15th Cruiser Squadron
Active1940–1946
CountryUnited Kingdom
AllegianceBritish Empire
BranchRoyal Navy
EngagementsBattle of Crete
First Battle of Sirte
Second Battle of Sirte
Operation Vigorous
Commanders
Notable
commanders		Rear-Admiral Sir Philip L. Vian

The 15th Cruiser Squadron, also known as Force K, [1] was a formation of cruisers of the British Royal Navy from 1940 to 1946.

History

The squadron was formed in May 1940 and was assigned to the Home Fleet.[2] In 1941[citation needed] it was transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet where it remained for the duration of World War II. In May 1941 it served in the Battle of Crete, with its ships dispersed into several different Forces. For the duration of the battle, Rear Admiral Edward L. S. King was given command of Force C, which comprised a mixture of cruisers and destroyers.[3] On 17 December 1941 the squadron was involved in the First Battle of Sirte against the Regia Marina (Italian Navy).[4] On 22 March 1942 the squadron was involved in the Second Battle of Sirte against the Italian Fleet. Between 12 and 16 June 1942 it took part in Operation Vigorous.[5] From 22 January to 5 June 1944 the squadron provided support during the Battle of Anzio. In June 1946 it was re-designated the 1st Cruiser Squadron.[6]

Commodore/Rear/Vice-Admiral Commanding

Included:[7][8]

Rank Flag Name Term Notes
Commodore/Rear/Vice-Admiral Commanding, 15th Cruiser Squadron
1 Vice-Admiral Edward L. S. King July 1940 – October 1941 Served as Rear-Admiral until 30 May 1941
2 Rear-Admiral Sir Philip L. Vian October 1941 – September 1942
3 Rear-Admiral Arthur J. Power September 1942 – May 1943
4 Rear-Admiral Cecil H.J. Harcourt May 1943 – January 1944
5 Rear-Admiral John M. Mansfield January 1944 – March 1945
6 Commodore Maurice J. Mansergh March 1945 – January 1946
7 Rear-Admiral Harold R.G. Kinahan January–June 1946

References

Footnotes

  1. ^ O'Hara, Vincent P. (2012). In Passage Perilous: Malta and the Convoy Battles of June 1942. Bloomington, Indiana, USA: Indiana University Press. p. 46. ISBN 978-0253006035.
  2. ^ Association, HMS Dido (2014). HMS Dido. Bloomington, Indiana, USA.: Author House. p. 40. ISBN 9781496991973.
  3. ^ "Cunningham, A. B., The Battle of Crete, Despatch to the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, 4 August 1941". The London Gazette (Supplement). No. 38296. 21 May 1948. pp. 3103–3119.
  4. ^ O'Hara, Vincent P. (2012). In Passage Perilous: Malta and the Convoy Battles of June 1942. Bloomington, Indiana, USA.: Indiana University Press. p. 92. ISBN 978-0253006035.
  5. ^ Thomas, David A. (1999). Malta Convoys 1940-42: The Struggle at Sea. Barnsley, England: Pen and Sword. p. 167. ISBN 9780850526639.
  6. ^ Watson, Graham. "Royal Navy Organisation in World War 2, 1939-1945". www.naval-history.net. Gordon Smith, 19 September 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  7. ^ Watson, Dr. "Royal Navy Organization in World War 2, 1939-1945". www.naval-history.net. Gordon Smith, 19 September 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  8. ^ Mackie, Gordon. "Royal Navy Senior Appointments from 1865" (PDF). gulabin.com. Gordon Mackie, p.214. February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.

Sources

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