 1932<ref>Harrison Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/48/164.|D7604068}} f. 568.</ref>|end=18 October, 1933<ref>Harrison Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/48/164.|D7604068}} f. 568.</ref>}}
 
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Gerald Cartmell Harrison|nick=Gerald C. Harrison|appt=29 April, 1932<ref>Harrison Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/48/164.|D7604068}} f. 568.</ref>|end=18 October, 1933<ref>Harrison Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/48/164.|D7604068}} f. 568.</ref>}}
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{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Frederick Hew George Dalrymple-Hamilton|nick=Frederick H. G. Dalrymple-Hamilton|appt=18 October, 1933{{NLJul34|p. 248}}|end=}}
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{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Frederick Hew George Dalrymple-Hamilton|nick=Frederick H. G. Dalrymple-Hamilton|appt=18 October, 1933{{NLJul34|p. 248}}|end=18 March, 1936<ref>Boyd Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/96/8.|}} f. 8.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Denis William Boyd|nick=Denis W. Boyd|appt=18 March, 1936<ref>Boyd Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/96/8.|}} f. 8.</ref>{{NavAppts|March 20, 1936, Issue 47328, p.26}}|end=7 October,1936<ref>Boyd Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/96/8.|}} f. 8.</ref>}}
 
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Rhoderick Robert McGrigor|nick=Rhoderick R. McGrigor|appt=22 September, 1936{{NLJul37|p. 251}}|end=18 August, 1938}}
 
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Rhoderick Robert McGrigor|nick=Rhoderick R. McGrigor|appt=22 September, 1936{{NLJul37|p. 251}}|end=18 August, 1938}}
 
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=George Hector Creswell|nick=George H. Creswell|appt=1 May, 1939<ref>Creswell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/79.|D7605166}} f. 439.</ref>|end=2 January, 1940<ref>Creswell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/79.|D7605166}} f. 439.</ref>}}
 
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=George Hector Creswell|nick=George H. Creswell|appt=1 May, 1939<ref>Creswell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/79.|D7605166}} f. 439.</ref>|end=2 January, 1940<ref>Creswell Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/79.|D7605166}} f. 439.</ref>}}
 
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Philip Louis Vian|nick=Philip Louis Vian|appt=1 January, 1940<ref>Vian Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/56/158.|}} f. 160.</ref>|end=12 July, 1941<ref>Vian Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/56/158.|}} f. 160.</ref>}}
 
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Philip Louis Vian|nick=Philip Louis Vian|appt=1 January, 1940<ref>Vian Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/56/158.|}} f. 160.</ref>|end=12 July, 1941<ref>Vian Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/56/158.|}} f. 160.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Stephen Hope Carlill|nick=Stephen H. Carlill|appt=12 October, 1942<ref>Carlill Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/94/41.|}} f. 41.</ref>|end=22 March, 1943<ref>Carlill Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/94/41.|}} f. 41.</ref>|note=}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Stephen Hope Carlill|nick=Stephen H. Carlill|appt=18 April, 1943<ref>Carlill Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/94/41.|}} f. 41.</ref>|end=c. March, 1944<ref>Carlill Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/94/41.|}} f. 41.</ref>|note=}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Richard George Onslow|nick=Richard G. Onslow|appt=c. March, 1944<ref>Carlill Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/94/41.|}} f. 41.</ref>|end=|note=vice Carlill}}
 
</div name=fredbot:officecaptD>
 
</div name=fredbot:officecaptD>
  
 
I am not sure why Bingham and Bailey seem to overlap, but it may have to do with a designation swap with the {{UK-DF|8}}.
 
I am not sure why Bingham and Bailey seem to overlap, but it may have to do with a designation swap with the {{UK-DF|8}}.
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==Other Personnel==
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===Gunnery Duties===
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<div name=fredbot:officeFGO otitle="Gunnery Duties, Fourth Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK">
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</div name=fredbot:officeFGO>
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<!--
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===Torpedo Duties===
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<div name=fredbot:officeFTO otitle="Torpedo Duties, Fourth Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK">
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</div name=fredbot:officeFTO>
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===Signal Duties===
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<div name=fredbot:officeFSO otitle="Signal Duties, Fourth Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK">\
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</div name=fredbot:officeFSO>
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===Wireless Duties===
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<div name=fredbot:officeFWO otitle="Wireless Duties, Fourth Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK">
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</div name=fredbot:officeFWO>
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===Navigating Duties===
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<div name=fredbot:officeFNO otitle="Navigating Duties, Fourth Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK">
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFNO>
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-->
  
 
==Footnotes==
 
==Footnotes==

Latest revision as of 15:47, 30 April 2023

The Fourth Destroyer Flotilla was a formation of destroyers of the Royal Navy.

Originally called the Portsmouth Flotilla and composed of Nucleus Crew vessels, it was re-designated as the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla in April, 1910[1] though it seems that it was often still called the Portsmouth Flotilla as late as the Test Mobilisation of July 1914.

The flotilla distinguished itself by its bold and costly torpedo attacks on the German battle line during the night action at the Battle of Jutland. However, in August, 1916, it was removed from Fleet work and spent most of the rest of the war in Devonport, where its roster of destroyers grew to enormous levels, reaching 50 ships in July, 1918.

History

March, 1910

Immediately prior to redesignation as the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla, the Portsmouth Flotilla was the largest of all the Navy's torpedo craft formations, comprising a mixture of early destroyers (both 27 and 30-knotters) and "Coastals". It was assigned to the Third Division of the Home Fleet.[2]

Coquette, Lightning, and Porcupine were attached to the Vernon. Hardy was attached to the Excellent.

Part of the Third Division, Home Fleet
Cruiser
Topaze
Depot Ship
Hecla
Scout
Forward
Destroyers
Bat Brazen Coquette Crane Cygnet Cynthia
Electra Fawn Fervent Hardy Haughty Hunter
Kangaroo Kestrel Lightning Myrmidon Peterel Porcupine
Recruit Shark Spiteful Star Syren Thorn
Vigilant Vulture Zephyr
Torpedo Boats
T.B. 1 T.B. 2 T.B. 3 T.B. 4 T.B. 5 T.B. 13
T.B. 14 T.B. 15 T.B. 16 T.B. 16 T.B. 20 T.B. 25

1 November, 1911

The flotilla was comprised of:[3]


April, 1912

The Royal Navy's flotillas 1–8 were reorganised this month, leaving the 4 D.F. with sixteen destroyers of mixed type and a pair of cruisers, all with full crews and based on Portland.[4] The extensive reorganisation of the flotillas has made the Fourth one of four running flotillas, along with four patrol flotillas with nucleus crews. The new complement of the flotilla was comprised of the Tribal class and four later destroyers.[5]

A Patrol Flotilla based at Portland
Flagship
Blanche
Flotilla Cruiser
Adventure
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Fury Hope Sheldrake Staunch Amazon
Nubian Crusader Saracen Maori Viking
Zulu Cossack Afridi Ghurka Mohawk
Tartar

July, 1914 - Test Mobilisation

The Portsmouth Flotilla was included in the Test Mobilisation with the following vessels:[6]

July, 1914 - Outbreak of War

Part of the First Fleet, the Flotilla was now comprised of twenty Acasta class destroyers under flotilla leader Swift. The Commodore (T) directed First Fleet's four flotillas from the flagship, third class protected cruiser Amethyst.[7] It retained this composition at the start of the war,[8] making it uniformly capable of 30 knots.[9]

The destroyers' test runnings of the 21-in Mark II torpedoes in 1916 resulted in five bad runs.[10][11]

Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters
Flotilla Leader
Swift
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Ardent Christopher
Cockatrice Contest Fortune Garland Hardy
Lynx Midge Owl Paragon Porpoise
Shark Sparrowhawk Spitfire Unity Victor

The roster would remain the same until November or December.[12]

September, 1914

It was considered that Aurora should become flotilla leader and that Swift should become the half-flotilla leader, but no Supplements to the Monthly Navy List indicated that Aurora ever came over.[13]

On 24 November, as Swift required a refit, Faulknor came to lead the half-flotilla, and Caroline would soon be coming to temporarily replace Swift[14]

This roster lasted until November or December.[15]

December, 1914

Faulknor has joined to help lead.[16]

Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters
Flotilla Cruisers
  Swift   Faulknor
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Ardent Christopher
Cockatrice Contest Fortune Garland Hardy
Lynx Midge Owl Paragon Porpoise
Shark Sparrowhawk Spitfire Unity Victor

January, 1915

Caroline has started her temporary stint as leader.[17]

Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters
under Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleets
Flotilla Cruisers
  Caroline   Faulknor
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Ardent Christopher
Cockatrice Contest Fortune Garland Hardy
Lynx Midge Owl Paragon Porpoise
Shark Sparrowhawk Spitfire Unity Victor

This roster would apply until February or March.[18]

March, 1915

The flotilla is under Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleets for March, but this is not mentioned thereafter. Swift is back as leader, as Caroline has returned to the First Light Cruiser Squadron.[19]

Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters
under Commander-in-Chief, Home Fleets*
Flotilla Cruisers
  Swift   Faulknor
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Ardent Christopher
Cockatrice Contest Fortune Garland Hardy
Lynx Midge Owl Paragon Porpoise
Shark Sparrowhawk Spitfire Unity Victor

In April, the flotilla would become part of the Grand Fleet. This roster would apply until September, 1915.[20]

September, 1915

Swift has been removed to answer directly to the Grand Fleet, being swapped with the light cruiser Carysfort in that posting. Lynx has been removed, as she was mined in mid-August.[21][22]

Serving in the Grand Fleet
Flotilla Cruiser
Carysfort
Flotilla Leader, Second-in-Command
Faulknor
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Ardent Christopher
Cockatrice Contest Fortune Garland Hardy
  Midge Owl Paragon Porpoise
Shark Sparrowhawk Spitfire Unity Victor

This roster would apply until May, 1916.[23]

May, 1916

Carysfort has vacated to the Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron and Tipperary is now bearing the Captain (D), coming from the Ninth Destroyer Flotilla. Broke is now second-in-command, coming from a recent posting with the Second Destroyer Flotilla, while Faulknor has gone to lead the Twelfth Destroyer Flotilla.[24][25][26]

Serving in the Grand Fleet
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Tipperary
Flotilla Leader, Second-in-Command
Broke
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Ardent Christopher
Cockatrice Contest Fortune Garland Hardy
  Midge Owl Paragon Porpoise
Shark Sparrowhawk Spitfire Unity Victor

Battle of Jutland

Main article: Fourth D.F. (Royal Navy) at the Battle of Jutland‎

The flotilla, with substantially the same membership (Lynx had been lost earlier in the war, Paragon, Victor and Cockatrice were absent perhaps due to being under refit, and the "M" class destroyer Ophelia was attached), faced heavy losses in the night action when it met elements of the High Sea Fleet unexpectedly at short range. Its composition in the battle was as follows:[27][28]

They fired a total of fifteen torpedoes, claiming seven hits.[29]

June, 1916

It suffered heavy losses at the Battle of Jutland, bringing its strength down to 15 destroyers when it was recently 20. Broke has been promoted to replace the lost Tipperary as leader. The lost destroyers Ardent, Fortune, Shark and Sparrowhawk have been dropped from the roster.[30]

Serving in the Grand Fleet
Flotilla Leader, Captain (D)
Botha
Flotilla Leader, Second-in-Command
Broke
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Christopher Cockatrice
Contest Garland Hardy Midge Owl
Paragon Porpoise Spitfire Unity Victor

July, 1916

The flotilla has been further reduced by the departure of Acasta and Spitfire for unknown purposes (they would reappear in August). Broke has been removed, as well.[31]

Serving in the Grand Fleet
Flotilla Leader, Captain (D)
Botha
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
  Achates Ambuscade Christopher Cockatrice
Contest Garland Hardy Midge Owl
Paragon Porpoise   Unity Victor

August, 1916

The flotilla is no longer supporting the Grand Fleet, but has been moved down to embody the Humber Force. Active has arrived from a temporary attachment direct to the Grand Fleet and leads the flotilla and houses the Captain (D). Christopher has been detached for some undisclosed purpose, and Acasta and Spitfire have rejoined following their mysterious one month absence.[32]

Serving as the Humber Force
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Active
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade   Cockatrice
Contest Garland Hardy Midge Owl
Paragon Porpoise Spitfire Unity Victor

This roster and tasking would last until October, 1916.[33]

October, 1916

Christopher has rejoined.[34]

Serving as the Humber Force
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Active
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Christopher Cockatrice
Contest Garland Hardy Midge Owl
Paragon Porpoise Spitfire Unity Victor

This roster and tasking would last until December, 1916.[35]

December, 1916

The flotilla is no longer serving as the Humber Force, but Active and ten destroyers have moved on to augment the Portsmouth defences along with depot ship Hecla. It is not specified that Active retains her Captain (D). Five destroyers, Ambuscade, Paragon, Porpoise, Unity and Victor have departed to join the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla in the Dover Patrol.[36]

Augmenting Portsmouth Defence
Flotilla Cruiser
Active
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Christopher Cockatrice Contest
Garland Hardy Midge Owl Spitfire

January, 1917

The flotilla is still in Portsmouth, with depot ship Hecla, now under orders of the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth. Active has departed to help lead the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla on the Dover Patrol.[37]

Augmenting Portsmouth Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Christopher Cockatrice Contest
Garland Hardy Midge Owl Spitfire

This tasking would last until February or March, 1917.[38]

March, 1917

The flotilla has moved to Devonport, with depot ship Hecla, now under orders of the Commander-in-Chief, Devonport.[39]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Christopher Cockatrice Contest
Garland Hardy Midge Owl Spitfire

April, 1917

The flotilla has received nine more destroyers. Ambuscade, Porpoise, Unity and Victor have returned from the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla. Laurel Lennox, Leonidas, Legion and Liberty from the Ninth Destroyer Flotilla, though the last two would have to recommission before they could rejoin.[40][41]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Cockatrice Contest
Christopher Garland Hardy Laurel Legion*
Lennox Leonidas Liberty* Midge Owl
Spitfire Porpoise Unity Victor  

May, 1917

Legion and Liberty are still awaiting recommissioning; Victor has left for some undiscovered purpose; Lookout has joined, most recently of the Ninth Destroyer Flotilla.[42][43]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Cockatrice Contest
Christopher Garland Hardy Laurel Legion*
Lennox Leonidas Liberty* Lookout Midge
Owl Spitfire Porpoise Unity

June, 1917

Legion alone is still awaiting recommissioning; Laverock has joined from the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla.[44][45]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Cockatrice Contest
Christopher Garland Hardy Laurel Laverock
Legion* Lennox Leonidas Liberty Lookout
Midge Owl Spitfire Porpoise Unity

July, 1917

Laertes, Lance and Lochinvar have joined from the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla, and Victor has rejoined from wherever she'd gone. Legion has been sent to the Seventh Destroyer Flotilla on the East Coast of England.[46][47]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Cockatrice Contest
Christopher Garland Hardy Laertes Lance
Laurel Laverock Lennox Leonidas Liberty
Lochinvar Lookout Midge Owl Spitfire
  Porpoise Unity Victor

August, 1917

The Flotilla continues to grow, reaching 27 destroyers. Beaver Druid Forester have joined from the First Destroyer Flotilla and Lysander from the Seventh Destroyer Flotilla.[48][49]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Beaver Cockatrice
Contest Christopher Druid Forester Garland
Hardy Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock
Lennox Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar Lookout
Lysander Midge Owl Spitfire Porpoise
  Unity   Victor

September, 1917

The flotilla now has a new depot ship – Apollo. By taking in elements of the Second Destroyer Flotilla which had also been at Devonport, it has now reached a phenomenal 38 destroyers and gained a Captain (D) in the former flotilla cruiser for the Second, Eclipse which has brought along five destroyers with her: Ariel, Attack, Goshawk, Lyra and Tigress. Defender, Hind, Hornet, Sandfly have come from the First Destroyer Flotilla and Grasshopper and Scourge have joined from the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla.[50] [51]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Ariel Attack
Beaver Cockatrice Contest Christopher Defender
Druid Forester Garland Goshawk Grasshopper
Hardy Hind Hornet Laertes Lance
Laurel Laverock Lennox Leonidas Liberty
Lochinvar Lookout Lyra Lysander Midge
Owl Porpoise Sandfly Scourge Spitfire
  Tigress Unity Victor

October, 1917

Ariel has left to become a minelaying destroyer on the East Coast of England. Contest has been detached as she was torpedoed on 18 September, while Grasshopper and Scourge have gone to the Second Destroyer Flotilla. Almost meeting this attrition was the arrival of three destroyers: Loyal from the East Coast of England, Oriole from the Thirteenth Destroyer Flotilla and Oracle recently of the Thirteenth.[52] [53]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Attack Beaver
Cockatrice Christopher Defender Druid Forester
Garland Goshawk Hardy Hind Hornet
Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock Lennox
Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar Lookout Loyal
Lyra Lysander Midge Oracle Oriole
Owl Porpoise Sandfly Spitfire Tigress
  Unity   Victor

November, 1917

Lyra has been detached (ultimately to join the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla in January), but Nereus, Oberon, Onslow, Orpheus and Pasley have joined from the Thirteenth Destroyer Flotilla, bringing the strength up to an incredible forty-one destroyers.[54] [55][56]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Attack Beaver
Cockatrice Christopher Defender Druid Forester
Garland Goshawk Hardy Hind Hornet
Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock Lennox
Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar Lookout Loyal
Lysander Midge Nereus Oberon Onslow
Oracle Oriole Orpheus Owl Pasley
  Porpoise Sandfly Spitfire
  Tigress Unity Victor

December, 1917

Attack and Tigress have left for the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla; Lochinvar, Porpoise and Victor have left for a mysterious end.[57]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Beaver Cockatrice
Christopher Defender Druid Forester Garland
Goshawk Hardy Hind Hornet Laertes
Lance Laurel Laverock Lennox Leonidas
Liberty Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge
Nereus Oberon Onslow Oracle Oriole
Owl Pasley Sandfly Spitfire Unity

January, 1918

Hornet has left, soon to reappear in the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla.[58][59]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Beaver Cockatrice
Christopher Defender Druid Forester Garland
Goshawk Hardy Hind Laertes Lance
Laurel Laverock Lennox Leonidas Liberty
Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge Nereus
Oberon Onslow Oracle Oriole Orpheus
Owl Pasley Sandfly Spitfire Unity

February, 1918

Acasta has left, but is soon to return. Sandfly has left to become a minelaying destroyer based in Humber. Conversely, Lawford is joining from the same tasking. Lochinvar and Porpoise rejoined from an undiscovered assignment.[60][61]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Achates Ambuscade Beaver Cockatrice
Christopher Defender Druid Forester Garland
Goshawk Hardy Hind Laertes Lance
Laurel Laverock Lawford Lennox Leonidas
Liberty Lochinvar Lookout Loyal Lysander
Midge Nereus Oberon Onslow Oracle
Oriole Orpheus   Owl Pasley
  Porpoise Spitfire Unity

March, 1918

Acasta and Victor have rejoined from unknown assignments. Nereus is paid off, and will remain so until May.[62][63]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Beaver Christopher
Cockatrice Defender Druid Forester Garland
Goshawk Hardy Hind Laertes Lance
Laurel Laverock Lawford Lennox Leonidas
Liberty Lochinvar Lookout Loyal Lysander
Midge Nereus* Oberon Onslow Oracle
Oriole Orpheus   Owl Pasley
Porpoise Spitfire   Unity Victor

April, 1918

Beaver, Druid, Goshawk and Hind have left for the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla, and Forester has been detached and will join them in the coming month. Minion and Morning Star have joined from the Eleventh Destroyer Flotilla and Nepean, Nerissa and Obdurate from the Thirteenth Destroyer Flotilla.[64][65][66]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Acasta Achates Ambuscade Christopher Cockatrice
Defender Garland Hardy Laertes Lance
Laurel Laverock Lawford Lennox Leonidas
Liberty Lochinvar Lookout Loyal Lysander
Midge Minion Morning Star Nepean Nereus*
Nerissa Obdurate Oberon Onslow Oracle
Oriole Orpheus Owl Pasley Porpoise
  Spitfire Unity Victor

May, 1918

Acasta has gone to Portsmouth, attached to Vernon. Obedient has joined from the Twelfth Destroyer Flotilla, and Oriana and Rival from the Thirteenth Destroyer Flotilla.[67] Nereus is no longer paid off.[68]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Achates Ambuscade Christopher Cockatrice Defender
Garland Hardy Laertes Lance Laurel
Laverock Lawford Lennox Leonidas Liberty
Lochinvar Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge
Minion Morning Star Nepean Nereus Nerissa
Obdurate Obedient Oberon Onslow Oracle
Oriana Oriole Orpheus Owl Pasley
Porpoise Rival Spitfire Unity Victor

June, 1918

The strength has bloomed to an amazing forty nine destroyers! Beagle, Bulldog, Grasshopper, Harpy, Mosquito, Pincher, Savage, Scorpion and Scourge have all joined from the Second Destroyer Flotilla. Foxhound, recently of the Second Destroyer Flotilla has also joined. Defender has bucked the trend and been dropped, to reappear next month in the Fifth Destroyer Flotilla.[69][70][71]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Achates Ambuscade Beagle Bulldog Christopher
Cockatrice Foxhound Garland Grasshopper Hardy
Harpy Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock
Lawford Lennox Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar
Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge Minion
Morning Star Mosquito Nepean Nereus Nerissa
Obdurate Obedient Oberon Onslow Oracle
Oriana Oriole Orpheus Owl Pasley
Pincher Porpoise Rival Savage Scorpion
Scourge Spitfire Unity Victor

July, 1918

Narwhal has joined from the Twelfth Destroyer Flotilla, bringing the strength to fifty destroyers. Rival and Scourge are paid off.[72][73]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Achates Ambuscade Beagle Bulldog Christopher
Cockatrice Foxhound Garland Grasshopper Hardy
Harpy Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock
Lawford Lennox Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar
Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge Minion
Morning Star Mosquito Narwhal Nepean Nereus
Nerissa Obdurate Obedient Oberon Onslow
Oracle Oriana Oriole Orpheus Owl
Pasley Pincher Porpoise Rival* Savage
Scorpion Scourge* Spitfire Unity Victor

August, 1918

Rival and Scourge remain paid off, and Lookout has joined them. Pincher has been removed, as she was wrecked on 24 July.[74]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Achates Ambuscade Beagle Bulldog Christopher
Cockatrice Foxhound Garland Grasshopper Hardy
Harpy Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock
Lawford Lennox Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar
Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge Minion
Morning Star Mosquito Narwhal Nepean Nereus
Nerissa Obdurate Obedient Oberon Onslow
Oracle Oriana Oriole Orpheus Owl
Pasley Porpoise Rival* Savage Scorpion
Scourge* Spitfire Unity Victor

The next Supplement I have to work from is for November, 1918.

November, 1918

The strength is forty-seven destroyers. Ambuscade, Christopher and Cockatrice have left to join the Northern Patrol Force. Beagle and Foxhound have gone to join the Second Destroyer Flotilla. Nizam, Norseman and Osiris have joined from the Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla. Midge just paid off, Rival remains so, while Scourge and Lookout are no longer so. Lastly, Lawford, Nizam, Norseman, Oracle, Oriana and Orpheus are attached, but are on loan to the Third Destroyer Flotilla. [75][76]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Achates Bulldog Garland Grasshopper Hardy
Harpy Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock
Lawford* Lennox Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar
Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge* Minion
Morning Star Mosquito Narwhal Nepean Nereus
Nerissa Nizam* Norseman* Obdurate Obedient
Oberon Onslow Oracle* Oriana* Oriole
Orpheus* Osiris Owl Pasley Porpoise
Rival* Savage Scorpion Scourge Spitfire
  Unity   Victor

December, 1918

The roster is unchanged, but now only Spitfire is paid off, and the destroyers on loan are back.[77]

Augmenting Devonport Defence
under Commander-in-Chief, Devonport
Flotilla Cruiser, Captain (D)
Eclipse
Depot Ship
Apollo
Destroyers
Achates Bulldog Garland Grasshopper Hardy
Harpy Laertes Lance Laurel Laverock
Lawford Lennox Leonidas Liberty Lochinvar
Lookout Loyal Lysander Midge Minion
Morning Star Mosquito Narwhal Nepean Nereus
Nerissa Nizam Norseman Obdurate Obedient
Oberon Onslow Oracle Oriana Oriole
Orpheus Osiris Owl Pasley Porpoise
Rival Savage Scorpion Scourge Spitfire*
  Unity   Victor

January, 1919

The flotilla is disbanded. Eclipse has been lost in paperwork somewhere and Hecla has gone to the Nore. The destroyers have been returned to various Home Ports "temporarily".[78]

Flotilla Disestablished
Ships dispersed to following ends
To the Nore
Achates Bulldog Christopher Harpy Lance
Laurel Laverock Lawford Lennox Liberty
Lookout Midge Mosquito Nerissa Nereus
Nizam Norseman Obdurate Oberon Onslow
Oriole Orpheus Osiris Scorpion Victor
To Portsmouth
Laertes Lysander Oracle Oriana Owl
Porpoise Savage Scourge Unity
To Devonport
Garland Grasshopper Hardy Leonidas Lochinvar
Loyal Minion Morning Star Narwhal Nepean
  Obedient Pasley Spitfire

The flotilla would be reconstituted in March as part of a Fleet-wide reorganization aimed at creating the peacetime navy.

March, 1919

The flotilla is one of seven newly-devised flotillas, each with a flagship and a second-in-command leader and 15 destroyers intended to cover the Grand Fleet. The depot ship is again Hecla. A Captain (D) resides within leader Seymour.[79]

Supporting the Grand Fleet
one of seven modern flotillas
Flotilla Leader, Captain (D)
Seymour
Division Leader
Grenville
Depot Ship
Hecla
Destroyers
Radiant Radstock Raider Ready Redoubt Restless
Retriever Rigorous Rosalind Rowena Sorceress Sylph
Taurus Teazer Tempest

[TO BE CONTINUED - TONE]

September, 1919

Apollo is serving as depot ship, with Captain (D) Arthur Edmund Wood embarked.[80]

[TO BE CONTINUED - TONE]

In Command

Dates of appointment given:

I am not sure why Bingham and Bailey seem to overlap, but it may have to do with a designation swap with the Eighth Destroyer Flotilla.

Other Personnel

Gunnery Duties


Footnotes

  1. ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Wednesday, 20 April, 1910. Issue 39251, col A, p. 9.
  2. ↑ The Navy List. (April, 1910). p. 269a.
  3. ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 160.
  4. ↑ "Torpedo Flotilla Organization" The Times (London, England), Saturday, Apr 06, 1912; pg. 4; Issue 39866.
  5. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1912. p. 36.
  6. ↑ Admiralty Weekly Order No. 109 of 10 July 1914.
  7. ↑ Printed page "Fleets and Squadrons in Commission at Home and Abroad" in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
  8. ↑ Dittmar; Colledge. British Warships 1914–1919. p. 15.
  9. ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 164.
  10. ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 131.
  11. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1916. p. 87.
  12. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). p. 11 and October. No November Supplement was issued..
  13. ↑ Grand Fleet Conferences, 1914. p. 104.
  14. ↑ Grand Fleet Conferences, 1914. pp. 218-219.
  15. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1914). p. 11. No November issue was found.
  16. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 11.
  17. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 11.
  18. ↑ No Supplement for February was found.
  19. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1915). pp. 11, 14.
  20. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1915). p. 11 and Supplements through August.
  21. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1915). pp. 10, 12.
  22. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1915). p. 10.
  23. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 12 and Supplements through April, 1916.
  24. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1916). p. 12.
  25. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1916). p. 13.
  26. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1916). p. 12.
  27. ↑ Naval Operations. Volume III. p. 432.
  28. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. p. 44.
  29. ↑ Grand Fleet Gunnery and Torpedo Orders. p. 35.
  30. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1916). p. 12.
  31. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1916). p. 12.
  32. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1916). p. 13.
  33. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1916). p. 13.
  34. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1916). p. 13.
  35. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1916). p. 13.
  36. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1916). pp. 15, 17.
  37. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1917). pp. 14, 15.
  38. ↑ No February Supplement was found.
  39. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1917). p. 14.
  40. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1917). p. 14.
  41. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1917). p. 15.
  42. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1917). p. 14.
  43. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1917). p. 13.
  44. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). p. 14.
  45. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1917). p. 15.
  46. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1917). pp. 14, 17.
  47. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). p. 15.
  48. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). p. 14.
  49. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1917). pp. 14, 16.
  50. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1917). p. 14.
  51. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). pp. 14, 21.
  52. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1917). pp. 14, 16, 17.
  53. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1917). pp. 14, 16, 21.
  54. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1917). p. 14.
  55. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1917). p. 12.
  56. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). p. 21.
  57. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1917). pp. 14, 21.
  58. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). p. 14.
  59. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). p. 21.
  60. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). pp. 14, 16.
  61. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). p. 16.
  62. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). pp. 17.
  63. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). p. 16.
  64. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1918). pp. 17, 22.
  65. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1918). p. 21.
  66. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 12.
  67. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1918). p. 17.
  68. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1918). p. 12.
  69. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1918). p. 17.
  70. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1918). p. 17.
  71. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1918). p. 18.
  72. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1918). p. 17.
  73. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1918). p. 12.
  74. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1918). p. 17.
  75. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1918). pp. 17, 19.
  76. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1918). p. 12.
  77. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1918). p. 17.
  78. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1919). pp. 19-20.
  79. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1919). p. 11.
  80. ↑ The Navy List. (September, 1919). p. 730.
  81. ↑ Tyrwhitt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 125.
  82. ↑ Tyrwhitt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 125.
  83. ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 5 July, 1910. Issue 39316, col C, p. 9.
  84. ↑ Silver Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 46.
  85. ↑ Silver Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 46.
  86. ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 25 April, 1912. Issue 39882, col E, p. 10.
  87. ↑ Henderson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43/334. ff. 334, 218.
  88. ↑ Henderson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43/334. ff. 334, 218.
  89. ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Friday, 2 August, 1912. Issue 39967, col F, p. 2.
  90. ↑ Corbett Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43/254. f. 280.
  91. ↑ Corbett Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43/254. f. 280.
  92. ↑ Wintour Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43/224. f. 245.
  93. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. p. 44.
  94. ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. p. 44.
  95. ↑ Naval Operations. Volume III. p. 397.
  96. ↑ The National Archives. ADM 137/1645, p. 41.
  97. ↑ Gladstone Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/129. f. 144.
  98. ↑ Roper Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/151. f. 169.
  99. ↑ Roper Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/151. f. 169.
  100. ↑ Withers Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 141.
  101. ↑ Withers Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 141.
  102. ↑ The Navy List. (September, 1919). p. 730.
  103. ↑ Moir Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/45/232. f. 236.
  104. ↑ Moir Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/45/232. f. 236.
  105. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1923). p. 780.
  106. ↑ Bingham Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/46/117. f. 117.
  107. ↑ Bingham Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/46/117. f. 117.
  108. ↑ Mackinnon Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/45/228. f. 232.
  109. ↑ Mackinnon Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/45/228. f. 232.
  110. ↑ Benson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/49/318. f. 83.
  111. ↑ Benson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/49/318. f. 83.
  112. ↑ Watson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/339. f. 341.
  113. ↑ Watson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/339. f. 341.
  114. ↑ Service record indicates "undated".
  115. ↑ Harrison Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/48/164. f. 568.
  116. ↑ Harrison Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/48/164. f. 568.
  117. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1934). p. 248.
  118. ↑ Boyd Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/96/8. f. 8.
  119. ↑ Boyd Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/96/8. f. 8.
  120. ↑ "Naval Appointments." The Times (London, England), March 20, 1936, Issue 47328, p.26.
  121. ↑ Boyd Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/96/8. f. 8.
  122. ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1937). p. 251.
  123. ↑ Creswell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/79. f. 439.
  124. ↑ Creswell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/79. f. 439.
  125. ↑ Vian Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/158. f. 160.
  126. ↑ Vian Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/158. f. 160.
  127. ↑ Carlill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/94/41. f. 41.
  128. ↑ Carlill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/94/41. f. 41.
  129. ↑ Carlill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/94/41. f. 41.
  130. ↑ Carlill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/94/41. f. 41.
  131. ↑ Carlill Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/94/41. f. 41.

Bibliography

  • Dittmar, F.J.; Colledge, J.J. (1972). British Warships 1914–1919. London: Ian Allan.
  • March, Edgar J. (1966). British Destroyers: A History of Development, 1892-1953. London: Seeley Service & Co. Limited. (on Bookfinder.com).

See Also



British Destroyer Flotillas
First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth | Sixth | Seventh | Eighth | Ninth | Tenth
Eleventh | Twelfth | Thirteenth | Fourteenth | Fifteenth | Sixteenth | Seventeenth | Eighteenth | Nineteenth
Twentieth | Twenty-first
Local Defence Flotillas
Clyde | Devonport | Devonport & Falmouth | Falmouth | Firth of Forth | Gibraltar
Liverpool | Mersey | Newhaven | Nore | North Channel | Milford & Pembroke | Pembroke
Portland | Portsmouth | Queenstown
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