West Africa Station

The West Africa Station was a military command of the British Royal Navy during World War Two administered by the  Flag Officer, West Africa, (FOWA) it existed from 1942 to 1945.

History
In 1941, escort forces began to be built up at Freetown. Initially consisting of 2 corvettes and a few Free French ships. The post of Flag Officer, West Africa was officially established in August 1942 as part of the Admiralty's re-organisation of commands. This was due to the growing importance of Freetown as a major base for convoy escorts. It existed until 1945.

Flag Officers, West Africa
Post holders included:

Components

 * Distribution of units attached to station included:

Earlier West Africa stations

 * Note: This command should not be confused with the West Africa Squadron later known as the "West Coast of Africa Station" it was primarily a patrol squadron operating off the Western Africa during the 19th century nor the Cape of Good Hope Station that merged with the West Coast of Africa Station to create the Cape of Good Hope and West Africa Station for the periods (1857-1865, 1867-1920) that command was based at Simonstown, South Africa.

Important dates

 * 1807: British slave trade illegal
 * 1808: First RN anti-slavery patrol, West Africa Squadron
 * 1819: West African Station an independent command under a Commodore (prior to this the ships were on "particular service")
 * 1840: West African Station still independent, but not under a Commodore
 * 1842: West African Station once more commanded by a Commodore
 * 1857-1865: West African Station again combined with Cape of Good Hope Station
 * 1866: West African Station an independent command again
 * 1867 West Africa/Preventative Squadron is disbanded
 * 1867-1920 West Africa Station combined with Cape of Good Hope Station
 * 1920-1941 No West Africa Station
 * 1942-1945 West Africa Station reformed based at Freetown Sierra Leone