On overseas stations, particularly with the smaller squadrons like that in the Leeward Islands which were widely dispersed on cruising stations, months might elapse before a bare quorum could be assembled.

Moreover a com-mander-in-chief's patronage in the disposal of cruising stations, sending a favoured commander on a lucrative cruise while others languished with the main squadron, was a divisive force within the squadron.

Leaving Five Fathom Hole to port, the ships adopted their cruising stations in order of seniority: they were dispersed over three miles apart, where they zigzagged independently to follow a mean-line-of-advance of 082 towards the Azores.