Harwich Force
The Harwich Force was a Royal Navy command during the First World War, based on the East Anglian port of Harwich.
History
The command was founded in April, 1914 as "Destroyer Flotillas of First Fleet," an administrative name it would sporadically bear for some time in the Navy Lists.[1]
April, 1915
In April, 1915, it was given the more aggressive-sounding name, Harwich Striking Force, then having the Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron with two light cruisers (with two others being completed) and two destroyer squadrons served by depot ship Dido, two light cruisers and two other leaders (one being completed), giving it a total of four light cruisers and thirty-two "L" and "M" class destroyers.[2]
- Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron (two light cruisers, two others being completed)
- Third Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, twenty "L" class, one "M" class)
- Tenth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, eleven "M" class)
May, 1915
The formations are now somewhat stronger.[3]
- Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron (four light cruisers)
- Third Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, twenty "L" class destroyers)
- Tenth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, thirteen "M" class)
June, 1915
The formations are now somewhat stronger.[4]
- Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron (four light cruisers)
- Third Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, twenty "L" class destroyers)
- Tenth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, fifteen "M" class destroyers plus one joining shortly, and the Acorn Class destroyer H.M.S. Hope)
July, 1915
The stray destroyer from last month is not longer affiliated.[5]
- Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron (four light cruisers)
- Third Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, twenty "L" class destroyers)
- Tenth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, fifteen "M" class destroyers plus one joining shortly)
August, 1915
10 D.F. has gained a division leader and the lagging H.M.S. Melpomene.[6]
- Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron (four light cruisers)
- Third Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, twenty "L" class destroyers)
- Tenth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, sixteen "M" class destroyers)
September, 1915
Third Destroyer Flotilla has been replaced by Ninth Destroyer Flotilla (largely, through re-naming), with three fewer "L" destroyers. This strength would persist until November.[7]
- Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron (four light cruisers)
- Ninth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, seventeen "L" class destroyers)
- Tenth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, sixteen "M" class destroyers)
November, 1915
5 L.C.S. has gained a seaplane carrier, and 9 D.F. has gained a destroyer.[8]
- Fifth Light Cruiser Squadron (four light cruisers, one seaplane carrier)
- Ninth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, eighteen "L" class destroyers)
- Tenth Destroyer Flotilla (one light cruiser, one divisional leader, sixteen "M" class destroyers)
Battle of Jutland
- Main article: Harwich Force at the Battle of Jutland
Rear-Admirals and Commodores Commanding
The command was almost unique in having a single commander throughout the conflict.
Dates of appointment given:
- Rear-Admiral Reginald Y. Tyrwhitt, 27 April, 1914[9] – 1 May, 1919[10]
- Rear-Admiral George H. Borrett, 1 March, 1919[11]
See Also
Footnotes
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). p. 6.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1915). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1915). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1915). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1915). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1915). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 13, and subsequent Supplements.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1915). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 6.
- ↑ Tyrwhitt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 125.
- ↑ Borrett Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 505.
Bibliography
