A small cruising force had to return to port together when it needed stores and repairs, leaving the sea temporarily exposed. The Admiralty's 1746 consolidation of Channel commands under Anson created a force large enough to rotate ships and maintain a continuous presence. Numbers made the logistical system possible: a thirty-ship force could send a portion home without leaving the station weaker than the enemy. The larger formation also had to reconcile blockade and patrol work with protection of the East and West Indies convoys whose trade revenues helped finance Britain's fleet and empire.
Chapter · 26:41-30:47
Anson's larger cruising squadron
Combining Channel commands gave the Western Squadron enough ships to rotate, protect trade, and remain operational.