The Royal Navy's cruiser squadrons contained a maximum of five to six ships but down as low as two to three ships.

[2] The 8th Cruiser Squadron was a temporary naval unit attached to the Third Fleet.

The then Admiral of Patrols, Rear-Admiral J. M. de Robeck, assumed command on 26 July 1914, (for Test Mobilisation), however the squadron was never officially constituted.

[4] In 1924/25 the 8th Light Cruiser Squadron was re-designated 8th Cruiser Squadron and came under the direct command of the Commander-in-Chief North America and West Indies until 1942.

[5][6] Of note: The squadron was under direct command of the Commander-in-Chief, North America and West Indies[7][8]