Formation and Early History
The Royal Marines were formed in 1664 during the reign of King Charles II, as the Duke of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot. Their formation was a result of the need for an infantry force that could operate both on land and at sea to protect England's interests. It was the second oldest part of the Royal Navy after the Naval Service itself, and one of the oldest regiments in the UK.
Cap Badge
The Royal Marines Cap Badge was first introduced in its modern form in 1952, during the reign of King George VI. It consists of the Lion and Crown, 'Lion' being the national beast of England and 'Crown' symbolizing loyalty to the monarch, the Globe (symbolizing worldwide service), the Laurel wreath (for triumph), and the Fouled Anchor (which represents the maritime character of the Corps). Beneath it all, a scroll reads 'Per Mare, Per Terram,' the Corps motto, which translates from Latin as 'By Sea, By Land,' reflecting the unique sea/land capabilities of the Marines.
Colors
The uniform of the Royal Marines has changed over the years. The historic dark blue represents the sea and the Royal Navy connection. The red is often associated with the courage and sacrifice of the Corps during its history. The green is a later addition, introduced during World War II when the Royal Marines took on a commando role. This light infantry green represents the role the Royal Marines play as an elite rapid response force.
General History Overview
Over the centuries, the Royal Marines have been involved in operations around the globe. They played key roles in both World War I and II, most notably the latter where they served in almost every theater of the war as both commandos and regular infantry.
In more recent history, the Royal Marines have continued to play a significant role in the defense and security of the UK. They were instrumental in the Falklands War of 1982, where they were among the first forces to land and the last to leave. They have also been heavily involved in the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, demonstrating their continued relevance in modern warfare.
In 2019, the Royal Marines began a modernization project, known as the Future Commando Force program, aimed at overhauling the way the world-famous green berets operate. This will make them more lethal, more agile, and better able to respond to the complexities of the modern age.
Significant Historical Events
The Birth of the Corps - 28th July 1664
King Charles II sanctioned the formation of the first regiment formed specifically for service at sea. The yellow uniform of the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot is commemorated by the yellow stripe in the Corps Colours.
Capture of Gibraltar - 24th July 1704
In the War of the Spanish Succession, the capture of Gibraltar was carried out by a brigade of British and Dutch Marines, who after the surrender successfully held the fortress against repeated attacks. This is the only battle honour borne on the Colours.
Battle of Belle Isle - 7th June 1761
On this island off the coast of France, two battalions of Marines served with great distinction during the siege in the Seven Year War. The laurel wreath in the Corps insignia is believed to have been awarded in honour of this distinguished service.
Battle of Trafalgar - 21st October 1805
The Battle of Trafalgar was the most decisive sea fight in British history and over 2,867 Royal Marines took part. In their traditional stations on the upper decks, they bore a brave and important part in Lord Nelson's success.
Battle of Bunker Hill - 17th June 1775
During the American War of Independence, after two unsuccessful assaults up the steep hill, the 1st Marines and the 47th Regiment were committed to the battle. They took the position, after which it was reported that the Marines 'unshaken steadiness was conspicuous'.
Gallipoli - 28th April 1915
The Royal Marine Brigade landed on the peninsula as part of the expedition to drive up towards Constantinople during the First World War. Together with 1 RN Brigade they bore the brunt of the Turkish attacks and displayed great resolution in this major amphibious operation.
Raid on Zeebrugge - 23rd April 1918
Towards the end of the First World War, the 4th Royal Marine Battalion landed on the Mole to enable the blocking of the entrance to the canal, which was being used by the Germans as a base for their submarines. Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to the battalion.
Normandy Landings - 6th June 1944
During the Second World War, over 17,500 Royal Marines took part in the largest amphibious operation in history. They crewed most of the minor landing craft, manned the guns in the supporting capital ships, and provided an Armoured Support Group, beach clearance and control parties, and engineers.
Assault on Walcheren - 1st November 1944
During the Second World War, the Royal Marines crewed most of the minor landing craft, manned the guns in the supporting capital ships and provided an Armoured Support Group, beach clearance and control parties, and engineers.
Recapture of the Falkland Islands - 14th June 1982
The Royal Marines were involved in virtually every significant aspect of this successful campaign. The main landing was planned and executed by 3 Commando Brigade, with RM detachments in many ships of the Task Force and with all landing craft manned by Royal Marines.
Victoria Cross winners
CPL John Pretty John RMFA
The Battle of Inkerman - 5th November 1854
CPL John Pretty John RMFA was awarded the Victoria Cross for his extraordinary courage and leadership during the Battle of Inkerman on 5th November 1854. He led a section of men and, when the Russian marksmen in caves ran out of ammunition, he fearlessly took the initiative to push the enemy back by throwing rocks at them. His brave and resourceful actions played a pivotal role in gaining an advantage over the enemy during the intense battle. His exceptional bravery under fire and selfless determination to lead his men to victory earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest recognition for gallantry in the face of the enemy awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
GNRT Wilkinson RMA
The Siege of Sevastopol - 7th June 1855
Under intense enemy fire, Dowell fearlessly led a mission to rescue the crew of a rocket boat that was in peril. Despite the hazardous conditions and grave danger, he selflessly put his life at risk to save his comrades. Dowell's swift and courageous actions in the face of adversity not only saved lives but also inspired his fellow Marines and demonstrated the true spirit of heroism. His extraordinary display of gallantry and devotion to duty earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest recognition for acts of valor in the British Armed Forces.
CPT Halliday RMLI
Halliday was 30 years old, and a captain in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, during the Boxer Rebellion in China when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On 24 June 1900 at Peking, China, an attack was made on the British Legation by the Boxers who set fire to the stables and occupied some of the other buildings. It being imperative to drive the enemy out, a hole was knocked in the Legation wall and 20 men of the RMLI went in. Captain Halliday, leading a party of twenty Royal Marines, was involved in desperate fighting and was severely wounded but despite his injuries, he killed four of the enemy. Finally, unable to carry on any further, he ordered his men to go on without him, after which he returned to the legation alone, telling his men 'carry on and not mind him', so as not to diminish the number of men engaged in the sortie. He walked 100 yards unaided to the hospital although his shoulder was half blown out and his left lung punctured.
LT G Dowell RMa
The Siege of Peking - 24th June 1900
Amid heavy enemy fire, an explosion occurred in one of the rocket-boats of HMS Arrogant during an attack on forts. Lieutenant Dowell, aboard HMS Ruby at the time, bravely led a rescue mission, taking three volunteers and saving three of the boat's crew and the Captain of the Mast. He then towed the damaged boat to safety, preventing it from sinking. His selfless and courageous actions in risking his life to save others earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross, making him one of the first recipients of this highest British military honor.
Major Harvey RMLI
The Battle of Jutland - 31st May 1916
While serving on board HMS Lion, the ship was hit by a salvo from the German battleship Derfflinger, causing a fire in the turret. Despite being mortally wounded, Major Harvey ordered the flooding of the magazine to prevent a catastrophic explosion. His heroic actions saved the lives of the entire crew in the turret. Major Harvey's selfless bravery in the face of grave danger and his sacrifice to protect his comrades earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British Empire, posthumously.
L-CPL Parker RMLI
Gallipoli - 30th April 1915
In broad daylight and under heavy enemy fire, he displayed conspicuous acts of bravery by rescuing wounded comrades on the battlefield. Despite the perilous conditions, L-CPL Parker courageously ventured into the line of fire multiple times to evacuate his injured fellow marines to safety. His selfless and daring actions in the face of danger exemplified the highest level of gallantry and earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British Empire.
Major Lumsden RMA
France - 3rd April 1917
During a crucial moment in the battle, he led a party of Royal Marines to recover six enemy guns that had been captured by the enemy. Under heavy enemy fire and in the midst of intense fighting, Major Lumsden fearlessly led the charge and successfully recaptured the enemy guns. His bravery, leadership, and determination in the face of adversity were instrumental in turning the tide of the battle and securing a significant victory. For his exceptional gallantry and leadership, Major Lumsden was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British Empire, recognizing his extraordinary bravery and valor on the battlefield.
CPT Bamford RMLI
The Raid on Zeebrugge - 23rd April 1918
During the daring and audacious raid, he led a company of Royal Marines towards the enemy's position with remarkable courage and determination. Despite facing heavy enemy fire and intense resistance, Captain Bamford fearlessly pressed on, inspiring his men to continue the assault. His exceptional leadership and bravery were instrumental in the success of the mission, which involved blocking the entrance to the canal that the Germans were using as a base for their submarines. Captain Bamford's actions during the raid demonstrated outstanding gallantry and selflessness, and for this, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British Empire, for his extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to the mission's success.
SGT Finch RMA
The Raid on Zeebrugge - 23rd April 1918
Despite losing many limbs during the intense battle, he displayed remarkable courage and determination, maintaining continuous fire with his turret guns until his last breath. His unwavering commitment to the mission and his incredible bravery in the face of overwhelming odds saved many lives and contributed significantly to the success of the raid. For his extraordinary actions and selfless sacrifice, Sergeant Finch was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor in the British Empire, in recognition of his exceptional gallantry and heroism.
CPL T Humter RM Commando
The Battle of Comacchio - 3rd April 1945
In an act of extraordinary bravery, he advanced alone into the face of enemy machine guns, firing his Bren gun from the hip to suppress the enemy and allow his comrades to advance. Despite being under heavy fire and facing great danger, Corporal Humter showed incredible courage and determination in his selfless actions, which played a crucial role in the success of the battle. For his exceptional gallantry and devotion to duty, Corporal T. Humter was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for valor in the British armed forces.