| Lisbon Station | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1779–1782, 1795-1841 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | |
| Type | Fleet |
| Role | Convoy Protection, Evacuation. |
| Part of | Royal Navy |
| Garrison/HQ | Lisbon |
| Battle honours | Battle of Porto Praya,Battle of Saldanha Bay,Battle of Corunna |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Commodore George Johnstone,Admiral William H. Gage |
TheLisbon station[1] also known asLisbon Station and Coast of Spain[2] was a formation of the British Navy operating off the coast of Portugal from 1779 to 1782 before being disbanded and then again from 1783 until 1841.
The Lisbon station can be traced to the mobilesquadron of the Royal Navy operating mainly off the coast of Portugal but also Spain during the late 18th century and 19th century. The squadron was involved in a number of engagements during theAnglo-Spanish War including theaction of 11 November 1779. It was particularity known for its involvement in theBattle of Porto Praya in April 1781 as part of theAnglo-French War of 1778–1783.[3] Later that same year, the squadron was ordered to capture theDutch Cape Colony on theCape of Good Hope. This led to theBattle of Saldanha Bay in which a number of Dutch ships were seized. The Dutch colony however was not taken. Because of this, the squadron was disbanded in 1782 when Commodore Johnstone sought election as an MP. The Station was re-established in 1795 under the command ofVice-Admiral Sir George Vandeput to undertake convoy duties between England the Mediterranean and Lisbon. Vandeput carried out this duty for about a year. He died in 1800.
In 1808Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Cotton was charged with preparation of Lisbon harbor for the planned invasion of theIberian Peninsula later in the year. The fleet was also involved with the evacuation ofSir John Moore's army stuck inGalicia following theBattle of Corunna.[4] In 1810, Admiral Cotton was relieved of command byAdmiral Sir George Cranfield Berkeley when it was next involved in improving coastal defences until 1812, when Admiral Berkeley retired his command. He was then replaced byVice-Admiral Sir George Martin who commanded the station until 1814.[5] He was followed by Rear-Admiral Sir George H. Parker from 1815 until 1834. In early 1837, the station was under the temporary command ofRear-Admiral John Ommanney, until he was relieved as commander in chief byVice-Admiral Sir William Hall Gage. Gage was ordered, by theAdmiralty, to undertake protection duties ofQueen Maria II during the period known as theLiberal Wars, fought between progressive constitutionalists and authoritarian absolutists in Portugal over royal succession. The station ceased to be a command in 1841.
Station not active 1783-1794
battle of porto praya commander in chief lisbon station.