Difference between revisions of "Third Battle Squadron (Royal Navy)"

From The Dreadnought Project
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Squadron W/T Officer)
 
(54 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
As the war approached, the Squadron was comprised of pre-dreadnought battleships, serving in a Battle Fleet that was quickly becoming one exclusively of dreadnoughts.  This obsolescent nature was handled, at first, by allowing it as many as twelve units than the customary eight.  Just before the [[Battle of Jutland]], it was removed from service in the Battle Fleet though it was technically still attached to the Grand Fleet.
 
As the war approached, the Squadron was comprised of pre-dreadnought battleships, serving in a Battle Fleet that was quickly becoming one exclusively of dreadnoughts.  This obsolescent nature was handled, at first, by allowing it as many as twelve units than the customary eight.  Just before the [[Battle of Jutland]], it was removed from service in the Battle Fleet though it was technically still attached to the Grand Fleet.
  
−
In late 1917, the pre-dreadnoughts were slowly detached, leaving it with just {{UK-Dreadnought}}, its only-ever "dreadnought", at the time of its abolishment in April, 1918.
+
In late 1917, the pre-dreadnoughts were slowly detached, leaving it with just {{UK-Dreadnought}}, its only-ever "dreadnought", at the time of its abolition in April, 1918.
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
 
In the House of Commons on 18 May, 1912, the [[First Lord of the Admiralty]], [[Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill|Winston S. Churchill]], announced that the battleships of the [[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Atlantic Fleet]], hitherto based on [[Gibraltar]], would become the Third Battle Squadron and would be based on Home Ports.  The strength of the squadron would be increased from six battleships to eight as new ships joined the Fleet.<ref>''Hansard''.  [http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1912/mar/18/navy-estimates-1912-13#column_1564 HC Deb 18 March 1912 vol 35 c1564.]</ref>
 
In the House of Commons on 18 May, 1912, the [[First Lord of the Admiralty]], [[Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill|Winston S. Churchill]], announced that the battleships of the [[Atlantic Fleet (Royal Navy)|Atlantic Fleet]], hitherto based on [[Gibraltar]], would become the Third Battle Squadron and would be based on Home Ports.  The strength of the squadron would be increased from six battleships to eight as new ships joined the Fleet.<ref>''Hansard''.  [http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1912/mar/18/navy-estimates-1912-13#column_1564 HC Deb 18 March 1912 vol 35 c1564.]</ref>
 +
 +
Evidently it had been intended as early as January, 1916, to transfer older dreadnoughts to the Third Battle Squadron as newer battleships joined the [[Grand Fleet]], and Bradford expressed his belief to the [[Second Sea Lord]], [[Frederick Tower Hamilton|Sir Frederick T. Hamilton]], that he would be hoisting his flag in {{UK-Dreadnought}} in April.<ref>Bradford to Hamilton.  Letter of 20 January, 1916.  Hamilton Papers.  National Maritime Museum.  HTN/117/A.</ref>
 +
 +
On 30 March, 1918, the Admiralty informed [[David Richard Beatty, First Earl Beatty|Sir David Beatty]], Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, that:
 +
 +
<blockquote>The 3rd B.S. is being shortly reduced to "DREADNOUGHT" alone. Hope you can see your way to reinforcing her [with] 3 of the early Dreadnoughts from Grand Fleet. In proposing this I do not want to urge you to reduce your force below strength you consider necessary, but I hope that circumstances will shortly allow of your doing this. If you can see your way to this.<br>I will keep the "DREADNOUGHT" in Thames, but if not I could send her as a private ship to you to reinforce 4th. B.S.<ref>{{TNA|ADM 137/1898}}, f. 19.</ref></blockquote>
 +
 +
Beatty chose the latter course, and orders were accordingly given. Vice-Admiral Sir Dudley de Chair signalled him on 20 April: "Flag of V.A. de Chair struck in "DREADNOUGHT" sunset today Saturday and 3rd. B.S. abolished."<ref>{{TNA|ADM 137/1898}}, f. 22.</ref>
  
 
Rear-Admiral [[Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|Sir Douglas R. M. Nicholson]] was appointed Rear-Admiral Commanding the Third Battle Squadron in the newly-constituted Home Fleet on 8 April, 1919.<ref name=Times3BS>"End of Grand Fleet" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 3 April, 1919.  Issue '''42065''', col D, p. 13.</ref>
 
Rear-Admiral [[Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|Sir Douglas R. M. Nicholson]] was appointed Rear-Admiral Commanding the Third Battle Squadron in the newly-constituted Home Fleet on 8 April, 1919.<ref name=Times3BS>"End of Grand Fleet" (Official Appointments and Notices).  ''The Times''.  Thursday, 3 April, 1919.  Issue '''42065''', col D, p. 13.</ref>
Line 15: Line 23:
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Britannia}}
 
*{{UK-Britannia}}
Line 22: Line 30:
  
 
===December, 1912===
 
===December, 1912===
−
The Fleet flagship was {{UK-Neptune}}, which was not part of any Battle Squadron.<ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum.  [BRG 1/1]</ref>
+
The Fleet flagship was {{UK-1Neptune}}, which was not part of any Battle Squadron.<ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum.  [BRG 1/1]</ref>
  
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}
Line 31: Line 39:
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Africa}}
 
*{{UK-Africa}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
  
 
===December, 1913===
 
===December, 1913===
−
The Fleet flagship was noted as being {{UK-Neptune}}, which was not part of any Battle Squadron.  The ships are listed in a different order, but remain unchanged from the previous year.<ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum.  [BRG 1/1]</ref>
+
The Fleet flagship was noted as being {{UK-1Neptune}}, which was not part of any Battle Squadron.  The ships are listed in a different order, but remain unchanged from the previous year.<ref>Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum.  [BRG 1/1]</ref>
  
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
Line 42: Line 50:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 +
 +
By this time, this squadron had been equipped with [[British Wireless Systems#Battleship Auxiliary|Battleship Auxiliary W/T sets]].{{ARTS1913|W/T Appendix, p. 13}}
  
 
===July, 1914===
 
===July, 1914===
Line 54: Line 64:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Blanche|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Blanche|f=t}}
−
 
+
−
===August, 1914===
+
−
The Squadron is unusual at this juncture for having three rather than two divisions, and a whopping twelve battleships, though this would prove a temporary period of over-strength.
+
−
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
+
−
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
+
−
*{{UK-Russell}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]] though not at outbreak of war.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}}
+
−
*{{UK-Africa}}
+
−
*{{UK-Britannia}}
+
−
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
+
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
−
*{{UK-Dominion}}
+
−
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
+
−
*{{UK-Albemarle}}, though not at outbreak of war.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}}
+
−
*{{UK-Exmouth}}, though not at outbreak of war.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}}
+
−
*{{UK-Duncan}}, though not at outbreak of war.{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}}
+
−
 
+
−
And, at outbreak of war, {{UK-Blanche|f=t}} under Captain [[Richard Hyde]].{{UKNavalOpsI|p. 439}}
+
  
 
===September, 1914===
 
===September, 1914===
−
With a stultifying twelve pre-dreadnought battleships, the squadron was one of four attached to the Home Fleet under fleet flagship {{UK-IronDuke}}.{{SMNLSep14|p. 8}}
+
Additions of {{UK-1Duncan}}, {{UK-1Exmouth}} and {{UK-Albemarle}} from the disbanded {{UK-BS|6}} brought the strength up to a stultifying twelve pre-dreadnought battleships.  The squadron was one of four attached to the Home Fleet under fleet flagship {{UK-IronDuke}}.{{SMNLSep14|p. 8}}
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
Line 84: Line 77:
 
*{{UK-Britannia}}
 
*{{UK-Britannia}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
−
*{{UK-Exmouth}}
+
*{{UK-1Exmouth}}
−
*{{UK-Duncan}}
+
*{{UK-1Duncan}}
  
−
Attached: {{UK-Blanche|f=t}}
+
Attached: {{UK-1Blanche|f=t}}
  
 
This configuration would last until November or December.{{SMNLOct14|p. 8}}{{SMNLDec14|p. 8}}
 
This configuration would last until November or December.{{SMNLOct14|p. 8}}{{SMNLDec14|p. 8}}
  
 
===December, 1914===
 
===December, 1914===
−
After calving {{UK-Russell}}, {{UK-Albemarle}}, {{UK-Exmouth}} and {{UK-Duncan}} to form the bulk of the new {{UK-BS|6}}, the squadron is now a more manageable eight battleships.{{SMNLDec14|pp. 8, 9}}
+
After calving {{UK-Russell}}, {{UK-Albemarle}}, {{UK-1Exmouth}} and {{UK-1Duncan}} to form the bulk of the new {{UK-BS|6}}, the squadron is now a more manageable eight battleships.{{SMNLDec14|pp. 8, 9}}
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
Line 102: Line 95:
 
*{{UK-Britannia}}
 
*{{UK-Britannia}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
  
−
Attached: {{UK-Blanche|f=t}}
+
Attached: {{UK-1Blanche|f=t}}
  
 
This configuration would last until April, 1915.{{SMNLJan15|p. 8}}{{SMNLMar15|p. 10}}{{SMNLApr15|p. 10}}
 
This configuration would last until April, 1915.{{SMNLJan15|p. 8}}{{SMNLMar15|p. 10}}{{SMNLApr15|p. 10}}
Line 118: Line 111:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
 
*{{UK-Russell}}
 
*{{UK-Russell}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This line-up would last until June.{{SMNLMay15|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun15|p. 10}}
 
This line-up would last until June.{{SMNLMay15|p. 10}}{{SMNLJun15|p. 10}}
  
 
===June, 1915===
 
===June, 1915===
−
{{UK-Hindustan}} has taken over as flagship.{{SMNLJun15|p. 10}}
+
{{UK-1Hindustan}} has taken over as flagship.{{SMNLJun15|p. 10}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}
 
*{{UK-KingEdwardVII}}
Line 140: Line 133:
 
*{{UK-Russell}}
 
*{{UK-Russell}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This line-up would last just one month.{{SMNLJul15|p. 10}}
 
This line-up would last just one month.{{SMNLJul15|p. 10}}
Line 152: Line 145:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
 
*{{UK-Russell}}
 
*{{UK-Russell}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This line-up would prevail until December.{{SMNLAug15|p. 10}}{{SMNLSep15|p. 10}}{{SMNLOct15|p. 10}}{{SMNLNov15|p. 10}}{{SMNLDec15|p. 10}}
 
This line-up would prevail until December.{{SMNLAug15|p. 10}}{{SMNLSep15|p. 10}}{{SMNLOct15|p. 10}}{{SMNLNov15|p. 10}}{{SMNLDec15|p. 10}}
Line 168: Line 161:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Blanche|f=t}}, {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This line-up would prevail for just one month.{{SMNLJan16|p. 10}}
 
This line-up would prevail for just one month.{{SMNLJan16|p. 10}}
  
 
===January, 1916===
 
===January, 1916===
−
{{UK-Blanche}} has been re-assigned to the {{UK-BS|4}}.{{SMNLJan15|p. 10}}
+
{{UK-1Blanche}} has been re-assigned to the {{UK-BS|4}}.{{SMNLJan15|p. 10}}
 
* {{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
* {{UK-KingEdwardVII}}  [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Africa}}
 
*{{UK-Africa}}
Line 182: Line 175:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
 
*{{UK-Albemarle}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This line-up would remain for just a single month.
 
This line-up would remain for just a single month.
Line 195: Line 188:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This line-up would remain until May, 1916.{{SMNLMar16|p. 10}}{{SMNLApr16|p. 10}}{{SMNLMay16|p. 10}}
 
This line-up would remain until May, 1916.{{SMNLMar16|p. 10}}{{SMNLApr16|p. 10}}{{SMNLMay16|p. 10}}
Line 209: Line 202:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force just one month.
 
This roster would remain in force just one month.
Line 224: Line 217:
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}}
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force until August.{{SMNLJul16|p. 13}}{{SMNLAug16|p. 13}}
 
This roster would remain in force until August.{{SMNLJul16|p. 13}}{{SMNLAug16|p. 13}}
Line 239: Line 232:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force until some time in September, when {{UK-Africa}} and {{UK-Britannia}} were being detached.{{SMNLJul16|p. 13}}{{SMNLAug16|p. 13}}{{SMNLSep16|p. 13}}
 
This roster would remain in force until some time in September, when {{UK-Africa}} and {{UK-Britannia}} were being detached.{{SMNLJul16|p. 13}}{{SMNLAug16|p. 13}}{{SMNLSep16|p. 13}}
Line 252: Line 245:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}, paid off in April and May, 1917
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}, paid off in April and May, 1917
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
−
This roster would remain in force until August, 1917.{{SMNLNov16|p. 13}}{{SMNLDec16|p. 13}}{{SMNLJan17|p. 13}}{{SMNLMar17|p. 13}}{{SMNLApr17|p. 13}}{{SMNLMay17|p. 13}}{{SMNLJun17|p. 13}}{{SMNLJul17|p. 13}}
+
This roster would remain in force until August, 1917.{{SMNLNov16|p. 13 and Supplements through July, 1917}}13}}
 +
 
 +
It appears that {{UK-Zealandia}} would be second flagship for a time, as Rear-Admiral [[Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|Nicholson]] hoisted his flag in her on 13 March, 1917 before transferring it to {{UK-Hibernia}} on 26 March.<ref>Nicholson Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}} f. 457.</ref>
  
 
===August, 1917===
 
===August, 1917===
−
In August, {{UK-Dreadnought}} temporarily transfered its flag to {{UK-Zealandia}}.{{SMNLAug17|p. 13}}
+
In August, {{UK-Dreadnought}} temporarily transferred its flag to {{UK-Zealandia}}.{{SMNLAug17|p. 13}} Another source, however, indicates that ''Zealandia'' was flag from 5 December, 1916 and transferred to ''Dreadnought'' on 26 August, 1917.<ref>Heath Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 200.</ref>
 +
 
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}}  
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}}  
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force only for the month of August.
 
This roster would remain in force only for the month of August.
Line 278: Line 274:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}} [[File:RAdm.png|border|25px]]
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}  
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}  
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force for just one month.
 
This roster would remain in force for just one month.
Line 291: Line 287:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  
 
*{{UK-Hibernia}}  
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}  
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}  
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force for just one month.
 
This roster would remain in force for just one month.
Line 304: Line 300:
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Commonwealth}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}  
 
*{{UK-Zealandia}}  
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force until January, 1918.{{SMNLDec17|p. 13}}{{SMNLJan18|p. 13}}
 
This roster would remain in force until January, 1918.{{SMNLDec17|p. 13}}{{SMNLJan18|p. 13}}
Line 315: Line 311:
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]  
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]  
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
−
*{{UK-Hindustan}}
+
*{{UK-1Hindustan}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force until March, 1918.{{SMNLFeb18|p. 13}}{{SMNLMar18|p. 13}}
 
This roster would remain in force until March, 1918.{{SMNLFeb18|p. 13}}{{SMNLMar18|p. 13}}
  
 
===March, 1918===
 
===March, 1918===
−
In March, {{UK-Hindustan}} also left the squadron for "Miscellaneous Service".{{SMNLMar18|pp. 13, 19}}
+
In March, {{UK-1Hindustan}} also left the squadron for "Miscellaneous Service".{{SMNLMar18|pp. 13, 19}}
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]  
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]  
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
 
*{{UK-Dominion}}
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
 
This roster would remain in force for just one month.
 
This roster would remain in force for just one month.
Line 334: Line 330:
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]  
 
*{{UK-Dreadnought}} [[File:VAdm.png|border|25px]]  
  
−
Attached:  {{UK-Diamond|f=t}}
+
Attached:  {{UK-1Diamond|f=t}}
  
−
This roster would remain in force until the Squadron was abolished on 20 April, 1918.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
This roster would remain in force until the Squadron was abolished on 20 April, 1918.{{UKCeased|p. 4}} The formation would be re-constituted in the post-war years.
  
−
==Vice-Admirals and Rear-Admirals Commanding==
+
===Interregnum===
−
Dates of appointment given:
+
I have not worked on this period yet.{{TBC}}
  
−
*{{ViceRN}} [[Cecil Burney, First Baronet|Cecil Burney]], 19 December, 1911.
+
===1 November, 1924===
−
*Vice-Admiral [[Lewis Bayly]], 1 July, 1913 - June, 1914.
+
The formation formerly known as the {{UK-BS|4}} is renamed as the Third Battle Squadron. Maddening, yes?{{NMI|30 Sept. 1924, p. 21}}
−
*Vice-Admiral [[Edward Eden Bradford|Sir Edward E. Bradford]], 22 June, 1914.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
−
*Vice-Admiral [[John Michael de Robeck, First Baronet|Sir John M. de Robeck]], 19 July, 1916.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
−
*Vice-Admiral [[Herbert Leopold Heath|Sir Herbert L. Heath]], 5 December, 1916.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
−
*Vice-Admiral [[Dudley Rawson Stratford de Chair|Sir Dudley R. S. de Chair]], 26 September, 1917.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
  
−
Squadron abolished on 20 April, 1918.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
==In Command==
 +
Dates of appointment given:
  
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|Sir Douglas R. M. Nicholson]], 8 April, 1919.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
<div name=fredbot:office0 otitle="Vice-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Cecil Burney, First Baronet|nick=Cecil Burney|appt=19 December, 1911{{CN}}|end=13 June, 1913}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Lewis Bayly|nick=Lewis Bayly|appt=1 July, 1913<ref>Bayly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}} f. 444.</ref>|end=21 June, 1914<ref>Bayly Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/19.}} f. 444.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Edward Eden Bradford|nick=Sir Edward E. Bradford|appt=22 June, 1914{{UKCeased|p. 4}}|end=19 July, 1916<ref>Bradford Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}}  f. 335.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=John Michael de Robeck, First Baronet|nick=Sir John M. de Robeck|appt=19 July, 1916{{UKCeased|p. 4}}|end=1 December, 1916}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Herbert Leopold Heath|nick=Sir Herbert L. Heath|appt=5 December, 1916{{UKCeased|p. 4}}<ref>Heath Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 200.</ref>|end=26 September, 1917<ref>Heath Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 200.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Vice-Admiral|name=Dudley Rawson Stratford de Chair|nick=Sir Dudley R. S. de Chair|appt=26 September, 1917{{UKCeased|p. 4}}|end=21 April, 1918<ref>De Chair Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 259.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|nick=Sir Douglas R. L. Nicholson|appt=8 April, 1919{{UKCeased|p. 4}}<ref>Nicholson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  f. 290.</ref>|end=31 October, 1919<ref>Nicholson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42}}.  f. 290.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{RearRN}}|name=Hugh Dudley Richards Watson|nick=Hugh D. R. Watson|appt=14 October, 1924<ref>Watson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 214.</ref>|end=16 April, 1925<ref>Watson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.}}  f. 214.</ref>|as=Rear-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron|note=and as Second-in-Command, Mediterranean}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Michael Henry Hodges|nick=Michael H. Hodges|appt=16 April, 1925<ref>Hodges Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|}} f. 250.</ref>|end=9 March, 1926<ref>Hodges Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|}} f. 250.</ref>|note=and as Second in Command, Mediterranean|ass=30 May, 1925<ref>Hodges Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/43.|}} f. 250.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{RearRN}}|name=John Moore Casement|nick=John M. Casement|appt=5 May, 1928<ref>Casement Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.}} f. 381.</ref>|ass=5 May, 1928<ref>Casement Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.}} f. 381.</ref>|end=6 May, 1929<ref>Casement Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.}} f. 381.</ref>|as=Rear-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{RearRN}}|name=Henry Karslake Kitson|nick=Henry K. Kitson|appt=6 May, 1928<ref>Kitson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.|}} f. 186.</ref>|end=1 May, 1930<ref>Kitson Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44.|}} f. 186.</ref>|as=Rear-Admiral Commanding, Third Battle Squadron}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=William Eric Campbell Tait|nick=William E. C. Tait|appt=5 January, 1942<ref>Tait Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/328.|}}  f. 343.</ref>|end=17 August, 1942<ref>Tait Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/50/328.|}}  f. 343.</ref>|note=and as Second-in-Command, Eastern Fleet}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{ViceRN}}|name=Harold Thomas Coulthard Walker|nick=Harold T. C. Walker|appt=4 December, 1944<ref>Walker Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/12.}} f. 11.</ref>|end=10 August, 1945<ref>Walker Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/53/12.}} f. 11.</ref>|note=and as [[Second in Command, East Indies Fleet|East Indies Fleet]]}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:office0>
  
−
==Rear-Admirals, Second-in-Command==
+
The contradiction between Kitson and Casement is noted.
 +
 
 +
==Second-in-Command==
 
Dates of appointment given:
 
Dates of appointment given:
  
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Christopher George Francis Maurice Cradock|Sir Christopher G. F. M. Cradock]], 29 August, 1911.
+
<div name=fredbot:office1 otitle="Rear-Admiral, Second-in-Command, Third Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Cecil Fiennes Thursby|Cecil F. Thursby]], 29 August, 1912.
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Christopher George Francis Maurice Cradock|nick=Sir Christopher G. F. M. Cradock|appt=29 August, 1911{{CN}}}}
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Montague Edward Browning|Montague E. Browning]], 29 August, 1913.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Cecil Fiennes Thursby|nick=Cecil F. Thursby|appt=29 August, 1912<ref>Thursby Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}} f. 658.</ref>|end=29 August, 1913<ref>Thursby Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/20.}} f. 658.</ref>}}
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Sydney Robert Fremantle|Sydney R. Fremantle]], 27 July, 1915.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Montague Edward Browning|nick=Montague E. Browning|appt=29 August, 1913{{UKCeased|p. 4}}}}
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Cecil Frederick Dampier|Cecil F. Dampier]], 13 March, 1916.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Sydney Robert Fremantle|nick=Sydney R. Fremantle|appt=27 July, 1915{{UKCeased|p. 4}}|end=February, 1916<ref>Fremantle Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 473.</ref>}}
−
*Rear-Admiral [[Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|Douglas R. L. Nicholson]], 13 March, 1917.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}
+
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Cecil Frederick Dampier|nick=Cecil F. Dampier|appt=13 March, 1916{{UKCeased|p. 4}}|end=14 March, 1917<ref>Dampier Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/42.}}  f. 497.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Douglas Romilly Lothian Nicholson|nick=Douglas R. L. Nicholson|appt=13 March, 1917{{UKCeased|p. 4}} |end=21 September, 1917{{UKCeased|p. 4}}|succBy=Position Abolished}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Roger Roland Charles Backhouse|nick=Sir Roger R. C. Backhouse|appt=5 May, 1926<ref>Backhouse Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44}}.  f. 474.</ref>|end=5 May, 1927<ref>Backhouse Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/44}}.  f. 474.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Lancelot Ernest Holland|nick=Lancelot E. Holland|appt=25 August, 1939<ref>Holland Service Record {{TNA|ADM 196/51/23.|D7576694}} f. 23.</ref>|end=29 December, 1939<ref>Holland Service Record {{TNA|ADM 196/51/23.|D7576694}} f. 23.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Rear-Admiral|name=Stuart Sumner Bonham-Carter|nick=Stuart S. Bonham-Carter|appt=1 January, 1940<ref>Bonham-Carter Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/81.|D7605168}} f. 441.</ref>|end=30 September, 1941<ref>Bonham-Carter Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/81.|D7605168}} f. 441.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:office1>
 +
 
 +
==Other Personnel==
 +
===Squadron Gunnery Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFGO otitle="Squadron Gunnery Officer, Third Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''G''')|name=Hugh Dundas Hamilton|nick=Hugh D. Hamilton|appt=12 April, 1919{{NLMay19|p. 826}}|end=}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''G''')|name=Henry Martin Daniel|nick=Henry M. Daniel|appt=14 August, 1925{{NLFeb26|p. 248}}|end=}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''G''')|name=John Sanford Maclean Mackenzie-Grieve|nick=John S. M. Mackenzie-Grieve|appt=3 September, 1928<ref>Mackenzie-Grieve Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/54/120.|}} f. 120.</ref>|end=1 September, 1930<ref>Mackenzie-Grieve Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/54/120.|}} f. 120.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFGO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron Torpedo Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFTO otitle="Squadron Torpedo Officer, Third Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''T''')|name=Basil Lyall Johnston|nick=Basil L. Johnston|appt=10 July, 1925<ref>Johnston Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/108.|}} f. 465.</ref>{{NLFeb26|p. 248}}|end=17 October, 1927<ref>Johnston Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/108.|}} f. 465.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFTO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron W/T Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFWO otitle="Squadron W/T Officer, Third Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank=Captain, R.M.A.|name=Charles Archibald Lambert|nick=Charles Archibald Lambert|appt=11 July, 1913{{NLJan14|p. 334}}|end=|as=Assistant for W/T Duties, Third Battle Squadron}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LCommRN}} ('''S''')|name=Henry Mitford Amherst Cecil|nick=The Hon. Henry M. A. Cecil|appt=29 October, 1925<ref>Cecil Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/55/71.|}} f. 71.</ref>|end=May, 1928<ref>Cecil Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/55/71.|}} f. 71.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LCommRN}} ('''S''')|name=Basil Rupert Willett|nick=Basil R. Willett|appt=16 May, 1927|end=5 May, 1928|note=and as Squadron Signal officer}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFWO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron Signal Officer===
 +
 
 +
<div name=fredbot:officeFSO otitle="Squadron Signal Officer, Third Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LCommRN}} ('''S''')|name=Nigel Bellairs Deare|nick=Nigel B. Deare|appt=6 May, 1925<ref>Deare Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/117/42.|}} f. 42.</ref>{{NLFeb26|p. 248}}|end=May, 1927<ref>Deare Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/117/42.|}} f. 42.</ref>}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{LCommRN}} ('''S''')|name=Basil Rupert Willett|nick=Basil R. Willett|appt=16 May, 1927|end=5 May, 1928|note=and as Squadron W/T officer}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFSO>
 +
 
 +
===Squadron Navigating Officer===
  
−
Position abolished on 21 September, 1917.{{UKCeased|p. 4}}>
+
<div name=fredbot:officeFNO otitle="Squadron Navigating Officer, Third Battle Squadron" nat="UK">
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''N''')|name=George Ernest Sutcliff|nick=George E. Sutcliff|appt=25 October, 1924{{NLApr25|p. 248}}|end=2 May, 1925{{INF}}}}
 +
{{Tenure|rank={{CommRN}} ('''N''')|name=Kenneth Harry Litton MacKenzie|nick=Kenneth H. L. MacKenzie|appt=2 May, 1925{{NLFeb26|p. 248}}|end=May, 1927<ref>MacKenzie Service Record.  {{TNA|ADM 196/52/175.|}} f. 532.</ref>}}
 +
</div name=fredbot:officeFNO>
  
 
==Footnotes==
 
==Footnotes==

Latest revision as of 21:24, 25 April 2023

The Third Battle Squadron was a battleship squadron of the Royal Navy in the period before, during, and after the First World War.

As the war approached, the Squadron was comprised of pre-dreadnought battleships, serving in a Battle Fleet that was quickly becoming one exclusively of dreadnoughts. This obsolescent nature was handled, at first, by allowing it as many as twelve units than the customary eight. Just before the Battle of Jutland, it was removed from service in the Battle Fleet though it was technically still attached to the Grand Fleet.

In late 1917, the pre-dreadnoughts were slowly detached, leaving it with just Dreadnought, its only-ever "dreadnought", at the time of its abolition in April, 1918.

History

In the House of Commons on 18 May, 1912, the First Lord of the Admiralty, Winston S. Churchill, announced that the battleships of the Atlantic Fleet, hitherto based on Gibraltar, would become the Third Battle Squadron and would be based on Home Ports. The strength of the squadron would be increased from six battleships to eight as new ships joined the Fleet.[1]

Evidently it had been intended as early as January, 1916, to transfer older dreadnoughts to the Third Battle Squadron as newer battleships joined the Grand Fleet, and Bradford expressed his belief to the Second Sea Lord, Sir Frederick T. Hamilton, that he would be hoisting his flag in Dreadnought in April.[2]

On 30 March, 1918, the Admiralty informed Sir David Beatty, Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Fleet, that:

The 3rd B.S. is being shortly reduced to "DREADNOUGHT" alone. Hope you can see your way to reinforcing her [with] 3 of the early Dreadnoughts from Grand Fleet. In proposing this I do not want to urge you to reduce your force below strength you consider necessary, but I hope that circumstances will shortly allow of your doing this. If you can see your way to this.
I will keep the "DREADNOUGHT" in Thames, but if not I could send her as a private ship to you to reinforce 4th. B.S.[3]

Beatty chose the latter course, and orders were accordingly given. Vice-Admiral Sir Dudley de Chair signalled him on 20 April: "Flag of V.A. de Chair struck in "DREADNOUGHT" sunset today Saturday and 3rd. B.S. abolished."[4]

Rear-Admiral Sir Douglas R. M. Nicholson was appointed Rear-Admiral Commanding the Third Battle Squadron in the newly-constituted Home Fleet on 8 April, 1919.[5]

Composition

May, 1912

December, 1912

The Fleet flagship was Neptune, which was not part of any Battle Squadron.[6]

December, 1913

The Fleet flagship was noted as being Neptune, which was not part of any Battle Squadron. The ships are listed in a different order, but remain unchanged from the previous year.[7]

By this time, this squadron had been equipped with Battleship Auxiliary W/T sets.[8]

July, 1914

The Squadron's roster was:[9]

Attached: scout cruiser Blanche

September, 1914

Additions of Duncan, Exmouth and Albemarle from the disbanded Sixth Battle Squadron brought the strength up to a stultifying twelve pre-dreadnought battleships. The squadron was one of four attached to the Home Fleet under fleet flagship Iron Duke.[10]

Attached: scout cruiser Blanche

This configuration would last until November or December.[11][12]

December, 1914

After calving Russell, Albemarle, Exmouth and Duncan to form the bulk of the new Sixth Battle Squadron, the squadron is now a more manageable eight battleships.[13]

Attached: scout cruiser Blanche

This configuration would last until April, 1915.[14][15][16]

April, 1915

Now part of the Grand Fleet, the squadron has been bolstered by the return of Albemarle and Russell from the newly-disbanded Sixth Battle Squadron, and also a new small cruiser.[17]

Attached: scout cruiser Blanche, third class protected cruiser Diamond

This line-up would last until June.[18][19]

June, 1915

Hindustan has taken over as flagship.[20]

Attached: scout cruiser Blanche, third class protected cruiser Diamond

This line-up would last just one month.[21]

July, 1915

King Edward VII has resumed her place as flagship.[22]

Attached: scout cruiser Blanche, third class protected cruiser Diamond

This line-up would prevail until December.[23][24][25][26][27]

December, 1915

Hibernia, Zealandia and Russell were detached so they could take up service in the Mediterranean Fleet.[28]

Attached: scout cruiser Blanche, third class protected cruiser Diamond

This line-up would prevail for just one month.[29]

January, 1916

Blanche has been re-assigned to the Fourth Battle Squadron.[30]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This line-up would remain for just a single month.

February, 1916

Flagship King Edward VII was mined and lost on 6 January, necessitating a transfer of flag to Britannia and Albemarle was detached to some unnamed purpose "in Home Waters or on detached service." To make up the slack, Hibernia and Zealandia joined from the Mediterranean Fleet.[31]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This line-up would remain until May, 1916.[32][33][34]

May, 1916

The squadron was pulled from regular Grand Fleet duty, leaving a Battle Fleet comprised solely of dreadnought types, but that it remained "attached" to the Grand Fleet.[35]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force just one month.

June, 1916

Dreadnought joined the squadron from the Fourth Battle Squadron. The addition merited promoting Hibernia to become a second flagship.[36]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force until August.[37][38]

August, 1916

Dreadnought stole the flagship role in August. The affiliation with the Grand Fleet seems to have lapsed.[39]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force until some time in September, when Africa and Britannia were being detached.[40][41][42]

October, 1916

Africa and Britannia have been detached to take up service with the British Adriatic Squadron.[43]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force until August, 1917.[44]13}}

It appears that Zealandia would be second flagship for a time, as Rear-Admiral Nicholson hoisted his flag in her on 13 March, 1917 before transferring it to Hibernia on 26 March.[45]

August, 1917

In August, Dreadnought temporarily transferred its flag to Zealandia.[46] Another source, however, indicates that Zealandia was flag from 5 December, 1916 and transferred to Dreadnought on 26 August, 1917.[47]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force only for the month of August.

September, 1917

Dreadnought resumed her role as flagship.[48]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force for just one month.

October, 1917

Hibernia ceased acting as second flagship, leaving the squadron under a single flagship.[49]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force for just one month.

November, 1917

Hibernia left the squadron for Home Waters or detached service.[50]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force until January, 1918.[51][52]

January, 1918

In January, Commonwealth and Zealandia also left the squadron to join Hibernia for miscellaneous duties "in Home Waters or on detached service", leaving the strength at just three battleships.[53]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force until March, 1918.[54][55]

March, 1918

In March, Hindustan also left the squadron for "Miscellaneous Service".[56]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force for just one month.

April, 1918

Dominion departed to become an accommodation ship in Chatham-Sheerness. The squadron has become an all-dreadnought formation, the hard way![57]

Attached: third class protected cruiser Diamond

This roster would remain in force until the Squadron was abolished on 20 April, 1918.[58] The formation would be re-constituted in the post-war years.

Interregnum

I have not worked on this period yet.[TO BE CONTINUED - TONE]

1 November, 1924

The formation formerly known as the Fourth Battle Squadron is renamed as the Third Battle Squadron. Maddening, yes?[59]

In Command

Dates of appointment given:

The contradiction between Kitson and Casement is noted.

Second-in-Command

Dates of appointment given:

Other Personnel

Squadron Gunnery Officer

Squadron Torpedo Officer

Squadron W/T Officer

Squadron Signal Officer

Squadron Navigating Officer

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Hansard. HC Deb 18 March 1912 vol 35 c1564.
  2. ↑ Bradford to Hamilton. Letter of 20 January, 1916. Hamilton Papers. National Maritime Museum. HTN/117/A.
  3. ↑ The National Archives. ADM 137/1898, f. 19.
  4. ↑ The National Archives. ADM 137/1898, f. 22.
  5. ↑ "End of Grand Fleet" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 3 April, 1919. Issue 42065, col D, p. 13.
  6. ↑ Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
  7. ↑ Handwritten notes in Albert Francis Barclay Bridges papers at The Caird Library at the National Maritime Museum. [BRG 1/1]
  8. ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1913. W/T Appendix, p. 13.
  9. ↑ Admiralty Weekly Order No. 109 of 10 July, 1914.
  10. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). p. 8.
  11. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1914). p. 8.
  12. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 8.
  13. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1914). pp. 8, 9.
  14. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 8.
  15. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1915). p. 10.
  16. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1915). p. 10.
  17. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1915). p. 10.
  18. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1915). p. 10.
  19. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1915). p. 10.
  20. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1915). p. 10.
  21. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1915). p. 10.
  22. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1915). p. 10.
  23. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1915). p. 10.
  24. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1915). p. 10.
  25. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1915). p. 10.
  26. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1915). p. 10.
  27. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1915). p. 10.
  28. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1915). pp. 10, 20.
  29. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1916). p. 10.
  30. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 10.
  31. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1916). pp. 10, 14, 20.
  32. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1916). p. 10.
  33. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1916). p. 10.
  34. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1916). p. 10.
  35. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1916). pp. 10-13.
  36. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1916). p. 13.
  37. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1916). p. 13.
  38. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1916). p. 13.
  39. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1916). p. 13.
  40. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1916). p. 13.
  41. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1916). p. 13.
  42. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1916). p. 13.
  43. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1916). pp. 13, 20.
  44. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1916). p. 13 and Supplements through July, 1917.
  45. ↑ Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 457.
  46. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). p. 13.
  47. ↑ Heath Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 200.
  48. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1917). p. 13.
  49. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1917). p. 13.
  50. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1917). pp. 13, 14.
  51. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1917). p. 13.
  52. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). p. 13.
  53. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1918). pp. 13, 14.
  54. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). p. 13.
  55. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 13.
  56. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). pp. 13, 19.
  57. ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1918). pp. 13, 19.
  58. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  59. ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), 30 Sept. 1924, p. 21.
  60. ↑ Bayly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 444.
  61. ↑ Bayly Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/19. f. 444.
  62. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  63. ↑ Bradford Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 335.
  64. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  65. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  66. ↑ Heath Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 200.
  67. ↑ Heath Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 200.
  68. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  69. ↑ De Chair Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 259.
  70. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  71. ↑ Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 290.
  72. ↑ Nicholson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 290.
  73. ↑ Watson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 214.
  74. ↑ Watson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 214.
  75. ↑ Hodges Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 250.
  76. ↑ Hodges Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 250.
  77. ↑ Casement Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 381.
  78. ↑ Casement Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 381.
  79. ↑ Kitson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 186.
  80. ↑ Kitson Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 186.
  81. ↑ Tait Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/328. f. 343.
  82. ↑ Tait Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/328. f. 343.
  83. ↑ Walker Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/12. f. 11.
  84. ↑ Walker Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/53/12. f. 11.
  85. ↑ Thursby Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 658.
  86. ↑ Thursby Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/20. f. 658.
  87. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  88. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  89. ↑ Fremantle Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 473.
  90. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  91. ↑ Dampier Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 497.
  92. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  93. ↑ Squadrons and Senior Naval Officers in Existence on 11th November, 1918. p. 4.
  94. ↑ Backhouse Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 474.
  95. ↑ Backhouse Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 474.
  96. ↑ Holland Service Record The National Archives. ADM 196/51/23. f. 23.
  97. ↑ Holland Service Record The National Archives. ADM 196/51/23. f. 23.
  98. ↑ Bonham-Carter Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/81. f. 441.
  99. ↑ Bonham-Carter Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/81. f. 441.
  100. ↑ The Navy List. (May, 1919). p. 826.
  101. ↑ The Navy List. (February, 1926). p. 248.
  102. ↑ Mackenzie-Grieve Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/54/120. f. 120.
  103. ↑ Mackenzie-Grieve Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/54/120. f. 120.
  104. ↑ Johnston Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/108. f. 465.
  105. ↑ The Navy List. (February, 1926). p. 248.
  106. ↑ Johnston Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/108. f. 465.
  107. ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1914). p. 334.
  108. ↑ Cecil Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/55/71. f. 71.
  109. ↑ Cecil Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/55/71. f. 71.
  110. ↑ Deare Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/117/42. f. 42.
  111. ↑ The Navy List. (February, 1926). p. 248.
  112. ↑ Deare Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/117/42. f. 42.
  113. ↑ The Navy List. (April, 1925). p. 248.
  114. ↑ The Navy List. (February, 1926). p. 248.
  115. ↑ MacKenzie Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/175. f. 532.

Bibliography

  • 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
Retrieved from "http://dreadnoughtproject.org/tfs/index.php?title=Third_Battle_Squadron_(Royal_Navy)&oldid=334028"