The South America Station was a formation of the Royal Navy which existed from 1808 to 1838 when it was split into the Pacific Station and the South East Coast of America Station.
Following the invasion of Portugal by Napoleon, the Portuguese court escaped to Brazil with an escort of the Royal Navy under the command of Admiral Sidney Smith. Following the establishment of the Portuguese Court in Rio de Janeiro in early 1808, was shortly followed by the reinforcement of Smith's escort and the establishment of the Brazil or South America Station.
The commander-in-chief heading the formation played a diplomatic role in South America in the early nineteenth century as the British diplomatic service was limited to having a representative in Brazil.
Commanders-in-chief List of commanders-in-chief, South America (1808–1837) Commander-in-chief From Until NotesRear Admiral William Sidney Smith25 January 180817 May 1809Vice Admiral Michael de Courcy18 May 18091812Rear Admiral Manley Dixon18121816Commodore William Bowles181617 May 1819Commodore Thomas Hardy18 May 181916 November 1823Rear Admiral George Eyre16 November 18231826Rear Admiral Robert Otway1826 1829Later promoted to Admiral, flagship was Rear Admiral Thomas Baker 9 January 1829 January 1833 Promoted to vice admiral 10 January 1837Rear Admiral Sir Michael Seymour 1 January 1833 9 July 1834 Died en route to stationCommodore Francis Mason July 1834 16 September 1834 Temporary command after death of SeymourVice Admiral Graham Hammond 16 September 1834 17 May 1838 Promoted to Vice Admiral 10 January 1837
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