Downs Station | |
---|---|
Active | 1626–1834 |
Country | United Kingdom |
Branch | ![]() |
Type | Naval formation |
Part of | Royal Navy |
Garrison/HQ | Deal, Kent, England |
The Downs Station [1] also known as the Commander-in-Chief, the Downs [2] or Admiral Commanding at the Downs [3] was a formation of the Kingdom of Great Britain and then the United Kingdom's Royal Navy based at Deal. It was a major command of the Royal Navy from 1626 until 1834. [4]
The Downs is a roadstead (area of sheltered, favourable sea) in the southern North Sea near the English Channel off the east Kent coast. It is primarily known in naval history for the Dutch defeat of the Spanish in the Battle of the Downs in 1639.
The Downs served as permanent base for naval vessels operating out of Deal, Kent. [5]
It served as a base for warships patrolling the North Sea. The command generally covered an area in the southern North Sea near the English Channel off the east Kent coast. The station lasted until 1815, when it was absorbed into the Commander-in-Chief, The Nore's control, whose role and geographic area of responsibility was re-defined by the Admiralty.
Incomplete list includes: [6] = died in post
Station not active 1782 to 1790
Station not active 1791 to 1793
Temporary command in absence of senior officer *
Rear-Admiral Edward Thornbrough Downs Station.