Channel Force

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Channel Force
Naval Ensign of the United Kingdom.svg
Active1939
CountryUnited Kingdom
AllegianceBritish Empire
BranchRoyal Navy
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Lancelot E. Holland

The Channel Force was a temporary squadron of the British Royal Navy during World War Two that was based at Portland, England from September to October 1939.

History[]

The Channel Force was a powerful squadron established at Portland on 3 September 1939 to deal with any attempt by the Germans to operate light forces in the southern part of the North Sea, certain cruisers and destroyers were detached from the Home Fleet to be based on the Humber. It was under direct operational control by the Admiralty as part of the Portsmouth Command until 7 October 1939 when it was dispersed.[1]

The force was formed with ships from both Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth and Commander-in-Chief, Plymouth.[2]

Rear-Admirals commanding[]

Post holders included:[3]

Rank Flag Name Term
Rear-Admiral Commanding, Channel Force
1 Rear-Admiral Flag of Rear-Admiral - Royal Navy.svg Lancelot E. Holland 3 September - 7 October 1939

Components[]

Distribution of the force included:[2]
Unit Date Notes
1 3rd Battle Squadron 3 September - 7 October 1939 2 battleships [3]
2 Aircraft Carriers 3 September - 7 October 1939 2 aircraft carriers, HMS Hermes - HMS Courageous,[2][3]
3 Cruisers 3 September - 7 October 1939 2 CL, HMS Ceres, HMS Caradoc - 1 CAA, HMS Cairo[2][3]
4 12th Destroyer Flotilla 3 September - 7 October 1939 10 destroyers [2]
5 3 September - 7 October 1939 2 Destroyer Divisions 35 and 36 [2][3]

References[]

  1. ^ Roskill, S.W. (2004). "IV". The war at sea : 1939-1945 : history of the second world war. Uckfield, Eng.: Naval and Military Press. p. 44. ISBN 1843428032.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Watson, Dr Graham. "Royal Navy Organisation in World War 2, 1939-1945". www.naval-history.net. Gordon Smith, 19 September 2015. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
  3. ^ a b c d e Niehorster, Dr. Leo. "Channel Force, Royal Navy, 3.09.39". niehorster.org. Leo Niehorster, 1 May 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2018.
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