1st Destroyer Squadron (United Kingdom)


The 1st Destroyer Squadron was an administrative unit of the Royal Navy from 1951 to 1970.

Operational history

Originally established as the 1st Destroyer Flotilla in 1947 it was renamed in 1st Destroyer Squadron in October 1951. During its existence, the squadron included C-class and Battle-class destroyers and Leander-class frigates. Ships from the squadron saw service in the Mediterranean Fleet, the Far East Fleet, in the Beira Patrol and as part of the Standing Naval Force Atlantic.
Of note: Command structure organizational changes took place within Royal Navy post war period the term Flotilla was previously applied to a tactical unit until 1951 which led to the creation of three specific Flag Officers, Flotillas responsible for the Eastern, Home and Mediterranean fleets the existing destroyer flotillas were re-organized now as administrative squadrons.

Squadron commander

CommanderShipDates
Captain Charles E. KeysHMS ChequersOctober 1951-April 1953
Captain Ralph C.M. DuckworthHMS ChequersApril 1953-June 1954
Captain Hugh S. MackenzieJune 1954 -November 1955
Captain Arthur E.T. ChristieNovember 1955-May 1957
Captain Robert L. AlexanderMay 1957-November 1958
Captain Herbert J. LeeHMS SolebayNovember 1958-June 1960
Captain John SmallwoodHMS SolebayJune 1960-1962
Captain Thomas W. StockerMarch 1965-October 1966
Captain Roger E. Wykes-SneydHMS DidoOctober 1966-May 1968
Captain James W.M. PertweeMay 1968-January 1970