Page:The Next Naval War - Eardley-Wilmot - 1894.djvu/58

 service. Two rear-admirals in the Marceau and Courbet respectively, led the second and third divisions. They had been specially promoted from the captains' list, and had had much experience in squadron work.

There were twelve cruisers organised as scouts as follows:

A rear-admiral was in command of this light squadron. Experience in manœuvres had shown the necessity of this, especially when two opposing fleets come actually in contact, as then the cruisers must take care not to impede movements, and the supreme chief has all his attention directed to handling the battle-ships.

It will be seen the cruisers are in six sub-divisions, each consisting of two vessels. The smaller acted as a satellite and as an intermediate communication between the big cruiser, when scouting, and the squadron. In addition, there was a torpedo flotilla composed of the Wattignies, Léger and Lévrier torpedo catchers, and eight sea-going torpedo boats.

The English squadron consisted of ten battle-