The Western Squadron remained a standing naval command well beyond the Seven Years' War. Its commanders included Russell, Anson, Hawke, Keppel, Howe, Pellew, St Vincent, Gambier, Keith, Codrington, Parker, and Napier. Several officers returned to the command, while Lord Bridport's two-year temporary appointment was followed by three years in permanent command. The squadron remained relevant into the mid-nineteenth century because France and Spain were still strategic concerns and Brest remained France's major Atlantic base.
Notable Point · 32:50-35:35
Command continuity carried the squadron into the nineteenth century
A long succession of major commanders shows that the Western Squadron endured well beyond one war because Brest, France, and Spain remained strategic concerns.