Difference between revisions of "First Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)"
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==History== | ==History== | ||
− | === | + | ===18 May, 1906=== |
The Flotilla had twelve destroyers, and was based in Portsmouth and assigned to the [[Channel Fleet (Royal Navy)|Channel Fleet]] alongside the similarly equipped [[Second Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Second]] and {{UK-DF|3}}s.{{NLJun06|pp. 269, 270''a''}} | The Flotilla had twelve destroyers, and was based in Portsmouth and assigned to the [[Channel Fleet (Royal Navy)|Channel Fleet]] alongside the similarly equipped [[Second Destroyer Flotilla (Royal Navy)|Second]] and {{UK-DF|3}}s.{{NLJun06|pp. 269, 270''a''}} | ||
{|width=75% class=toccolours | {|width=75% class=toccolours | ||
|- | |- | ||
− | |style="background:#CEDFF2" align=center colspan=6 | '''Attached to the Channel Fleet''' | + | |style="background:#CEDFF2" align=center colspan=6 | '''Attached to the [[Channel Fleet (Royal Navy)|Channel Fleet]]''' |
|- | |- | ||
|align=center colspan=6|'''Destroyers''' | |align=center colspan=6|'''Destroyers''' | ||
Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
|- | |- | ||
|align=center|{{UK-Garry}}||align=center|{{UK-Kangaroo}}||align=center|{{UK-Myrmidon}}||align=center|{{UK-1Peterel}}||align=center|{{UK-Ribble}}||align=center|{{UK-Waveney}} | |align=center|{{UK-Garry}}||align=center|{{UK-Kangaroo}}||align=center|{{UK-Myrmidon}}||align=center|{{UK-1Peterel}}||align=center|{{UK-Ribble}}||align=center|{{UK-Waveney}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===18 February, 1907=== | ||
+ | The Flotilla is not listed with the Channel Fleet, but as being based on Portsmouth. It is still twelve destroyers in commission with full crews, and a further twenty-eight with nucleus crews (not listed here).{{NLJun06|pp. 267, 269}} | ||
+ | |||
+ | {|width=75% class=toccolours | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |style="background:#CEDFF2" align=center colspan=6 | '''In Home Waters, Based on Portsmouth''' | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |align=center colspan=6|'''Destroyers''' | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |align=center|{{UK-Boyne}}||align=center|{{UK-Crane}}||align=center|{{UK-Derwent}}||align=center|{{UK-Doon}}||align=center|{{UK-Fawn}}||align=center|{{UK-Garry}} | ||
+ | |- | ||
+ | |align=center|{{UK-Kale}}||align=center|{{UK-Kangaroo}}||align=center|{{UK-Myrmidon}}||align=center|{{UK-1Peterel}}||align=center|{{UK-Ribble}}||align=center|{{UK-Waveney}} | ||
|- | |- | ||
|} | |} | ||
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===April, 1912=== | ===April, 1912=== | ||
− | The Royal Navy's flotillas were | + | The Royal Navy's flotillas 1–8 were reorganised this month, leaving the 1 D.F. with twenty ''Acherons'' and a pair of cruisers, all with full crews and based on Rosyth. The depot ship, ''Venus'', was soon to be relieved by {{UK-Woolwich}}.<ref>"Torpedo Flotilla Organization" ''The Times'' (London, England), Saturday, Apr 06, 1912; pg. 4; Issue 39866.</ref> |
{|style="margin:0" width=75% class="toccolours" | {|style="margin:0" width=75% class="toccolours" | ||
Line 828: | Line 843: | ||
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Andrew Browne Cunningham, First Viscount Cunningham|nick=Sir Andrew B. Cunningham|appt=19 December, 1922<ref>Cunningham Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/47.|}} f. 286.</ref>|end=1 July, 1924<ref>Cunningham Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/47.|}} f. 286.</ref>}} | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Andrew Browne Cunningham, First Viscount Cunningham|nick=Sir Andrew B. Cunningham|appt=19 December, 1922<ref>Cunningham Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/47.|}} f. 286.</ref>|end=1 July, 1924<ref>Cunningham Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/47.|}} f. 286.</ref>}} | ||
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Kenneth MacLeod|nick=Kenneth MacLeod|appt=1 July, 1924{{NLJul24|p. 287}}|end=1 April, 1925}} | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Kenneth MacLeod|nick=Kenneth MacLeod|appt=1 July, 1924{{NLJul24|p. 287}}|end=1 April, 1925}} | ||
+ | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Edward Oliver Brudenell Seymour Osborne|nick=Edward O. B. S. Osborne|appt=1 April, 1925|end=October, 1925}} | ||
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=James Vandeleur Creagh|nick=James V. Creagh|appt=7 July, 1925<ref>Creagh Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/49/95.|D7576658}} f. 220.</ref>|end=October, 1927<ref>Creagh Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/49/95.|D7576658}} f. 220.</ref>}} | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=James Vandeleur Creagh|nick=James V. Creagh|appt=7 July, 1925<ref>Creagh Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/49/95.|D7576658}} f. 220.</ref>|end=October, 1927<ref>Creagh Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/49/95.|D7576658}} f. 220.</ref>}} | ||
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=John Harry Kay Clegg|nick=John H. K. Clegg|appt=11 October, 1927{{NLJan28|p. 255}}|end=7 December, 1929}} | {{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=John Harry Kay Clegg|nick=John H. K. Clegg|appt=11 October, 1927{{NLJan28|p. 255}}|end=7 December, 1929}} | ||
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Alan Ramsay Dewar|nick=Alan R. Dewar|appt=16 November, 1929<ref>Dewar Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/50/241.}} f. 297.</ref>|end=10 December, 1931<ref>Dewar Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/50/241.}} f. 297.</ref>}} | {{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Alan Ramsay Dewar|nick=Alan R. Dewar|appt=16 November, 1929<ref>Dewar Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/50/241.}} f. 297.</ref>|end=10 December, 1931<ref>Dewar Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/50/241.}} f. 297.</ref>}} | ||
{{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Edward Balfour Cloete|nick=Edward B. Cloete|appt=10 December, 1931<ref>Cloete Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/91.|}} f. 181.</ref>|end=December, 1932<ref>Cloete Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/91.|}} f. 181.</ref>}} | {{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Edward Balfour Cloete|nick=Edward B. Cloete|appt=10 December, 1931<ref>Cloete Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/91.|}} f. 181.</ref>|end=December, 1932<ref>Cloete Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/91.|}} f. 181.</ref>}} | ||
− | {{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Charles Frederick Harris|nick=Charles F. Harris|appt= | + | {{Tenure|rank=Captain|name=Charles Frederick Harris|nick=Charles F. Harris|appt=2 January, 1933<ref>Harris Service Record {{TNA|ADM 196/50/347.|}} f. 346.</ref>|end=14 February, 1934<ref>Harris Service Record {{TNA|ADM 196/50/347.|}} f. 346.</ref>}} |
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Harold Tom Baillie-Grohman|nick=Harold T. Baillie-Grohman|appt=10 February, 1934{{NLJul34|p. 235}}|end=}} | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Harold Tom Baillie-Grohman|nick=Harold T. Baillie-Grohman|appt=10 February, 1934{{NLJul34|p. 235}}|end=}} | ||
− | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Charles Maurice Blackman|nick=Charles M. Blackman|appt=18 May, 1936{{NLJul37|p. 245}}|end=}} | + | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Charles Maurice Blackman|nick=Charles M. Blackman|appt=30 October, 1935{{NavAppts|17 Aug. 1935, p. 15}}|end=}} |
+ | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Charles Maurice Blackman|nick=Charles M. Blackman|appt=18 May, 1936{{NLJul37|p. 245}}|end=|note=this may be a continuation of previous appointment}} | ||
+ | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Philip Louis Vian|nick=Philip L. Vian|appt=1936|end=12 October, 1936<ref>Vian Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/56/158.|}} f. 160.</ref>|note=vice Blackman}} | ||
{{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=George Hector Creswell|nick=George H. Creswell|appt=2 May, 1938<ref>Creswell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/52/79.|D7605166}} f. 439.</ref>|end=1 May, 1939<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=2 May, 1938<ref>Creswell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/52/79.|D7605166}} f. 439.</ref>|end=1 May, 1939<ref>Creswell Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/52/79.|D7605166}} f. 439.</ref>}} | ||
− | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name= | + | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=George Elvey Creasy|nick=George E. Creasy|appt=8 February, 1940<ref>Creasy Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/118/6.|}} f. 6.</ref>|end=16 May, 1940<ref>Stevens-Guille Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/121/130.|}} f. 130.</ref>}} |
+ | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=George Frederick Stevens-Guille|nick=George F. Stevens-Guille|appt=16 May, 1940<ref>Stevens-Guille Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/121/130.|}} f. 130.</ref>|end=}} | ||
+ | {{Tenure|rank={{CaptRN}}|name=Augustus Willington Shelton Agar|nick=Augustus W. S. Agar|appt=25 June, 1940<ref>Agar Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/52/301.|D7576725}} f. 656.</ref>|end=13 July, 1940<ref>Agar Service Record. {{TNA|ADM 196/52/301.|D7576725}} f. 656.</ref>|note=temporary}} | ||
</div name=fredbot:officecaptD> | </div name=fredbot:officecaptD> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==Other Personnel== | ||
+ | ===Gunnery Duties=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <div name=fredbot:officeFGO otitle="Gunnery Duties, First Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK"> | ||
+ | </div name=fredbot:officeFGO> | ||
+ | |||
+ | <!-- | ||
+ | ===Torpedo Duties=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <div name=fredbot:officeFTO otitle="Torpedo Duties, First Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK"> | ||
+ | </div name=fredbot:officeFTO> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Signal Duties=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <div name=fredbot:officeFSO otitle="Signal Duties, First Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK">\ | ||
+ | </div name=fredbot:officeFSO> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Wireless Duties=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <div name=fredbot:officeFWO otitle="Wireless Duties, First Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK"> | ||
+ | </div name=fredbot:officeFWO> | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Navigating Duties=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | <div name=fredbot:officeFNO otitle="Navigating Duties, First Destroyer Flotilla" nat="UK"> | ||
+ | </div name=fredbot:officeFNO> | ||
+ | --> | ||
==Footnotes== | ==Footnotes== |
Latest revision as of 21:17, 7 February 2024
The First Destroyer Flotilla was a formation of destroyers of the Royal Navy.
History
18 May, 1906
The Flotilla had twelve destroyers, and was based in Portsmouth and assigned to the Channel Fleet alongside the similarly equipped Second and Third Destroyer Flotillas.[1]
Attached to the Channel Fleet | |||||
Destroyers | |||||
Boyne | Crane | Derwent | Doon | Fawn | Flirt |
Garry | Kangaroo | Myrmidon | Peterel | Ribble | Waveney |
18 February, 1907
The Flotilla is not listed with the Channel Fleet, but as being based on Portsmouth. It is still twelve destroyers in commission with full crews, and a further twenty-eight with nucleus crews (not listed here).[2]
In Home Waters, Based on Portsmouth | |||||
Destroyers | |||||
Boyne | Crane | Derwent | Doon | Fawn | Garry |
Kale | Kangaroo | Myrmidon | Peterel | Ribble | Waveney |
In August, 1907, the First and Second Destroyer Flotilla transferred from the Home Fleet to the Channel Fleet.[3]
Between April and October, 1910 until 1911, it included the Beagle class destroyers.[4][5]
18 March, 1910
Operating as part of the First Division, Home Fleet and comprised of Swift, the Tribals, and several Rivers.[6]
18 March, 1910 | |||||
Flagship | |||||
Boadicea | |||||
Scouts | |||||
Adventure | |||||
Pathfinder | |||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Blenheim | |||||
Destroyers | |||||
Afridi | Amazon | Boyne | Cossack | Crusader | Garry |
Ghurka | Maori | Mohawk | Ness | Nith | Nubian |
Ribble | Rother | Saracen | Swale | Swift | Tartar |
Teviot | Ure | Usk | Waveney | Wear | Welland |
Zulu |
Late 1911
On 1 November, 1911, the flotilla was comprised of:[7]
Late 1911 | ||||
Flotilla Cruiser | ||||
Boadicea | ||||
Flotilla Leaders | ||||
Blanche | Patrol | Swift | ||
Depot Ship | ||||
Blenheim | ||||
Destroyers | ||||
Twelve Beagles | Twelve "Tribals" |
From 1912 through much of 1916, it was also comprised of twenty Acheron class destroyers armed with 21-in Mark II torpedoes.[8][9][10][11] Apparently, Blonde was flagship and Tyne a depot ship during that time.[12][13]
April, 1912
The Royal Navy's flotillas 1–8 were reorganised this month, leaving the 1 D.F. with twenty Acherons and a pair of cruisers, all with full crews and based on Rosyth. The depot ship, Venus, was soon to be relieved by Woolwich.[14]
Flotilla based at Rosyth | ||||
Flagship | ||||
Blonde | ||||
Flotilla Cruiser | ||||
Pathfinder | ||||
Depot Ship | ||||
Venus* | ||||
Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Ariel | Archer | Attack | Badger |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal |
Tigress | Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly |
February, 1913
Part of the First Fleet, the Flotilla was now comprised of twenty Acherons under scout cruiser Blonde with depot ship Venus.[15]
Attached to the First Fleet | |||||
Flotilla Cruiser | |||||
Blonde | |||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Venus | |||||
Acheron class Destroyers | |||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger | |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester | |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal | |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
July, 1913
Blonde has been transferred to the Fourth Battle Squadron, to be replaced by Patrol after the end of manoeuvres.[16]
Attached to the First Fleet | |||||
Flotilla Cruiser | |||||
Patrol | |||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Venus | |||||
Acheron class Destroyers | |||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger | |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester | |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal | |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
October, 1913
The First, Second and Third Destroyer Flotillas arrived at Longhope on 30 September and departed on 6 October to participate in combined exercises with the First Fleet in the North Sea.[17]
November, 1913
The new destroyers Firedrake and Lurcher are temporarily assigned to this flotilla, Attentive has replaced Patrol, and the Venus is scheduled to be relieved by the depot ship Woolwich.[18]
Attached to the First Fleet | |||||
Flotilla Cruiser | |||||
Attentive | |||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Venus | |||||
Acheron class Destroyers | |||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger | |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Firedrake | |
Forester | Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | |
Jackal | Lapwing | Lizard | Lurcher | Phoenix | |
Sandfly | Tigress |
January, 1914
Lurcher has transferred to the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla while Firedrake remains attached to the flotilla. Attentive is now part of Seventh Destroyer Flotilla. Venus has gone to the Eleventh Cruiser Squadron. Fearless is now the flotilla cruiser and Woolwich the depot ship.[19]
Attached to the First Fleet | |||||
Flotilla Cruiser | |||||
Fearless | |||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Woolwich | |||||
Acheron class Destroyers | |||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger | |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Firedrake | |
Forester | Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | |
Jackal | Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | |
Tigress |
March, 1914
Firedrake has transferred to the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla.[20]
Attached to the First Fleet | |||||
Flotilla Cruiser | |||||
Fearless | |||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Woolwich | |||||
Acheron class Destroyers | |||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger | |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester | |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal | |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
July, 1914
Unchanged from March. The Commodore (T) directed First Fleet's four flotillas from the flagship, third class protected cruiser Amethyst.[21]
Attached to the First Fleet | |||||
Flotilla Cruiser | |||||
Fearless | |||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Woolwich | |||||
Acheron class Destroyers | |||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger | |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester | |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal | |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
This was very likely the composition at the outbreak of war, when it was less specifically described in other sources.[22][23]
August, 1914
On 13 August, the First and Third Destroyer Flotillas were made part of Rear-Admiral Arthur Henry Christian's new Southern Force. The two flotillas operated out of Harwich under Commodore Tyrwhitt in operations to protect the Belgian coast.[24]
September, 1914
The First Flotilla is still shown as before. The First Fleet's flotilla flagship is now light cruiser Arethusa.[25]
Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters | ||||
Flotilla Cruiser | ||||
Fearless | ||||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
During the month, it was decided that Faulknor should join as the half-flotilla leader and be fitted with a Mark II W/T set, longer mast, No. 2 set of flags and two additional signal ratings,[26] a change that would limit this roster to applying for just September.
October, 1914
Faulknor has joined as the second flagship.[27]
Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters | ||||
Flotilla Cruisers | ||||
Fearless | Faulknor | |||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
On 24 November 1914, while centred in Harwich, the leader and half-flotilla leader were changed to Galatea and Meteor.[28]
December, 1914
The flagships have changed according to the command of 24 November. Also, three newly-completed "M" class destroyers have joined the formerly all-Acheron flotilla, while they await a more permanent posting.[29]
Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters | ||||
Leaders | ||||
Galatea | Meteor | |||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
"M" class Destroyers | ||||
Manly | Mastiff | Minos |
January, 1915
Minos, Manly and Mastiff have been moved to the Third Destroyer Flotilla, pending a move to the still-forming Tenth Destroyer Flotilla. Galatea has also left for a temporary posting in the Second Destroyer Flotilla, replaced by Fearless who is returning from the same. The First Flotilla has also been placed under the command of Vice-Admiral commanding the Third Battle Squadron.[30]
Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters | ||||
Leaders | ||||
Fearless | Meteor | |||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
Battle of Dogger Bank
Fourteen Acheron class destroyers were attached to the Flotilla under light cruiser Aurora in the Battle of Dogger Bank on 24 January. One of these, Attack took Beatty from Lion when the battlecruiser was disabled.[31]
The January roster would last until February or March.
February, 1915
Early in the month, the flotilla with Woolwich transferred from Harwich to South Queensferry to assist the Battle Cruiser Squadron based there.[32]
March, 1915
The flotilla is now under the command of Commander-in-Chief Home Fleets, the roster remaining as in January.[33]
Serving in Home and Atlantic Waters | ||||
Leaders | ||||
Fearless | Meteor | |||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
April, 1915
The flotilla is now attached to the Grand Fleet. Botha has replaced Meteor as second-in-command; Meteor has been sent to the Tenth Destroyer Flotilla.[34]
Attached to the Grand Fleet | ||||
Flotilla Leader | ||||
Fearless | ||||
Flotilla Leader, 2nd in command | ||||
Botha | ||||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Ferret | Forester |
Goshawk | Hind | Hornet | Hydra | Jackal |
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Sandfly | Tigress |
This roster would apply until June, 1916.[35]
Battle of Jutland
- Main article: First D.F. (Royal Navy) at the Battle of Jutland
Nine destroyers led by scout cruiser Fearless screened the Fifth Battle Squadron on its disengaged side during the Run to the South and then served the same duty for the First Battle Cruiser Squadron. Attack and Defender sustained hits from 11-in shells, but kept in the action.[36]
It was organised as follows:[37][38]
- scout cruiser Fearless, flagship, Captain (D) Charles D. Roper
- Acheron, Commander Charles G. Ramsey
- Ariel, Lieutenant-Commander Arthur G. Tippet
- Attack, Lieutenant-Commander Charles H. N. James
- Hydra, Lieutenant Francis G. Glossop
- Badger, Commander Charles A. Fremantle
- Goshawk, Commander Dashwood Fowler Moir
- Defender, Lieutenant-Commander Laurence R. Palmer
- Lizard, Lieutenant-Commander Edward Brooke
- Lapwing, Lieutenant-Commander Alexander H. Gye
At the same time, Phoenix remained in harbour and the flotilla leader Botha and destroyers Jackal, Archer, Tigress and Phoenix were in dockyard hands.[39]
June, 1916
Beaver, Defender, Druid, Ferret, Forester, Hind, Hornet and Sandfly have been detached to screen the Third Battle Squadron, relieving the Third Cruiser Squadron of this duty, as it is presumably now needed to make good cruiser loses of those screening the Battle Fleet at Jutland. Fearless is noted as being a temporary member.[40]
Attached to the Grand Fleet | ||||
Flotilla Cruisers | ||||
Champion | Fearless* | |||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Goshawk | Hydra | Jackal | ||
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix | Tigress |
July, 1916
Tigress has been detached to join the Second Destroyer Flotilla in Devonport, answering to Commander-in-Chief of that port. Fearless remains as a temporary member.[41]
Attached to the Grand Fleet | ||||
Flotilla Cruisers | ||||
Champion | Fearless* | |||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Goshawk | Hydra | Jackal | ||
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix |
This roster would apply until September.[42]
September, 1916
Fearless's temporary assignment as second-in-command has lapsed, and she next appears as flagship of the Twelfth Submarine Flotilla in early 1917.[43][44]
Attached to the Grand Fleet | ||||
Flotilla Cruiser | ||||
Champion | ||||
Depot Ship | ||||
Woolwich | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||
Acheron | Archer | Ariel | Attack | Badger |
Goshawk | Hydra | Jackal | ||
Lapwing | Lizard | Phoenix |
This roster would apply until November.[45]
November, 1916
The Flotilla is no longer screening the Grand Fleet, and Champion has moved to the Thirteenth Destroyer Flotilla, but those destroyers (now numbering seven – Defender is curiously not listed, though she'd been there in October and she'd reappear in December) operating with the Third Battle Squadron now are labelled as the First Destroyer Flotilla, tendered to Dido. Acheron, Archer, Ariel, Attack, Goshawk, Hydra and Lizard have been moved to the Second Destroyer Flotilla, under orders of the Commander-in-Chief of Devonport. Tigress seems to be with an unnamed assortment of ten Acorn class destroyers led by second class protected cruiser H.M.S. Eclipse.[46]
Operating with the Third Battle Squadron | ||||||
Acheron class Destroyers | ||||||
Beaver | Ferret | Hornet | Druid | Forester | Sandfly | Hind |
This roster would apply just for November.
December, 1916
Defender has reappeared with the Flotilla, still working with the Third Battle Squadron and tender to Dido.[47]
Operating with the Third Battle Squadron | |||
Acheron class Destroyers, tenders to Dido | |||
Beaver | Ferret | Hornet | Druid |
Forester | Sandfly | Hind | Defender |
This roster would apply until April, 1917.[48]
April, 1917
No longer working with the Third Battle Squadron, the Flotilla is in Portsmouth.[49]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | |||
Acheron class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | |||
Beaver | Ferret | Hornet | Druid |
Forester | Sandfly | Hind | Defender |
May, 1917
The Flotilla has been augmented by Lark and Linnet, arriving from the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla.[50][51]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | ||||
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Forester | Hind |
Hornet | Lark | Linnet | Sandfly |
This roster would apply until July.[52]
July, 1917
The Flotilla has received further "L" class destroyers Landrail and Lydiard from the neighboring escort flotilla in Portsmouth and Llewellyn and Lucifer from the Sixth Destroyer Flotilla.[53][54]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | ||||
Beaver | Defender | Druid | Forester | Hind |
Hornet | Landrail | Lydiard | Llewellyn | Lark |
Linnet | Lucifer | Sandfly |
August, 1917
Beaver, Druid and Forester have been sent off to the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla.[55]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | ||||
Acheron class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | ||||
Defender | Hind | Hornet | Landrail | Lydiard |
Llewellyn | Lark | Linnet | Lucifer | Sandfly |
September, 1917
Defender, Hind, Hornet and Sandfly have also been sent off to the Fourth Destroyer Flotilla, leaving six destroyers.[56] While the First had long been centered on the Acheron class, it now has just six Laforey class destroyers.
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | |||||
Acheron class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | |||||
Landrail | Lydiard | Llewellyn | Lark | Linnet | Lucifer |
This roster would last until February, 1918.[57]
February, 1918
The Flotilla's six destroyers have all left, replaced by eight "River" class destroyers.[58]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | |||
"River" class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | |||
Arun | Cherwell | Ettrick | Liffey |
Rother | Swale | Teviot | Ure |
March, 1918
The Flotilla is presumably still tender to Victory though this is not specified. Cossack has joined, but she is paid off.[59]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | ||||
"River" class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | ||||
Arun | Cherwell | Cossack* | Ettrick | Liffey |
Rother | Swale | Teviot | Ure |
This roster would last until June.[60][61]
June, 1918
The Flotilla is presumably still tender to Victory though this is not specified. Cossack has left.[62]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | |||
"River" class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | |||
Arun | Cherwell | Ettrick | Liffey |
Rother | Swale | Teviot | Ure |
July, 1918
The Flotilla is in Portsmouth, presumably still tender to Victory though this is not specified. The former submarine (now converted to a surface patrol craft) Swordfish has joined.[63]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | |||
Acheron class Destroyers, tenders to Victory[Inference] | |||
Arun | Cherwell | Ettrick | Liffey |
Rother | Swale | Teviot | Ure |
Swordfish |
This roster would last until sometime between September and November.[64]
November, 1918
The Flotilla is in Portsmouth, presumably still tender to Victory though this is not specified. Swordfish has been dropped and Ettrick and Ure are temporarily detached to Immingham.[65]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | |||
"River" class Destroyers, tenders to Victory | |||
Arun | Cherwell | Ettrick* | Liffey |
Rother | Swale | Teviot | Ure* |
December, 1918
The Flotilla is presumably still tender to Victory though this is not specified. Ettrick and Ure are still temporarily detached to Immingham, and six new "M" class destroyers have joined from the Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla: Medina, Nonpareil, Observer, Offa, Orestes, and Plucky.[66][67]
Under Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth | |||||
Destroyers, tenders to Victory[Inference] | |||||
Arun | Cherwell | Ettrick* | Liffey | ||
Rother | Swale | Teviot | Ure* | ||
Medina | Nonpareil | Observer | Offa | Orestes | Plucky |
January, 1919
The Flotilla is no more, with most its ships "temporarily" at various home ports: Arun, Medina, Nonpareil, Observer, Offa, Orestes and Plucky at Portsmouth, Cherwell, Liffey, Rother, Swale and Teviot at the Nore, and Ettrick and Ure sent to the Seventh Destroyer Flotilla at the Humber.[68]
March, 1919
The Flotilla is reborn as one of seven flotillas of the post-war Grand Fleet, equipped with sixteen modern destroyers, two leaders and a depot ship.
Wallace has come from Devonport and bears the First's Captain (D). Valorous has come in as second-in-command from the Eleventh Destroyer Flotilla, bringing with her Vancouver, Vanessa, Vanity (which is paid off and would remain so until May), Versatile, Viscount Vivacious, Vortigern, Voyager, Walker, Watchman and Wryneck.
Waterhen has come from the Twelfth Destroyer Flotilla and Velox, Warwick and Whirlwind from the Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla, bringing with them their depot ship, Greenwich.[69][70]
Part of the Grand Fleet | |||||
Flagships | |||||
Wallace | Valorous | ||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Greenwich | |||||
"V "& "W" Class Destroyers | |||||
Vanity* | Vanessa | Voyager | Viscount | Vancouver | Velox |
Versatile | Vivacious | Vortigern | Wryneck | Waterhen | Walker |
Walrus | Warwick | Watchman | Whirlwind |
This roster would apply until June, 1919.[71]
June, 1919
Vanity ceased being paid off in May, but in June, the five destroyers marked with asterisks below were temporarily made tenders to Columbine, though they'd revert in July. [72]
Part of the Grand Fleet | |||||
Flagships | |||||
Wallace | Valorous | ||||
Depot Ship | |||||
Greenwich | |||||
"V "& "W" Class Destroyers | |||||
Vanity* | Vanessa | Voyager | Viscount* | Vancouver | Velox |
Versatile | Vivacious | Vortigern* | Wryneck | Waterhen | Walker |
Walrus | Warwick* | Watchman | Whirlwind* |
In July, 1919 the same roster applied.
[TO BE CONTINUED - TONE]
In Command
Dates of appointment given:
- Commodore Edward F. B. Charlton, 27 July, 1909[73] – after 27 June, 1910[74]
- Captain Sir Robert K. Arbuthnot, 29 November, 1910[75] – 1 May, 1912[76] (as Commodore, Second Class)
- Captain Arthur R. Hulbert, 10 May, 1912[77][78] – 12 January, 1913 (Hulbert fell from Blonde and drowned at Harwich[79])
- Captain Thomas L. Shelford, 20 January, 1913[80]
- Captain William F. Blunt, 25 April, 1913[81] – 25 July, 1915[82]
- Captain Charles D. Roper, 27 July, 1915[83] – 8 June, 1916[84] (in command at Battle of Jutland)
- Captain Brien M. Money, 1 March, 1919[85] – 4 April, 1919[86]
- Captain George W. McO. Campbell, 4 April, 1919[87] – 1 December, 1920[88]
- Captain Arthur K. Betty, 1 December, 1920[89][90] – 19 December, 1922[91]
- Captain Sir Andrew B. Cunningham, 19 December, 1922[92] – 1 July, 1924[93]
- Captain Kenneth MacLeod, 1 July, 1924[94] – 1 April, 1925
- Captain Edward O. B. S. Osborne, 1 April, 1925 – October, 1925
- Captain James V. Creagh, 7 July, 1925[95] – October, 1927[96]
- Captain John H. K. Clegg, 11 October, 1927[97] – 7 December, 1929
- Captain Alan R. Dewar, 16 November, 1929[98] – 10 December, 1931[99]
- Captain Edward B. Cloete, 10 December, 1931[100] – December, 1932[101]
- Captain Charles F. Harris, 2 January, 1933[102] – 14 February, 1934[103]
- Captain Harold T. Baillie-Grohman, 10 February, 1934[104]
- Captain Charles M. Blackman, 30 October, 1935[105]
- Captain Charles M. Blackman, 18 May, 1936[106] (this may be a continuation of previous appointment)
- Captain Philip L. Vian, 1936 – 12 October, 1936[107] (vice Blackman)
- Captain George H. Creswell, 2 May, 1938[108] – 1 May, 1939[109]
- Captain George E. Creasy, 8 February, 1940[110] – 16 May, 1940[111]
- Captain George F. Stevens-Guille, 16 May, 1940[112]
- Captain Augustus W. S. Agar, 25 June, 1940[113] – 13 July, 1940[114] (temporary)
Other Personnel
Gunnery Duties
Footnotes
- ↑ The Navy List. (June, 1906). pp. 269, 270a.
- ↑ The Navy List. (June, 1906). pp. 267, 269.
- ↑ "Naval & Military Intelligence." The Times (London, England), Tuesday, 13 August, 1907. Issue 38410, col B, p. 10.
- ↑ Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. p. 73.
- ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 106.
- ↑ The Navy List. (April, 1910). p. 269.
- ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 160.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1912. p. 36.
- ↑ Annual Report of the Torpedo School, 1916. p. 87.
- ↑ Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1906–1921. p. 75.
- ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 160.
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 13 January, 1913. Issue 40107, col B, p. 11.
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 14 January, 1912. Issue 40108, col F, p. 13.
- ↑ "Torpedo Flotilla Organization" The Times (London, England), Saturday, Apr 06, 1912; pg. 4; Issue 39866.
- ↑ The Navy List. (March, 1913). p. 269a.
- ↑ The Navy List. (August, 1913). p. 269a.
- ↑ "Movements of Ships." The Times (London, England), Wednesday, Oct 01, 1913; pg. 11; Issue 40331.
- ↑ The Navy List. (December, 1913). p. 269a.
- ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1914). p. 269a.
- ↑ The Navy List. (April, 1914). p. 269a.
- ↑ Admiralty Weekly Order No. 109 of 10 July 1914.
- ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 164.
- ↑ Dittmar; Colledge. British Warships 1914–1919. p. 15.
- ↑ See Southern Force (Royal Navy)
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September 1914). p. 11.
- ↑ Grand Fleet Conferences, 1914. p. 104.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1914). p. 11.
- ↑ Grand Fleet Conferences, 1914. pp. 218-219.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1914). p. 11.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1915). p. 11.
- ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 123.
- ↑ Smith. Hard Lying. p. 121.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1915). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1915). pp. 11, 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1915). p. 11 and Supplements through June, 1916.
- ↑ March. British Destroyers. p. 123.
- ↑ Naval Operations. Volume III. pp. 429-30.
- ↑ Battle of Jutland Official Despatches. pp. 46-7.
- ↑ Naval Operations. Volume III. pp. 429-30.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1916). pp. 12, 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1916). pp. 12, 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1916). p. 12, and September's Supplement.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1916). p. 12.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1917). p. 12.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1916). p. 12.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1916). pp. 12, 13, 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1916). p. 13.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1917). p. 13, and Supplements through April, less February.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1917). pp. 13, 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1917). p. 15.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1917). pp. 14,15.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (September, 1917). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (October, 1917). p. 14, and Supplements through February.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1918). p. 14.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1918). p. 16.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1918). p. 16.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (May, 1918). p. 16.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1918). p. 16.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (July, 1918). p. 16.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (August, 1918). p. 16. No Supplement for September or October was found.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1918). p. 16.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (December, 1918). p. 16.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (November, 1918). p. 12.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (January, 1919). pp. 15, 19, 20.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (March, 1919). p. 11.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (February, 1919). pp. 12, 20.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (April, 1919). p. 11 and May's Supplement.
- ↑ Supplement to the Monthly Navy List. (June, 1919). p. 11.
- ↑ Charlton Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 282.
- ↑ "The Mobilization of the Fleet" The Times. Monday, 27 June, 1910.
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Thursday, 13 October, 1910. Issue 39402, col B, p. 9.
- ↑ Arbuthnot Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/42. f. 202.
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Tuesday, 23 April, 1912. Issue 39880, col G, p. 16.
- ↑ March. British Destroyers. pp. 160-161.
- ↑ "Naval and Military Intelligence" (Official Appointments and Notices). The Times. Monday, 13 January, 1913. Issue 40107, col B, p. 11.
- ↑ The Navy List. (March, 1913). p. 286.
- ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1913). p. 286.
- ↑ Blunt Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/43. f. 109.
- ↑ Roper Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/151. f. 169.
- ↑ Roper Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/151. f. 169.
- ↑ Money Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/45. f. 215.
- ↑ Money Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/45. f. 215.
- ↑ Campbell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/341. f. 341.
- ↑ Campbell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44/341. f. 341.
- ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1921). p. 897.
- ↑ Betty Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 397.
- ↑ Betty Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/44. f. 397.
- ↑ Cunningham Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/47. f. 286.
- ↑ Cunningham Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/47. f. 286.
- ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1924). p. 287.
- ↑ Creagh Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/49/95. f. 220.
- ↑ Creagh Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/49/95. f. 220.
- ↑ The Navy List. (January, 1928). p. 255.
- ↑ Dewar Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/241. f. 297.
- ↑ Dewar Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/50/241. f. 297.
- ↑ Cloete Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/91. f. 181.
- ↑ Cloete Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/91. f. 181.
- ↑ Harris Service Record The National Archives. ADM 196/50/347. f. 346.
- ↑ Harris Service Record The National Archives. ADM 196/50/347. f. 346.
- ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1934). p. 235.
- ↑ "Naval Appointments." The Times (London, England), 17 Aug. 1935, p. 15.
- ↑ The Navy List. (July, 1937). p. 245.
- ↑ Vian Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/56/158. f. 160.
- ↑ Creswell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/79. f. 439.
- ↑ Creswell Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/79. f. 439.
- ↑ Creasy Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/118/6. f. 6.
- ↑ Stevens-Guille Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/121/130. f. 130.
- ↑ Stevens-Guille Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/121/130. f. 130.
- ↑ Agar Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/301. f. 656.
- ↑ Agar Service Record. The National Archives. ADM 196/52/301. f. 656.
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 |