On Wednesday the Government gave orders for the mobilisation of
a flying squadron, i.e., a force ready to act anywhere should emergency arise. The actual number of ships got ready was not large, but the powerful character of the vessels selected, and the quickness with which they were prepared, has given the nation proof of our naval strength. The squadron consists, to begin with, of two battleships of the 'Royal Sovereign' class,—the ' Revenge,' and the Royal Oak.' Each vessel is of about 14,150 tons, is capable of some 18 knots an hour, and carries four 67-ton guns, and plenty of quick-firing guns. Next come two first-class cruisers, the ' Gibraltar' and the Theseus,' also sister ships. Their tonnage is 7,000, their speed is over 19 knots, and they each carry two 22-ton guns, besides a formidable supply of quick-firing guns. Lastly, the squadron has attached to it the Hermione' and the Charybdis,' second-class cruisers, both ships being again of the same pattern. They are over 19 knots in speed, and carry quick-firing guns. In may be noted in addition that the Channel Squadron, which has lately been reorganised, and is now in British ports ready for active service, consists of six of the most powerful battleships afloat. It includes the Majestic ' and Magnificent,' ships of 14,900 tons displacement ; the Royal Sovereign,' Empress of India,' Resolution,' and 'Repulse,' ships of 14,150 tons displacement ; and the cruisers 'Blake' and 'Blenheim,' of 9,000 tons displacement, besides smaller vessels. On Friday a further announcement was made to the effect that twelve or fifteen torpedo destroyers were also to be got ready immediately.
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