File:Departure of the Flying Squadron - ILN-1855-0331-0009.jpg

English: Departure of the Flying Squadron. Illustration for The Illustrated London News, 31 March 1855.

Volume: 26 , Issue: 734
REad the ILN

ADVANCED SQUADRON OF THE BALTIC FLEET. AN advanced division or "Flying squadron" of the Baltic Fleet left Spithead on the 20th, for the Downs on its way to Kiel. This squadron consisted of the lmperieuse, 51, Captain Watson; the Euralyus, 51, Captain G. Ramsay; the Arrogant, 47. Captain Yelverton; the Esk, 21, Captain Birch; the Tartar, 21, Captain Dunlop; the Archer, 15, Captain Heathcote; and the Conflict, 8, Commander Brown They each got up steam before noon, and made every preparation for weighing; but, as her Majesty had signified her inttention of seeing them depart, their starting was delayed until her Majesty's arrival. At about three o'clock the Fairy, with the Queen, Prince Albert, the Prince of Leiningen, and the Court on board, with the Royal standard and Admiralty flag flying, was seen advancing towards the fleet from Osborne, when a general Royal salute was fired; and, as the Fairy glided into the midst of the "line," the crews of each ship manned the rigging, and conlr dating spirits climbed to the trucks of the masts to cheer and welcome the august visitors. The Royal vessel lay to off the Neptune, and signalled for Captain Watson, commanding the " flying squadron," to repair on board; which he did, and was presented (we believe, by Rear Admiral Seymour) to the Queen. In a few minutes afterwards the Fairy steamed very slowly through the line towards the east, each ship's crew manning the rigging and cheering, even at the mainmast-head trucks. At about half-past three the signal was made for those about to leave to weigh and proceed, and at about five minutes to four o'clock all were off, the Fairy leading. On steaming ahead to lead them to sea, the Imperieuse and Euryalus manned their rigging, and their crews gave three rounds of cheers as the Queen passed them. The Fairy made the Nab Light at about ten minute past four, followed by the squadron in the following order: Imperieuse, Euryalus, Tartar, Esk, Conflict, Archer, Arrogant: the latter, which was the last to weigh, took the station third on passing the Nab. The whole then presented a very interesting spectacle, which the clearness and beauty of the weather considerably enhanced. At 4.15 the Fairy altered her course to the westward, and hoisted a signal of farewell. which was kept flying until the last of the departing squadron had steamed by, each in turn again manning their rigging and cheering. The yacht then put on steam and returned through the fleet at Spithead to Osborne. arriving about five o'clock at which time the "flying squadron" was about five miles from theNab on their way to the Downs, the Imperieuse several miles ahead. The departure of this small instalment of the Baltic Fleet was witnessed by many thousands of spectators, besides those afloat; the walls of Portsmouth, the piers and beach of the Isle of Wight and at Southsea were thronged with myriads of sightseers, and the Queen's visit lent additional interest to the movement.The Vivid, with an Admiralty party on board, and numerous private pickets, yachts, and smaller craft were present. Rear-Admiral Baynes will ultimately command the "flying squadron" of this fleet, but his flagship (the Retribution, 28, Captain Fisher) will not be out of the hands of the dockyard artificers until the 7th of April. After remaining nearly a week in the Downs, the whole of the "Flying squadron" sailed for the Baltic at 9.30 a.m. on Wedneday morning.