The Detached Squadron in Hobson’s Bay, Victoria.

To reduce the number and cost of ships on foreign stations, these reductions were compensated by the formation of successive “Flying Squadrons” (or “Detached Squadrons”) of unarmoured screw ships which undertook extended world-wide cruises for training (and flag waving) under the command of a Rear Admiral. These squadrons were never directly involved in hostilities, although their movements were sometimes influenced by political or military considerations.