1st Division (Royal Navy)


The 1st Division was a formation of the Home Fleet of the Royal Navy. It briefly existed before the First World War from 1909 to 1912.

History

In March 1909 following a Navy re-organisation, the Home Fleet absorbed the Channel Fleet, which became its First and Second divisions. Each division consisted of A battle squadron that had eight ships. This was essentially a reserve force allocated to major home commands. The new Dreadnought class battleships were allocated to the 1st Battle Squadron - 1st Division, Home Fleet. 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.

Rear-Admirals in the 1st Division

Components

UnitNotes
11st Battle Squadron, 1st Division8
21st Cruiser Squadron
31st Destroyer Flotilla

Footnotes