Commander-in-Chief, North Sea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Commander-in-Chief, North Sea |
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| Department of Admiralty | |
| Reports to | Admiral of the Fleet |
| Nominator | First Lord of the Admiralty |
| Appointer | First Lord of the Admiralty
Subject to formal approval by the King-in-Council
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| Term length | Not fixed , (usually 1-3 years) |
| Inaugural holder | Rear-Admiral of the Blue the Hon. John Byng |
| Formation | 1745-1815 |
The Commander-in-Chief, North Sea was a very important job in the British Royal Navy. This person was in charge of the navy's operations in the North Sea. Their main base was first at Great Yarmouth from 1745 to 1802. Later, it moved to Ramsgate from 1803 until 1815. The person holding this position commanded the entire North Sea Fleet.
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History of the North Sea Command
The North Sea has always been a key area for naval control. Even as far back as the 13th to 15th centuries, there was an "Admiral of the North." This admiral was based at Yarmouth. This role eventually joined with the new "Admiral of England" position.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, leaders called Vice Admirals were sometimes put in charge. They commanded the North Sea Squadron. From 1652 to 1654, Yarmouth was a major base for the Royal Navy. This was especially true during the First Anglo-Dutch War.
Forming the Commander-in-Chief Role
A more permanent role was created in 1745. This was the Commander-in-Chief, North Sea. This officer was fully responsible for the North Sea Fleet. The fleet often anchored at Yarmouth Roads.
The North Sea Fleet is famous for its big win at the Battle of Camperdown. This battle happened on October 11, 1797. The British fleet fought against the Dutch Navy and won a major victory.
Fleet's Role in Wars
The fleet also worked to protect trade ships. This became very important as the Napoleonic Wars were starting. Later, the fleet helped to blockade enemy ports. Blockading means stopping ships from entering or leaving a port. This prevents supplies from reaching the enemy.
The fleet also played a big part in defending Britain. This was during Napoleon's planned invasion of the United Kingdom from 1803 to 1805.
In May 1804, the North Sea Fleet became very large. It had about 170 to 179 ships. These ships were divided into different groups called squadrons. Each squadron was led by an experienced admiral.
End of the Command
The Commander-in-Chief, North Sea role ended in 1815. Its duties were then taken over by the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore. The Admiralty changed the responsibilities of this other command.
Commanders-in-Chief, North Sea
Many important naval officers held this position. Here is a list of some of them:
- Rear-Admiral John Byng, 1745–1746.
- Rear-Admiral Thomas Smith, 1746–1747.
- Commodore John Towry, 1747.
- Vice-Admiral Hyde Parker, 1781-1782.
- Commodore Keith Stewart, 1782.
- Rear-Admiral John Lockhart-Ross, 1782.
- Vice-Admiral Mark Milbanke, 1782–1783.
- Vice-Admiral Samuel Hood, 1790.
- Rear-Admiral Henry Harvey, 1794–1795.
- Vice-Admiral Lord Duncan, 1795-1800.
- Admiral Archibald Dickson, 1800-1802.
- Admiral Lord Keith, 1803-07.
- Rear-Admiral Thomas Macnamara Russell, 1807-1810.
- Rear-Admiral Sir Richard Strachan, 1809–1810.
- Vice-Admiral Sir Edward Pellew, 1810–1811.
- Admiral Sir William Young, 1811–1815.
