Channel Force


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

Rear-Admirals commanding

Post holders included:

Components

UnitDateNotes
13rd Battle Squadron3 September - 7 October 19392 battleships
2Aircraft Carriers3 September - 7 October 19392 aircraft carriers, HMS Hermes - HMS Courageous,
3Cruisers3 September - 7 October 19392 CL, HMS Ceres, HMS Caradoc - 1 CAA, HMS Cairo
412th Destroyer Flotilla3 September - 7 October 193910 destroyers
518th Destroyer Flotilla3 September - 7 October 19392 Destroyer Divisions 35 and 36