1st Division (Royal Navy)

The 1st Division was a formation of the Home Fleet of the Royal Navy.^[1] It briefly existed before the First World War from 1909 to 1912.

1st Division
Active	March 1909–April 1912
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Type	Division

History

In March 1909 following a Navy re-organisation, the Home Fleet absorbed the Channel Fleet,^[2] which became its First and Second divisions. Each division consisted of A battle squadron that had eight ships.^[3] This was essentially a reserve force allocated to major home commands.^[4] The new Dreadnought class battleships were allocated to the 1st Battle Squadron - 1st Division, Home Fleet.^[4] The Royal Navy's Battle Cruisers were posted to the 1st Cruiser Squadron. The Atlantic Fleet managed to survive the organisational changes. The first division existed until 1912 when it re-styled 1st Battle Squadron.^[4]

Rear-Admirals in the 1st Division

Post holders included:^[5]

	Rank	Flag	Name	Term
Rear-Admirals in the First Division
1	Rear-Admiral		Charles J. Briggs	March, 1909 - 5 January, 1910
2	Rear-Admiral		F. C. Doveton Sturdee	5 January, 1910 - 5 January, 1911
3	Rear-Admiral		Richard H. Peirse	5 January, 1911 - 5 January, 1912
4	Rear-Admiral		Charles E. Madden	5 January, 1912 -May 1912

Components

Included ^[6]

	Unit	Notes
1	1st Battle Squadron, 1st Division	8 (dreadnoughts)
2	1st Cruiser Squadron	(6 battle cruisers)
3	1st Destroyer Flotilla	(4 cruiser leaders & 19 destroyers )