 On 14 November, "Formidable" and the other ships of the 5th Battle Squadron were rebased at Sheerness because of concern that a German invasion of Great Britain was in the offing.The squadron was relieved by "Duncan"-class battleships of the 6th Battle Squadron and transferred to Portland on 30 December.Under the command of Vice-Admiral Commanding, Channel Fleet, Sir Lewis Bayly, the 5th Battle Squadron spent 31 December participating in gunnery exercises off the Isle of Portland, supported by the light cruisers and .