2nd Division (Royal Navy) explained

Unit Name:2nd Division
Dates:March 1909–May 1912
Country: United Kingdom
Type:Division
Structure
Parent:Home Fleet
Subordinate:

The 2nd Division was a naval formation of the British Home Fleet it was formed before First World War in March 1909 and was active until May 1912.

History

In March 1909 following a re-organisation of the British Fleet the Channel Fleet was absorbed by the Home Fleet, while the former Channel Fleet became the Home Fleet's first and second divisions. These new divisions were made up of an 8-12 ship battle squadron that included either dreadnought battleships or pre-dreadnought battleships all remaining components of the former Home Fleet as it then stood became the third and fourth divisions that was a single command under a vice-admiral. The third and fourth division was assigned to major home commands as a reserve force.

The 2nd Battle Squadron of the 2nd Division contained ten to twelve older battleships, the 2nd Cruiser Squadron was formed using armored cruisers whilst the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla had four scout cruiser leaders assigned to it during its tenure plus 21 other destroyers of different classes.

Vice-admirals commanding 2nd Division

Post holders included:[1] [2]

Rank Flag Name Term
Vice-admirals commanding 2nd Division
1 Vice-Admiral 24 March 1909 - 9 August 1910
2 Vice-Admiral Sir George A. Callaghan 9 August 1910 - 19 October 1911
3 Vice-Admiral 19 October 1911 - May 1912

Rear admirals in the Second Division

Post holders included:[3]

Rank Flag Name Term
Rear admirals in the Second Division
1 Rear-Admiral 24 March 1909 - 9 October 1909
2 Rear-Admiral 9 October 1909 - 19 October 1910
3 Rear-Admiral 19 October 1910 - 19 October 1911
4 Rear-Admiral 19 October 1911 -May 1912

Components

Included:

UnitDates Notes
12nd Battle Squadron, 2nd Division(10-12, pre-dreadnought battleships)
22nd Cruiser Squadron(6, armored cruisers)
31st Destroyer Flotilla(4 scout cruiser, leaders & 21 destroyers)
42nd Destroyer FlotillaFebruary 1909 to May 1912forming in Feb

References

. Arthur Marder. From Dreadnought to Scapa Flow: The Royal Navy in the Fisher Era. I: The Road to War 1904–1914. 2013 . 1961. Naval Institute Press. Annapolis, Maryland. 9781-59114-259-1.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mackie. Gordon. Royal Navy Senior Appointments from 1865. gulabin.com. Gordon Mackie, p.200. December 2017. 29 December 2017.
  2. Web site: Harley. Simon. Lovell. Tony. Home Fleet (Royal Navy) Second Division - The Dreadnought Project. www.dreadnoughtproject.org. Harley and Lovell, 12 May 2015. en.
  3. Harley and Lovell. 2015