The 2nd Division was a naval formation of the British Home Fleet it was formed before First World War in March 1909 and was active until May 1912.
History In March 1909 following a re-organisation of the British Fleet the Channel Fleet was absorbed by the Home Fleet, while the former Channel Fleet became the Home Fleet's first and second divisions. These new divisions were made up of an 8-12 ship battle squadron that included either dreadnought battleships or pre-dreadnought battleships all remaining components of the former Home Fleet as it then stood became the third and fourth divisions that was a single command under a vice-admiral. The third and fourth division was assigned to major home commands as a reserve force.
The 2nd Battle Squadron of the 2nd Division contained ten to twelve older battleships, the 2nd Cruiser Squadron was formed using armored cruisers whilst the 2nd Destroyer Flotilla had four scout cruiser leaders assigned to it during its tenure plus 21 other destroyers of different classes.
Vice-admirals commanding 2nd Division Post holders included:
Rank Flag Name Term Vice-admirals commanding 2nd Division1 Vice-Admiral Sir Archibald Berkeley Milne 24 March 1909 - 9 August 19102 Vice-Admiral Sir George A. Callaghan 9 August 1910 - 19 October 19113 Vice-Admiral Sir John R. Jellicoe 19 October 1911 - May 1912
Rear admirals in the Second Division Post holders included:Harley and Lovell. 2015
Rank Flag Name Term Rear admirals in the Second Division1 Rear-Admiral James Startin 24 March 1909 - 9 October 19092 Rear-Admiral Edward E. Bradford 9 October 1909 - 19 October 19103 Rear-Admiral George E. Patey 19 October 1910 - 19 October 19114 Rear-Admiral Herbert G. King-Hall 19 October 1911 -May 1912
Components Included:
UnitDates Notes12nd Battle Squadron, 2nd Division (10-12, pre-dreadnought battleships)22nd Cruiser Squadron ( 6, armored cruisers )31st Destroyer Flotilla (4 scout cruiser, leaders & 21 destroyers )42nd Destroyer Flotilla February 1909 to May 1912forming in Feb
Footnotes
References
Mackie, Gordon. "Royal Navy Senior Appointments from 1865" (PDF). gulabin.com. Gordon Mackie, p. 199. December 2017.