3rd and 4th Divisions (Royal Navy)
The 3rd and 4th Divisions was a naval formation of the Home Fleet, Royal Navy. It was created before the First World War from March 1909 until May 1912.
In March 1909, following a Royal Navy re-organisation, the Channel Fleet was absorbed by the Home Fleet. The ships in home waters, including the former Channel Fleet, then became the Home Fleet's First and Second Divisions. The former Home Fleet as it then stood became the Third and Fourth Divisions, which was actually a single formation under a vice-admiral. These new divisions was made up of an 8-12 ship battle squadron that included either dreadnought battleships or pre-dreadnought battleships. Within the Home Fleet there were two levels of availability - the ships of the 1st and 2nd Divisions which were fully operational, and those of the 3rd and 4th divisions that were either in reserve or partially manned.
Vice-Admirals Commanding 3rd and 4th Divisions
Rear Admirals in the 3rd and 4th Divisions
Devonport Division
Components
# | Unit | Notes |
1 | Pre-dreadnought battleships | |
2 | 5th Destroyer Flotilla | |
3 | 7th Destroyer Flotilla | |
4 | Devonport Submarine Flotilla | |
5 | I Submarine Flotilla | |
6 | VI Submarine Flotilla |
Nore Division
The Rear-Admiral Commanding, Nore Division, Home Fleet from 4 January, 1909 - 5 January, 1910 was Rear Admiral Charles J. Briggs.Components
# | Unit | Notes |
1 | Pre-dreadnought battleships | |
2 | 3rd Destroyer Flotilla | |
3 | Nore Submarine Flotilla | |
4 | III Submarine Flotilla | |
5 | VII Submarine Flotilla |
Portsmouth Division
Components
# | Unit | Notes |
1 | Pre-dreadnought battleship | |
2 | 4th Destroyer Flotilla | |
3 | Portsmouth Submarine Flotilla | |
4 | II Submarine Flotilla | |
5 | IV Submarine Flotilla | |
6 | V Submarine Flotilla |