| 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.
The squadron was formed in May 1940 and was assigned to the Home Fleet. [2] In 1941[ citation needed ] it was transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet where it remained for the duration of World War II. In May 1941 it served in the Battle of Crete, with its ships dispersed into several different Forces. For the duration of the battle, Rear Admiral Edward L. S. King was given command of Force C, which comprised a mixture of cruisers and 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]
| 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 | |
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HMS Dido was the name ship of her class of light cruisers for the Royal Navy. Constructed by Cammell Laird Shipyard of Birkenhead, United Kingdom, she entered service in 1940 during World War II. The cruiser took part in several battles in the Mediterranean and Arctic theatres of war. Following the war, the ship performed ceremonial functions before being sold for scrapping in 1957.
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The14th Destroyer Flotilla, or Fourteenth Destroyer Flotilla, was a naval formation of the British Royal Navy from April 1916 to 11 February 1919 and again from 1 June 1940 to January 1944.
The Flag Officer, Air and Second-in-Command, Mediterranean Fleet was a senior command appointment of the British Royal Navy from January 1947 to 1958 who also administered the 2nd Aircraft Carrier Squadron from 1947 to 1951. The appointment was a continuation of the Second-in-Command, Mediterranean Station first established in 1861 that underwent a series of name changes due to an expansion of additional duties given to the post holder.
