4th Cruiser Squadron

The 4th Cruiser Squadron ^[1] and (also known as Cruiser Force H) ^[2] was a formation of cruisers of the British Royal Navy from 1907 to 1914 and then again from 1919 to 1946.

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4th Cruiser Squadron
Active	1907–1914, 1919-1946
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	Royal Navy
Garrison/HQ	Halifax, Nova Scotia (1907-1915)
Commanders
Notable commanders	Rear-Admiral Frederick S. Inglefield

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The squadron was first established in 1907, replacing the North America and West Indies Station. It became a training squadron based in Home waters but which was to make three cruises annually, including to the West Indies.^[2] In April 1907 it comprised Euryalus, Hogue, and Sutlej.^[3]

On 1 May 1912, the Fourth Cruiser Squadron was renamed the Training Squadron. With the appointment in 1913 of Rear Admiral Christopher Cradock the squadron ceased to be a training squadron and became part of the First Fleet. During World War I, the 4th Cruiser Squadron was commanded by Rear Admiral Christopher Cradock; the squadron was effectively annihilated at the Battle of Coronel 1 November 1914.^[2]

From April 1919 to 1939, it was in the East Indies, and comprised HMS Highflyer, HMS Caroline, HMS Comus, HMS Southampton (Flagship) until July 1925; HMS Colombo (January 1922-January 1926; June 1932-February 1936); HMS Cairo (June 1922-December 1926); and HMS Chatham (October 1924-January 1926) assigned from the Navy's old light cruisers; HMS Effingham (Flag) (July 1925 – 1933); HMS Emerald (1935-August 1938); HMS Enterprise (January 1926 – 1935; February 1936 – 1939); and HMS Hawkins (1933-March 1935) from the E-Class cruisers and Frobishers; plus from the newer cruiser HMS Norfolk, and the Town-class cruisers HMS Manchester, Liverpool, and Gloucester.^[4]