Western Squadron | |
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Active | origin,1650-1690 formally established 1746-1854 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Allegiance | British Empire |
Branch | Royal Navy |
Type | Squadron |
Role | Blockade Patrol Trade Protection |
Garrison/HQ | Plymouth Dockyard, England |
Engagements | First Battle of Cape Finisterre (1747) Second Battle of Cape Finisterre (1747) Battle of Quiberon Bay Battle of Ushant (1778) |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Admiral Edward Hawke |
The Western Squadron[1] was a squadron or formation of the Royal Navy based at Plymouth Dockyard.[2] It operated in waters of the English Channel, the Western Approaches, and the North Atlantic. It defended British trade sea lanes from 1650 to 1814 and 1831 to 1854.[3] Following Admiralty orders to Lord Anson he was instructed to combine all existing commands in the English Channel - those at the Downs, Narrow Seas, Plymouth and the Spithead - under a centralized command under the Commander-in-Chief, Western Squadron in 1746.[4] The squadron was commanded by the Flag Officer with the dual title of Commander-in-Chief, English Channel [5] and Commander-in-Chief, Western Squadron[6]
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