The squadron changed composition often as ships were damaged, retired or transferred.

On 5 August 1914, the squadron was constituted as follows:[2] By January 1915, the composition had changed slightly:[2] As an element in the Grand Fleet, the squadron participated in the Battle of Jutland.

HMS Dreadnought rejoined the squadron as flagship in March 1918.

The squadron was dispersed in February 1919, appears to have been formally dissolved in March 1919, but then reformed.

In September 1920 Rear Admiral Richard Webb was posted to the Mediterranean as Rear-Admiral 4th Battle Squadron and Second-in-Command, Mediterranean Fleet.