15th Cruiser Squadron
| 15th Cruiser Squadron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1940–1946 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Allegiance | British Empire |
| Branch | Royal Navy |
| Engagements | Battle of Crete First Battle of Sirte Second Battle of Sirte Operation Vigorous |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Rear-Admiral Sir Philip L. Vian |
The 15th Cruiser Squadron, also known as Force K, [1] was a formation of cruisers of the British Royal Navy from 1940 to 1946.
History
The squadron was formed in May 1940 and was assigned to the
destroyers.[3] On 17 December 1941 the squadron was involved in the First Battle of Sirte against the Regia Marina (Italian Navy).[4] On 22 March 1942 the squadron was involved in the Second Battle of Sirte against the Italian Fleet. Between 12 and 16 June 1942 it took part in Operation Vigorous.[5] From 22 January to 5 June 1944 the squadron provided support during the Battle of Anzio. In June 1946 it was re-designated the 1st Cruiser Squadron.[6]
Commodore/Rear/Vice-Admiral Commanding
| Rank | Flag | Name | Term | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commodore/Rear/Vice-Admiral Commanding, 15th Cruiser Squadron | |||||
| 1 | Vice-Admiral |  |
Edward L. S. King | July 1940 – October 1941 | Served as Rear-Admiral until 30 May 1941 |
| 2 | Rear-Admiral |  |
Sir Philip L. Vian | October 1941 – September 1942 | |
| 3 | Rear-Admiral | |
Arthur J. Power | September 1942 – May 1943 | |
| 4 | Rear-Admiral | |
Cecil H.J. Harcourt |
May 1943 – January 1944 | |
| 5 | Rear-Admiral | |
John M. Mansfield | January 1944 – March 1945 | |
| 6 | Commodore |  |
Maurice J. Mansergh | March 1945 – January 1946 | |
| 7 | Rear-Admiral | |
Harold R.G. Kinahan | January–June 1946 | |
References
Footnotes
- ISBN 978-0253006035.
- ISBN 9781496991973.
- ^ "Cunningham, A. B., The Battle of Crete, Despatch to the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty, 4 August 1941". The London Gazette (Supplement). No. 38296. 21 May 1948. pp. 3103–3119.
- ISBN 978-0253006035.
- ISBN 9780850526639.
- ^ Watson, Graham. "Royal Navy Organisation in World War 2, 1939-1945". www.naval-history.net. Gordon Smith, 19 September 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
- ^ Watson, Dr. "Royal Navy Organization in World War 2, 1939-1945". www.naval-history.net. Gordon Smith, 19 September 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
- ^ Mackie, Gordon. "Royal Navy Senior Appointments from 1865" (PDF). gulabin.com. Gordon Mackie, p.214. February 2018. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
Sources
- Mackie, Gordon. (2018) "Royal Navy Senior Appointments from 1865" (PDF). gulabin.com. Gordon Mackie.
- ISBN 0253006031.
- Pearson, Robert (2015). Gold Run: The Rescue of Norway's Gold Bullion from the Nazis, 1940. Casemate. ISBN 9781612002873.
- Thomas, David A. (1999). Malta Convoys 1940-42: The Struggle at Sea. Barnsley, England: Pen and Sword. ISBN 9780850526639.
- Watson, Dr Graham. (2015) "Royal Navy Organization in World War 2, 1939-1945: Overseas Commands and Fleets". www.naval-history.net. Gordon Smith.
