[1][2] The squadron was formed as part of an initiative by the Entente Powers to keep the Russian Empire in the First World War.

[2] The squadron was originally placed under the command of Rear Admiral Thomas Kemp with the Canopus-class predreadnought HMS Glory as his flagship.

There was also the cruiser HMS Vindictive (1897),[3] a depot ship, an armed boarding vessel and a variety of trawlers and drifters which had been converted to function as minesweepers.

Green became senior British naval officer in northern Russia, relieving Admiral Kemp, who returned home.

[5] The squadron returned to England in September 1919, shortly after the ratification of peace with Germany, with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles.