| Leeward Islands Station | |
|---|---|
English Harbour and Falmouth Harbour, Antigua | |
| Active | 1743–1821 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Branch | |
| Type | Formation |
| Part of | Royal Navy |
| Garrison/HQ | Nelson's Dockyard |
TheLeeward Islands Station[1] originally known as theCommander-in-Chief at Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands[2] was aformation orcommand of theKingdom of Great Britain and then theUnited Kingdom'sRoyal Navy stationed atEnglish Harbour,[3]Antigua,Leeward Islands. It existed from 1743[4] to 1821.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, Antigua served as the headquarters of first theCommander in Chief Barbadoes and Leeward Islands then later theCommander in Chief, Leeward Islands which was the British navy's important base in the EasternCaribbean area during theNapoleonic Wars. The three most strategically important bases were Antigua, Barbados and St. Lucia.[3] The Station was formed in October 1743[5] as a command separate from the olderJamaica Station[5][6] to protect Britain's sugar producing islands and its convoys. During theSeven Years' War, a number of large-scale naval actions were conducted by theRoyal Navy from this Caribbean base, one of its major engagements was theBattle of the Saintes. The station was in existence from 1743 to 1821 when it was abolished. The last commander-in-chief was reappointed as the Commander-in-Chief for theNorth America station.[7]
Included:[7][2]
N = died in post
N
N
N = died in post
N