In April, "Liverpool" became the flagship of Rear-Admiral Arthur Murray's Red Sea Force, which was formed with the Australian cruiser . The Red Sea Force was intended to help execute naval strategy in the area by performing a variety of duties, such as patrols and blockade enforcement in the event of war with Italy. While in the area, "Liverpool" escorted a convoy transporting contingents from the Australian military to Suez. When ordered to the Mediterranean in June, "Liverpool" relinquished her status as flagship with the transfer of Admiral Murray to the New Zealand cruiser at Port Sudan. To accommodate the admiral and his staff, "Leander" transferred three officers and seven ratings to "Liverpool".