Flying Squadron (United Kingdom)

[2][3] Rear-Admiral Geoffrey Hornby commanded the squadron from 19 June 1869 – 15 November 1870,[4] flying his flag from HMS Liverpool (1860).

The second Flying Squadron was formed in 1870, mostly made up of wooden ships, but including the very new corvette HMS Volage,[5] which circumnavigated the world to "show the flag".

[8] Following the Jameson Raid in South Africa, the German Emperor Wilhelm II sent a telegram of support to President Kruger.

To ready itself for the possibility of a war with the German Empire, the Royal Navy formed the Particular Service Squadron at Portsmouth, on 14 January 1896.

The Flying Squadron was held in readiness for ten months, and briefly was attached to the Mediterranean Fleet in mid-1896.

Departure of the Flying Squadron from Portsmouth for the Baltic in 1855. Illustrated London News
The British Flying Squadron of 1869 leaving False Bay, Cape of Good Hope, showing Liverpool (1860), Rattlesnake (1861), Scylla (1856), Endymion (1865), Bristol (1861), Barrosa (1860), and Seringapatam (1819). Illustrated London News 1869
The Flying Squadron of 1869 under Rear-Admiral Hornby at Wellington, with ships Rosario , Barossa , Endymion , Scylla , Liverpool , Phoebe and Liffey .
The newly commissioned Particular Service Squadron of 1896, a view of HMS Gibraltar , HMS Royal Oak , HMS Revenge , HMS Hermione , HMS Theseus , and HMS Charybdis . The Graphic 1898