In August 1914, the 6th Battle Squadron was based at Portland and comprised a number of the older pre-dreadnought battleships it was then assigned to the Second Fleet[1] these included: HMS Lord Nelson and Agamemnon transferred to the 5th Battle Squadron in late 1914.

On 13 November 1917, Rear Admiral Hugh Rodman broke his flag in USS New York as Commander, Battleship Division 9.

After preparations for "distant service", USS Wyoming, New York, Delaware, and Florida sailed for the British Isles on 25 November and reached Scapa Flow, Orkney Islands, on 7 December 1917.

Although retaining their American designation as Battleship Division 9, those four dreadnoughts became the Sixth Battle Squadron of the British Grand Fleet upon arrival in British waters.

The U.S. Battleships serving in the 6th Battle Squadron were: Post holders as follows:[2][3] Note: RADMHFSNORE Rear-Admiral, Home Fleets at the Nore.