| Adriatic Squadron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1915-1919 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Allegiance | British Empire |
| Branch | Royal Navy |
| Type | Squadron |
| Part of | Mediterranean Fleet (1915-1919) |
| Garrison/HQ | Taranto |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Rear-Admiral Sir Cecil F. Thursby |
The British Adriatic Squadron, or simply the Adriatic Squadron and later known as the British Adriatic Force, was a military formation of the Mediterranean Fleet during World War I based at Taranto from 1915–19.
In May 1915 Italy entered the war aligning itself with allied powers against the Central Powers, becoming involved in the Adriatic Campaign of World War I. But due to a lack of coordination with the French Naval Command by the Italians, the British decided to enforce an allied agreement by establishing a British Adriatic Squadron to be based at Taranto. [1] Between July and September 1917 the Mediterranean Fleet was reorganised following coordination between other allied powers. Britain's scope of geographic responsibility to include new sub commands would encompass the Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Coast of Egypt, Gibraltar and the waters around Malta. [2] Following command changes in August 1917 the squadron was downgraded and renamed the British Adriatic Force. [3]
Post holders included: [4]
| Rank | Flag | Name | Term | Title | Notes/Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rear Admiral |  | Sir Cecil F. Thursby | June, 1915 – May, 1916 | Rear-Admiral Commanding, British Adriatic Squadron | [5] |
| Rear Admiral | | Mark E. F. Kerr | May, 1916 – August, 1917 | Rear-Admiral Commanding, British Adriatic Squadron | |
| Rear Admiral | | Algernon W. Heneage | May, 1916 – August, 1917 | Rear-Admiral Commanding, British Adriatic Squadron | |
| Commodore |  | Sir Howard Kelly | August 1917 – 1919 | Commodore Commanding, British Adriatic Force | [6] [7] |
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