On 5 August 1914, the squadron had eight ships:[1] King Edward VII, Africa, Britannia, Commonwealth, Dominion, Hibernia, Hindustan, and Zealandia.

[3] At the time of the Battle of Jutland, the squadron consisted of: Dreadnought (flagship of Vice-Admiral E. E. Bradford), Africa, Commonwealth, Hibernia, Dominion, Hindustan, Zealandia and Britannia, plus the protected cruiser Diamond.

Starting in November 1917, the 3rd Battle Squadron progressively shrank in size as its predreadnoughts were gradually detached for other duties.

Seaborn was to provide a shore base with administrative and maintenance facilities for the Swordfish and Walrus aircraft assigned to ships of the Third Battle Squadron.

In 1945, the Squadron consisted of two battleships, Queen Elizabeth and the Free French Richelieu, as well another two escort carriers, four cruisers and six destroyers.

Two battleships and escort carriers formed part of the covering force for Operation Dracula, the retaking of Rangoon.