Channel Squadron (England) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Channel Squadron |
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Flag of the Navy Royal 1485 to 1603
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| Active | 1512–1649 |
| Country |  England Kingdom of England |
| Type | Squadron |
| Role | Cruising, and Patroling |
| Part of | Navy Royal |
| Garrison/HQ | Portsmouth, Hampshire, England Plymouth, Devon, England |
| Commanders | |
| First | Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Howard |
| Last | Vice-Admiral Sir William Batten |
| Notable commanders |
Vice-Admiral, Sir William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham Vice-Admiral Sir Francis Drake |
The Channel Squadron, also known as the Western Squadron, was a group of naval ships. It was first formed by the English Tudor Navy Royal in the 1500s. This squadron helped protect England's coasts.
Later, during a time called the Interregnum, a Channel Squadron was part of the Commonwealth Navy. In the 1700s, it became part of the Royal Navy. The squadron was usually led by an officer called the Vice-Admiral in the Channel.
History of the Squadron
The English Navy started organizing its ships into smaller groups called squadrons a very long time ago, even before the 1500s. By the 16th century, this way of organizing was common.
A Channel Squadron began operating from Portsmouth around 1523. By 1560, the Navy Royal had four main squadrons. These included one in the Channel (also called the Western Squadron), one in the Irish Sea, one in the Narrow Seas (Eastern), and another in the North Sea.
The Spanish Armada
During the famous Spanish Armada campaign in 1588, a part of the main English fleet was sent to Plymouth. This group was called the Western Squadron. It was commanded by Vice-Admiral Sir Francis Drake.
From 1509 until 1649, officers who commanded these fleets or squadrons were called Vice-Admirals. This title showed they were junior to the main naval leader, the Lord Admiral of England. These important officers were officially chosen by the King or Queen.
Later Years
From 1709, a new Channel Squadron of the Royal Navy was managed from Spithead, Hampshire, England. It was commanded by Sir John Norris.
Leaders of the Channel Squadron
The Vice-Admiral in the Channel was a very important job in the Navy Royal. This role was created in 1512. The Vice-Admiral in the Channel was in charge of the Channel Squadron until 1649. They reported to the Lord Admiral of England.
By 1560, there were four Vice-Admirals in the English Navy. Each one commanded a different group of ships.
Here are some of the people who held this important position:
- Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Howard, 1512–1514.
- Vice-Admiral, William FitzWilliam, 1523–1524.
- Vice-Admiral Sir George Carew, 1544–1545.
- Vice-Admiral, Sir William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham, May 1545.
- Vice-Admiral, William Wynter, 1545–1547.
- Vice-Admiral, John Clere, 1548.
- Vice-Admiral Sir Ralph Chamberlain 1556–October 1558.
- Vice-Admiral Sir William Woodhouse, October 1558 - January 1559.
- Vice-Admiral Sir Francis Drake, 1588–1589.
- Rear-Admiral, Sir Robert Mansell, 1600–1601.
- Vice-Admiral, Sir Robert Mansell, 1603–1604.
- Vice-Admiral, Sir Edward Cecil 1625.
- Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex, 1626-?.
- Vice-Admiral, Sir Thomas Rainsborough, May–June 1648.
- Vice-Admiral Sir William Batten, June 1648 - 1649.
