What is a squadron? When pronouncing this word, as a rule, there is an association with the sea and military vessels in service. This idea is true, but not complete, since the meaning of the “squadron” is somewhat broader. It can include not only ships, but also armored and air forces. Further we will consider in detail what a squadron is.
Dictionary Definition
According to vocabulary interpretation, the squadron is a large compound, which includes warships. It is designed to solve operational problems during hostilities at sea and in the ocean. Later, such formations were formed in the armored forces of the Red Army and in the air fleets of some countries.
Thus, the squadron is:
- Unification under a single command of military courts.
- The combination of armored forces in the Red Army.
- An aviation association that existed, for example, during the 2nd World War in the German air forces.
Understanding what “squadron” means will help to consider the etymology of the studied token.
Origin
Regarding the origin of the analyzed word, the etymological dictionary says that it came to the Russian language from French, where there is a noun escadre. The latter, in turn, is derived from the Italian word squadra, which translates as "team, squad." Initially, it was interpreted as a "quadrangular combat formation."
This token was borrowed by the Italian language from vulgar Latin, formed from the noun exquadra. And it came from the verb quadrare, which translates as "befitting, making quadrangular." The verb itself is formed from the noun quadrum, which means “quadrangle, square” and descended from the numeral quattuor - “four”. According to etymologists, the latter goes back to the pre-Indo-European basis of kewtwor.
Continuing the study of what a squadron is, it would be advisable to consider some historical facts related to this concept.
In the days of the sailing fleet
In the era of sailing ships, the main combat association in the fleet was the squadron. According to the provisions of the Petrovsky Charter dated 1720, there were three of them in the fleet:
- Cordebatalia - squadron of the white flag.
- Vanguard - blue flag.
- Rear Guard - Red Flag.
Squadron in the 18th century
The main formation in the navy in the 18th century was a division. The squadron included three divisions.
- The first is Cordebatalia, which was located in the center of the battle formation. It was led by the admiral, who commanded the entire squadron.
- The second is the vanguard, who led the battle formation, led by Vice Admiral.
- The third is the rear guard, which closes the battle formation, led by Rear Admiral.
The number of ships depended on how many battleships were in the fleet. In addition to them, the squadron also had frigates, kicks, galleys, schnyavy, hackboats, firemen, bombardment ships, and other military vessels. The staffing was carried out taking into account the tasks set.
Further conversions
During the reign of Paul I, in 1797, a new naval charter was issued, where there were changes in the organizational structure of the fleets. There squadrons became known as divisions, and divisions - squadrons.
When steam armored ships appeared in the operating fleets, the main combat units were similar associations. They consisted of:
- from brigades, including battleships and cruisers;
- fencing unit;
- destroyer division;
- supply vessels.
For 1914 in Russia, the fleet squadron was formed as follows:
- division, including eight battleships ;
- brigade of four armored cruisers;
- division of eight cruisers;
- division consisting of destroyers (one cruiser and 36 destroyers).
Divisions of cruisers and battleships were divided into brigades, each of which had four ships. There were two brigades in the destroyer division, each comprising two divisions, and there were nine ships in the division.
In modern fleets
In modern conditions, a number of divisions or brigades may be included in the composition of such associations in the fleet. Separate divisions may also be formed, which consist of surface and submarines belonging to different classes.
There are also separate squadrons, which include either surface ships or submarines. In some cases, they can be operational and used as temporary formations. And in the squadron can be combined vessels and ships that are in the long voyage.
In conclusion, consideration of what a squadron is, should be briefly said about its other types.
Air Fleet and Armored Forces
The very first fleet squadron in the world was the union of aircraft under the name "Ilya Muromets." It was created during the imperial period in the Armed Forces of Russia.
As for armored forces, in 1923 this term was used to refer to a relatively large association of armored forces in the Red Army. It appeared from small separate autotank detachments, armored detachments, from which such a formation as a “squadron” of tanks was formed. It included two flotillas: heavy and light.