8th Cruiser Squadron

The 8th Cruiser Squadron was a temporary formation of cruisers of the British Royal Navy from 1912 to 1914. and again from 1924/25 to 1942.

First Formation
The 8th Cruiser Squadron was a temporary naval unit attached to the Third Fleet, Admiral of Patrols, Rear-Admiral J. M. de Robeck, assumed command on 26 July, 1914, for (for Test Mobilisation), however the squadron was never officially constituted. De Robeck was then given command of the 9th Cruiser Squadron also known as Cruiser Force I on 4 August 1914.

Second Formation
In 1924/25 the 8th Light Cruiser Squadron was re-designated 8th Cruiser Squadron and was attached to the North America and West Indies Station under direct command of the Commander-in-Chief North America and West Indies until 1942.

Cruiser deployments
The Royal Navy's cruiser squadrons were usually distributed to both fleets and stations. They contained a maximum of five to six ships but down as low as two to three ships. From 1914 until 1924/25 they were usually designated as Light Cruiser Squadrons after 1925 they were re-designated Cruiser Squadrons.

Admiral/Vice-Admiral/Rear-Admiral commanding

 * Rear-Admiral John M. de Robeck, 26 July, 1914.
 * Squadron disbanded

Of note: The squadron was under direct command of the Commander-in-Chief, North America and West Indies
 * Vice Admiral Sir James Fergusson: May 1924-June 1926
 * Vice Admiral Sir Walter Cowan: June 1926-July 1928
 * Vice Admiral Sir Cyril Fuller: May 1930-April 1932
 * Vice Admiral Sir Vernon Haggard: May 1930-April 1932
 * Vice Admiral Sir Reginald Plunkett: April 1932-November 1934
 * Vice Admiral Sir Matthew Best: November 1934-May 1937
 * Vice Admiral Sir Sidney Meyrick: May 1937-April 1940
 * Vice Admiral Charles Kennedy-Purvis: April 1940-April 1942
 * Vice Admiral Alban Curteis: April 1942-July 1942