The 1st Division was a formation of the Home Fleet of the Royal Navy.[1] It briefly existed before the First World War from 1909 to 1912.
1st Division | |
---|---|
Active | March 1909–April 1912 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | Royal Navy |
Type | Division |
In March 1909 following a Navy re-organisation, the Home Fleet absorbed the Channel Fleet,[2] which became its First and Second divisions. Each division consisted of A battle squadron that had eight ships.[3] This was essentially a reserve force allocated to major home commands.[4] The new Dreadnought class battleships were allocated to the 1st Battle Squadron - 1st Division, Home Fleet.[4] The Royal Navy's Battle Cruisers were posted to the 1st Cruiser Squadron. The Atlantic Fleet managed to survive the organisational changes. The first division existed until 1912 when it re-styled 1st Battle Squadron.[4]
Rank | Flag | Name | Term | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rear-Admirals in the First Division | ||||
1 | Rear-Admiral | Charles J. Briggs | March, 1909 - 5 January, 1910 | |
2 | Rear-Admiral | F. C. Doveton Sturdee | 5 January, 1910 - 5 January, 1911 | |
3 | Rear-Admiral | Richard H. Peirse | 5 January, 1911 - 5 January, 1912 | |
4 | Rear-Admiral | Charles E. Madden | 5 January, 1912 -May 1912 |
Unit | Notes | |
---|---|---|
1 | 1st Battle Squadron, 1st Division | 8 (dreadnoughts) |
2 | 1st Cruiser Squadron | (6 battle cruisers) |
3 | 1st Destroyer Flotilla | (4 cruiser leaders & 19 destroyers ) |