Flying Squadron (Royal Navy)
Encyclopedia
The Flying Squadron was a special British Royal Navy
squadron that operated during 1896.
Following the Jameson Raid
in South Africa
, the German Emperor Wilhelm II sent a telegram of support to President Kruger. This led to a war scare in Europe. To ready itself for the possibility of a war with the German Empire
, the Royal Navy formed the Particular Service Squadron at England, on 14 January 1896. It was soon renamed the Flying Squadron. Its flagship was battleship HMS Revenge
, and among other ships in the squadron was battleship HMS Royal Oak
.
The Flying Squadron was held in readiness for ten months, and briefly was attached to the Mediterranean Fleet
in mid-1896. No war broke out, and the Flying Squadron was disbanded in November 1896.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
squadron that operated during 1896.
Following the Jameson Raid
Jameson Raid
The Jameson Raid was a botched raid on Paul Kruger's Transvaal Republic carried out by a British colonial statesman Leander Starr Jameson and his Rhodesian and Bechuanaland policemen over the New Year weekend of 1895–96...
in South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
, the German Emperor Wilhelm II sent a telegram of support to President Kruger. This led to a war scare in Europe. To ready itself for the possibility of a war with the German Empire
German Empire
The German Empire refers to Germany during the "Second Reich" period from the unification of Germany and proclamation of Wilhelm I as German Emperor on 18 January 1871, to 1918, when it became a federal republic after defeat in World War I and the abdication of the Emperor, Wilhelm II.The German...
, the Royal Navy formed the Particular Service Squadron at England, on 14 January 1896. It was soon renamed the Flying Squadron. Its flagship was battleship HMS Revenge
HMS Revenge (1892)
HMS Revenge was a pre-dreadnought battleship of the Royal Sovereign class of the British Royal Navy. She was renamed HMS Redoubtable in 1915. HMS Revenge notably served as the flagship of the Flying Squadron and bombarding the coast of Flanders during World War I before being refitted as an...
, and among other ships in the squadron was battleship HMS Royal Oak
HMS Royal Oak (1892)
HMS Royal Oak was a pre-dreadnought Royal Navy battleship of the seven-ship Royal Sovereign class.-Technical Characteristics:Royal Oak was ordered under the Naval Defence Act Programme of 7 March 1889 and built by Cammell Laird at Birkenhead at a cost of £977,996. She was launched on 5 November 1892...
.
The Flying Squadron was held in readiness for ten months, and briefly was attached to the Mediterranean Fleet
Mediterranean Fleet
Several countries have or have had a Mediterranean Fleet in their navy. See:* Mediterranean Fleet * French Mediterranean Fleet* Mediterranean Squadron * United States Sixth Fleet...
in mid-1896. No war broke out, and the Flying Squadron was disbanded in November 1896.