In August 1914, the 2nd Battlecruiser Squadron was in the Mediterranean, and consisted of:[1] On 15 January 1915, HMS New Zealand became flagship of the 2nd BCS.

She was replaced as flagship by the Australian battlecruiser HMAS Australia on 8 February 1915.

With the transfer of HMS Inflexible and Indomitable to the newly created 3rd Battlecruiser Squadron during 1915, the squadron was left with three ships, namely HMS New Zealand and Indefatigable, and HMAS Australia.

HMAS Australia was damaged in collision with HMS New Zealand on 22 April 1916, and did not participate in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May 1916.

For the remainder of the war, the squadron comprised:[1] Post holders included:[3]