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NMRN ROYAL MUSEUM SERVICE NARRATIVE

REVIEWED BY THE COLLECTIONS RESEARCH AND LEARNING COMMITTEE OF THE TRUSTEES / 17 MAY 2017 1 3

NMRN RMM SERVICE NARRATIVE

1 Operation Glacier 4 directed at the Taliban’s gateway into Helmand, , 16 February 2007.

2 A Fancy Portrait of a Royal Marine, 1851 painted by W.G.R. Masters RMLI (Royal Marine Light OURS IS THE STOR Y of the , the Infantry). nation’s vital amphibious force which has fought 3 47 (RM) in approaching at sea and on land across four centuries. We tell the beach, Westkapelle, , , 1 November 1944. this dynamic story of challenge, conflict, heroism and change through the inspirational achievements 4 A awarded to Bombardier Thomas of Marines past and present. Wilkinson RMA (Royal Marine Artillery) during the , 7 June 1855.

Royal Marines Museum ~ Service Narrative

NARRATIVE between Marines along with the resourcefulness to tackle of marine forces allows them to be poised, choosing when has led to a multitude of individual roles; as signalmen, Our narrative has four overlapping themes: whatever awaits. We consider what it means to become a and where to take the initiative to land and whether to , ships’ policemen, artillerymen, infantrymen, Marine and join the Family; and how that family copes deploy by sea or take to the air in helicopters. We show how coxswains, paratroops, aircrewmen, mountain leaders, People with the human costs and consequences of service. political will is essential to the exercise of this power and bandsmen and in . consider its future use. We tell the story of the people who have served as Royal Power Progress Marines and consider the future of those still to join. Purpose We look at the challenges they have faced in extreme We describe the impact that the Royal Marines have made We consider the impact of innovation and of technology and environments as they fight on and from the sea. We describe at sea and on land, in peace and in war, and show the Corps We trace how the versatility of the Corps of Royal Marines has how these have allowed the Royal Marines to reach further, the origins of the Marine Regiments in 1664 and trace their as an enduring example for forces in other countries. We enabled it to embrace many different roles over the last four faster and deeper in all environments across the globe. We development from a temporary, ad hoc force raised during highlight when and where the Marines have made decisive centuries and examine how, despite the great changes in the look at the change in the 19th century from ships relying on war into a permanent Corps of Marines which from 1755 interventions around the world – for example at Belle Isle in scale and complexity of joint operations, it has survived the wind and boats relying on oars, to using steam powered craft developed a distinctive capability, tradition and identity – 1761, at Zeebrugge in 1918, D-Day and Walcheren in 1944, successive attempts to abolish it. We consider the challenges which were capable of moving against the wind and the tide. one of, ‘soldier an’ sailor too’. We show how the Corps the Falklands in 1982, the Al Faw Peninsula in 2003; also faced by Marines; on bullet-swept decks and in steel turrets, We show the impact made by the development in the 20th changed through peace and war, examine its strong public where they have been vital in sustained operations – for or in boats, landing craft and helicopters: when wading century of many specialist ways of moving on, and between, reputation and a character which mixes daring and example at in 1704, on the Western Front, or more ashore in countless landings or yomping to confound the sea and land: the landing craft, the commando carrier, the regimental discipline with the excellence epitomised by the recently in Northern Ireland and . We trace how enemy in every kind of terrain. We show how different parts landing platform dock, helicopters and armoured vehicles. We Royal Marines Band Service. We trace the changes in the the Marines serving with the were central to extending, of their identity are emphasised or re-cast for a new use in look at the changes in the kit and equipment of individual service lives of Marines as specialist roles were created as protecting and policing British empires and interests in the different periods. We consider how a role which spans sea Marines over time, and consider the importance of being able infantry, artillery and commando; we look at the 18th and 19th centuries. We look too at their involvement and land has given the Corps a unique relationship to, and to modify and adapt that kit. Against progress of technology introduction and development of roles for women. We focus in conflicts which marked the withdrawal from empire, understanding of, both the and the Army. How an we balance the importance of the resourcefulness of the particularly on the Royal Marines since 1942 and and at their contribution to NATO during the – instinctively joint approach and the ability to move between individual operating the technology. We look ahead to the on how officers and men uniquely strive together through particularly protecting northern and southern Europe. We fighting, peace-keeping and intelligence gathering means future recruitment and training of women as Royal Marine the most demanding and realistic military training in the examine how their special strength stems from their constant that Marines are always in demand. We show how this work Commandos. We also consider the Corps’ marked ability to world. We examine how this training creates the ‘Commando readiness, capability and mobility which means that they has been carried out in the places in which Marines serve – flex to accommodate new men and women coming as Spirit’ – marked by courage, determination, unselfishness have often been the first to arrive off a foreign shore and the sea, the jungle, the desert, in arctic and urban hostilities only volunteers, national servicemen and reservists and cheerfulness in adversity – and develops the bond first to understand the situation. Further, how the versatility 2 environments. We consider how for individual Marines this and to supply the country’s special forces. 4

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HISTORICAL NARRATIVE 1 The following sections sets out the key event s/ developments infantry regiments. From the very start ’s first 4 The historical narrative outlines in more detail our story which have been identified as a focus within our four Marines included Drummers (later known as Buglers) to within different periods; we will bring it to life through our 1 A Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund Sword awarded to themes. provide signalling and the passing of orders; they were soon museum galleries, special exhibitions, programmes, Lieutenant Robert Hayes while serving on HMS trained to play the fife, becoming the first Marine Bands. Hydra , around 1807. publications and partnerships. Key to telling the story will be 166 4 ~1755 ENGLAND’S FIRST MARINES This first regiment was disbanded in 1689 so, like the other ‘sea service’ regiments formed principally to fight in wartime our historic assets – our museum collections and buildings. 2 Kit and equipment worn by Marty Murray up to the end of the 1740s, it did not establish a permanent of FPGRM during Operation CAPRI, 2010. People The historical narrative is designed to be an active tool for existence. Each time new regiments were raised experienced internal use which will help inform the decisions we need 3 The Prince George of Denmark’s Regiment of Foot In 1664 Charles II ordered 1,200 land soldiers to be raised in soldiers enlisted but when they were disbanded they then to make to actually tell this story – from focusing collecting at King James's Gate, in 1687. readiness for ‘sea service’ in his fleet. The men of this ‘Duke sought employment back in line regiments. Other new strategy, to creation of the New , to of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot’ (aka the recruits chose to become seamen in ships’ companies and the 4 The Taking of Gibraltar by an Anglo-Dutch Fleet, exhibitions and programmes. ’s Regiment) were the fore-runners of the Royal Marines was known as a ‘nursery for the fleet’. In this period 1704, shown from a military camp ashore. Marines. Many came from the City of ’s trained bands the woman Hannah Snell famously disguised herself and (a form of militia), whilst experienced commissioned and served as a Marine, but in fact as early as 1702 each FIGURE 1 Narrative Sections non-commissioned officers transferred from existing of Marines could bring three women on board to assist with clothing and subsistence. For all the early close connections with the infantry, differences did begin to grow – for 2 3 example although Marine officers also purchased their commissions, these were much cheaper because of the discomfort of service at sea. By the 1740s a politician could claim, ‘… a soldier and a Marine are quite different creatures, as different as an otter and a fox …’

Power

Regiments for Sea Service were raised and disbanded as the chance of war, and the willingness of Parliament to vote As the pursuit of wealth and trade expanded the Navy’s money, waxed and waned. The Admiral’s Regiment took part operations overseas, the power of a force which could land, in all the engagements of the Dutch Wars, but was capture and hold the bases to sustain the fleet became more disbanded in 1689. It did not help that alongside the essential. country’s suspicion of a standing army it also had a reputation of loyalty to the dethroned Stuarts. During the Purpose subsequent wars with France: two regiments were raised in 1689, three in 1690, six in 1702 and 1739, and ten in 1740 – England’s first Marines developed a number roles through each containing 750-1,000 men. There were no regiments this period of wars against the Dutch and the French. These from 1713-1739. The Marine regiments of William III were at roles differed depending on whether the Marines were the battles of Beachy Head (1690), Barfleur (1692) and the based at sea, on expeditions abroad or indeed at home on subsequent boat action at La Hogue. land. In a period when the whole concept of ‘the Marine’ was becoming established, different roles were emphasised In 1704 at Gibraltar a combined of British and Dutch at different times. The regiments of Marines were the Royal marines landed from the fleet, captured the Rock and Navy’s soldiers, joining the Navy’s ships in detachments – the subsequently held it against repeated attacks during a nine numbers varied with the number of guns in the ship but month siege. By the end of the period the Marines had usually at a ratio of one marine per gun, so a 64 gun ship demonstrated their worth at sea, ensuring that naval crews had 67 Marines, including officers. Here they fought and were able to focus on sailing the ship and manning the great boarded at close quarters, defended the ships in action and guns. Although there were some failures in amphibious provided the ships disciplined military force. They provided operations they had also shown their utility ashore. raw muscle power for many ship routines but could not be

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forced to go aloft. The regiments were also at times the arrangement often had unfortunate results and the Marines 175 5 ~1815 BRITAIN’S SEA SOLDIERS 2 Purpose assist disembarkation which the Corps used at Manilla in expeditionary forces, the shock used to attack and suffered disadvantages. The administration of these regiments 1762. Advances in ballistics led to specialist artillery and capture fortified positions ashore. At times this was still a was characterised by confusion, corruption and ongoing People The utility and flexibility of the Marines Corps led in this rockets which could support landings and shore secondary role so in the 1690s for example it was established shortages of money. The greatest defect was the lack of any period to their description as, ‘that most useful body of bombardments. These were fitted to specialist ships which that Marines could only be landed for a substantial time as form of continuity which stopped them developing the In 1755 the Marines Corps was permanently established as men’. They were a highly mobile force, able to go wherever in turn required marine artillery men and rocket long as the naval situation allowed. At home, Marines institutional identity and the traditions which are essential to part of the Royal Navy, settling to become 25% of the wooden walls sailed and readily available because always detachments to maintain command and discipline. By 1815 billeted in small groups close to naval bases and dockyards building a strong esprit de corps. manpower during war and 11% in peacetime. The under command. Three purposes evolved: under naval Marines had distinctive dress and head gear that was better took up garrison duty and became an indistinguishable part establishment of three Grand Divisions, based at Chatham, discipline Marines assisted with fighting ships and with suited to life at sea but in – except for the sea of the small restoration army. They were also required to In April 1746 the ten Marine regiments raised in 1739-41 were and Portsmouth (briefly with a fourth at landing parties ashore, they supplemented the army often service musket – a Marine’s small arms and kit was similar prepare ships being commissioned at the start of wars until transferred to Admiralty control and this was the first step in ) created a uniquely flexible structure which many miles inland and they were a body of men to police to other infantrymen and when not in full dress uniform it the recruitment of seamen had caught up. rectifying these inherent problems. When George Anson, 1st enabled the Corps to establish its reputation as always ready naval facilities. On board ship they stood sentry at the would be difficult to distinguish Marines from sailors. Lord of the Admiralty, re-established the Marines in 1755 he for deployment – a structure which lasted until 1947. Officers armoury, on companion ways and especially the gangways gave them a flexible administrative and tactical structure and when in port. At sea their messes were positioned between Progress and men had a ‘barrack company’ only for administration 3 a permanent establishment that gave the stability to meet the and pay; it was the ‘sea service roster’ maintained for each ship’s officers and ship’s company, giving a unique Marine regiments were raised by the Army and remained challenges ahead during the wars of the second half of the rank which determined when and where they served. This relationship to senior command. This loyalty though part of it for administrative purposes but were under the 18th century. Now they were permanently established one enabled the Divisions to send small detachments of Marines transcended individuals – in 1757 it was a firing of operational control of the Royal Navy while at sea. This dual question remained: how should they be financed? to sea e.g. 20 to a sloop, as well as large detachments e.g. Marines on HMS Monarch who executed Admiral Byng in 170 to the largest ships of the line; these detachments could Portsmouth Harbour. then come together ashore as needed. With no trade in 1 commissions, slow promotion, limited field commands and Marines raised from the Grand Divisions were sent out to no regimental headquarters to shine in, officers of Marines fight alongside army regiments during the American War were drawn not from the elite but the middling classes; the of Independence, later in the Peninsular and back again in Corps was an unfashionable choice for officers and offered America during the . Policing ashore, Marines only limited social progress. The were guarded the Royal Dockyards and the naval hospitals – in overwhelmingly English – between 75-80% throughout this this case more to keep sailors in than for protection. period – the majority of recruits had been tradesmen and semi-skilled labourers. They also included some of the very Progress poor and even criminals. It was the potential for a share in prize money and a chance to discover the world as much as Much that was established in this period laid the foundations pay and prospects of promotion which attracted officers and attacked French and Spanish imperial possessions, for for what made the Marines a distinctive force. However, men to the Corps. example Senegal in west Africa (1758), Quebec in Canada command of the Marine Corps also had to evolve (1759), Havana in Cuba (1762) and Manilla in the Philippines significantly. With no headquarters and no general officers, Power (1762). The Marines made key contributions with the Army command of Marines was exercised locally by naval officers in wars with America, notably at the which led to inconsistencies and abuse. This was quickly The Seven Years’ War and the wars with revolutionary France (1775) led by Major crying ‘make way for the addressed by the introduction of were truly global conflicts played out across the world. Just Marines’. It was Marines in the who formed the at each Division, with overall command falling to a as these required a Royal Navy that could establish and seek first garrison in Australia. ‘-in-town’ based at the Admiralty. When 1 A dawn landing at St Pauls, Isle de Bourbon, 1809 to hold Britain’s first empire, so they required specialist deployed, Marines remained under naval command but a by James Cottell RM. soldiers who could operate between sea and land. At sea if The power of the Corps came from their versatility as soldiers rank structure, which is still recognisable today, developed who were not rooted in a regimental structure or restrained the Navy fought so did the Marines. Detachments fought in to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. Between 1767 and 2 Lieutenant George Dyer RM, 1780 by James Thomas all the famous fleet victories from Quiberon Bay (1759) to in barracked in distant garrisons. Earl St Vincent, 1781 each of the three Grand Divisions raised bands of Northcote. Dyer served from 1776 until 1814. Trafalgar (1805), but also in the numerous hard fought single as First Lord of the Admiralty, who in 1802 secured their musicians capable of playing orchestral and military band ships actions and prize captures at sea, as well as the cutting ‘Royal’ title stated, ‘I never knew an appeal made to them music, establishing the tradition which continues today. 3 A typical late 18th-century recruitment scene entitled ‘Recruits’ by H.W. Bunbury, around 1780. out and boat actions along foreign coasts. On land, they for honour, courage or loyalty that they did not more than projected the Navy’s power far beyond the range of ships’ realise my highest expectations. If ever the hour of real Technological advances included the first specialist landing guns. It was individual ship’s detachments, massed to form danger should come … they will be found the country’s craft, troop boats that could be easily stored in large battalions of 100s of fleet Marines for action ashore, that sheet anchor’. The Marine Corps became the ‘Royal Marines’. numbers on board ship fitted with removable benches to

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181 5 ~1914 VICTORIA’S JOLLIES 2 advance on Ladysmith and a force of RMLI took part in the immensely more effective than the canons of the past. The attack which carried the day at Graspan (against a skilled reach of the Royal Marines carried as detachments in ships People enemy with accurate modern firearms). Thousands of miles was revolutionised as sail gradually gave way to steam. away, in Peking, Marines defended, with great distinction, Wind and tide lost much of their power to disrupt landing By 1815 the Royal Marines were firmly established as a the European legation during the Boxer uprising – forming a operations but in Britain there were no ’amphibious permanent and respected force and continued to expand strong and lasting bond with the United States Marine Corps. visionaries’ (to match the Navy’s ‘bluewater visionaries’) who through the 19th century to a total of 18,800 men by 1900. could foresee a future role for Marines to use landing craft From mid-century they did so in two separate uniforms: the Progress carried by ship and driven by engines. In the decade leading Royal Marines Artillery (RMA) – ‘Blue Marines’ (4,000 in 1900) up to the First World War there were no amphibious or joint and the Royal Marines (RMLI) – ‘Red Marines’ The fighting punch of the Royal Marines, along with other operation exercises to speak of and a lack of progress which (15,000). These attracted and developed different types of infantry of the Western World, was transformed by the contrasts with the United States Marine Corps. people: the RMA – bluff, stolid, traditional, technically expert; technological advances in small arms weaponry. The musket the RMLI – more fleet-of-foot, versatile, wearing the Light was replaced by the rifled musket of the mid-century and From 1898 with the growth of German power the focus Infantry bugle in their . The Marines attracted breach loading magazine rifles in the late century. Mass- changes and the great naval reforms of Admiral Fisher officers of limited means who could not purchase commissions, killing weapons such as the Maxim arrived in the 1880s; postulated massive sea engagements between ‘castles of many from Scots or Irish origin, who were drawn by the desire parallel transformations in the guns carried in HM ships steel’. The prospect of amphibious joint operations receded, to travel, fight and to bear a long service commission – meant that naval gunfire support for operations ashore was and the Corps was at a discount. accepting very slow promotion, and with relatively few high ranks to attain. 3 The men who joined needed to accept a disciplined life and fierce actions against the dervishes in the Sudan. In were proud to be ‘sworn men’ when others in ships companies Power 1 A Bombardon, Bass and Euphonium Class, Royal were not. With VCs won in the Crimea, the Baltic and in China peacetime providing support was key, whether to civil Naval School of Music, Eastney, 1905. their reputation was steadily built across the British Empire; As British trade and a formal empire expanded the Royal powers – as in Ireland – or to trade – as in anti- work the popular image of the red-faced buffoons of the Georgian Navy was a key part of its power, essential to projecting in the Persian Gulf. 2 The Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) working a captured gun on a railway truck, Battle of Kassassin, influence, challenging threats and ensuring supremacy at Navy being replaced with one of men marked by esprit de 28 August 1882. corps, cunning and camaraderie, carrying out their duty all sea. Detachments of Royal Marines serving in fleets, flotillas Purpose over the globe. Kipling’s poem, ‘Soldier and Sailor too’ gives and individual ships were vital in exercising this power; 3 RMA undertaking naval gun practice in the Sea one a sense of why the ‘Jolly’ was so valued for his initiative, wherever the Royal Navy went, the Marines went too. Their King George IV, in designing the new Corps colours Service Battery, Eastney, around 1902-04. ‘For there isn’t a job on top of the Earth that the beggar don’t flexibility and multiple roles all the more important when presented in 1827, was asked to consider no less than 106 know, nor do. You can leave ‘im at night on a bald man’s ‘ed, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 dramatically battle honours (a good regiment of the line could muster to paddle ‘is own canoe’. shortened sailing times to reach British interests and when just 20); many more would follow by 1900. The principal the British Empire burgeoned. Royal Marines saw much fighting roles for Marines over the 19th century were: to active service around the globe: in the Carlist War in Spain serve the great guns on HM ships or in field batteries ashore, 1 (1837-40), in the First China War (1841-42), in the New to provide landing parties and when necessary to extend Zealand War with the Maoris (1845), in Argentina (1845) and their service ashore as formed battalions alongside the Army. Burma (1847). During the Crimean War (1847-1855) some As Britain maintained a ‘splendid isolation’ and largely 2,700 Royal Marines were committed above Balaclava and at avoided involvement in the Continent’s revolutions and wars, the Battle of Inkerman, also in the Baltic. Ships’ detachments these roles were often carried out against forces far outside were involved in the Indian Mutiny at Cawnpore and the Europe. In colonial battles during the century, RM landing Relief of Lucknow and RM battalions in the Second China parties fought against indigenous warriors and their War (1857), and in Japan at Somonoseki, 1863 – the last time discipline – and at times superior weaponry – often won the RM colours were carried into battle. Through the 1870s the day. On campaign the ability to extemporise was vital, using endless list of operations goes on: the Ashanti wars, actions trains, tug-boats and even camels. The century ended for the in Malaya, Zanzibar, the Congo, Samoa, the Niger and Cyprus Corps with two tough campaigns which showed their (as Garrison), then the Zulu wars. The 1880s saw the Royal versatility. In the Boer War Royal Marines manning 6-inch Marines heavily committed to the war in Egypt and then the naval guns on makeshift mountings made their mark on the

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1 peacetime soldiering resumed. The Marines remained an contributions were made by sea, land, and air. A number course in the inter-war years. The Second World War integral part of the Navy, serving across the globe. The of small, highly specialised tasks were developed such as provided the impetus for the reorganisations born out of events of note of the interwar period – demonstrating the beach reconnaissance and clearance and small raids such failure and disaster. The reorganisation of the RM Division, 1 6 , ‘A’ Company, 40 (RM) Commando – adaptability of the Corps – were ceremonial public duties in as the notable ‘Cockleshell Heroes’ raid on Bordeaux in transforming it from redundancy into relevance by breaking the first Royal , around 1942. London and participating in the inter service force for the December 1942. it up for forming Commando units and landing craft flotillas defence of Alexandria, both in 1935. The 1,600 man effectively saved the Corps and gave roles beyond the Second 2 The Royal Marines first Public Duties in London, 1935, a poster by Leo Swain. contribution to the force in Alexandria presaged the Progress World War. MNBDOs that fought with such determination in Crete and 3 – 0730 hrs, 510 LCA Flotilla Burma in the early years of the War. As the war progressed, The period between 1914 and 1945 was a period of The opportunity afforded by the reorganisation to show the Third Run In, 6 June 1944. the Corps developed well beyond pure sea soldiers – unprecedented change for the Royal Marines. Not only were Corps’ versatility, dependability and resourcefulness at the assuming the commando role in partnership with the Army, the two arms of the Corps forced to amalgamate, but also later stages of the war paid dividends when at the end of into a multi-role force providing armoured support, anti- the size of the Corps fluctuated wildly with expansion in the war, the Commando role was entrusted to the Corps. aircraft artillery units, engineers and beach organisations. two wars and contraction in between. In the Great War, the In 1945, for the invasion of Japan, the Corps planned to link to the Navy was maintained through the Fleet, but the produce two commando , an amphibious support focus was ashore in support of the Army in both Gallipoli regiment with amphibious vehicles, six mobile landing craft and the Western Front. The great change of amalgamation bases, 16 mobile naval air bases and 10,000 RM Engineers was managed successfully and the Corps, without great as well as landing craft for three naval assault forces. opportunity to demonstrate its prowess, steered a steady Fortunately, they were not required.

Purpose 2 3

At the start of the Great War, the Royal Marines – both Royal Marine Artillery and Light Infantry - provided men for sea service and general service overseas. In 1914 the Corps was first to respond in Europe with the RM Brigade. At sea, the 191 4 ~1945 FIGHTING MARINES across the globe in their traditional roles afloat and ashore. Navy relied on Marines to man the guns of the Fleet. The In 1923, the Blue and Red Marines amalgamated to form the same skills were used by the RMA with their 15-Inch People Royal Marines and carried out public duties for the first time in France which took part in almost every battle in 1937. In the Second World War, in operations ranging on the Western Front. Fresh from the failure of Gallipoli, the At no other period in the Royal Marines’ history has so much from the jungles and rivers of Rangoon to the olive groves of Marines of the Division earned new laurels in France at the change been condensed into such a short period. In the Crete, across the oceans and wherever required, by sea, land Battle of the Somme and Passchendaele. Great War the Corps expanded from 18,000 to 55,000 by and air, the sons of the Great War generation who joined 1918 and then contracted to a mere 9,500 in 1923, before the Royal Marines showed the same courage, determination In 1918 the potential of the Corps, when used creatively expanding again to 78,000 in the Second World War. The and unselfishness as their forebears. with the Navy, was shown in the first ‘commando’ strike at impact of such enormous fluctuations on its people could Zeebrugge. In the interwar years, the role of the Corps was have been both disconcerting and unnerving, yet in spite of Power to provide detachments for the gun armament of ships while the influx of conscripted ‘new blood’ for war service, the at the same time being capable of providing striking forces Corps took it all in its stride. The regular corps that defended The operational diversification and technological for amphibious operations or the seizure and defence of Ostend and in 1914, with dependability and developments brought about by the Great War had bases for the Fleet. At the start of the Second World War, steadfastness, was reinforced with citizen soldiers inculcated considerable impact of the Royal Marines. Ashore they this is exactly what they did. Thereafter the Corps aspired to in the values, esprit de corps and traditions of the Marines. provided not only infantry and artillery, (including heavy provide a RM Division for service overseas, yet could not find These same men gave their lives across the world from the howitzers and long-range anti-aircraft guns), but also it a role. In perhaps the most momentous of decisions, the South Atlantic to Jutland, from the dust of Gallipoli to the engineers, labour corps, armoured cars and aviators. At sea Corps embraced the commando role and broke up the mud of France. In doing so they won five Victoria Crosses. where the traditional roles applied, they were essential to Division to man landing craft for the invasion of Europe, Through the interwar years, when the future of the Corps the effective manning and operations of the Fleet. In the providing five commando units and 12,000 men in landing was by no means certain, the ‘Soldier and Sailor’ served interwar years, many of these extra roles disappeared as craft flotillas for the invasion of France. Other significant

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1945 ~ PRESENT MARINE COMMANDOS 1 3 excellence in all they do. Be it the blending of conscripts or National Service Marines with the regular Corps; the People development of new and scientific training techniques or 1 A Royal Marines boarding team aboard one of seeking fresh and innovative approaches, the Corps has HMS Dragon's seaboats, Persian Gulf, April 2013. At the end of the Second World War, the Corps of Royal demonstrated its versatility across the Globe. It has Marines was 78,000 strong and comprised principally of endeavoured to be proactive when embracing change: the 2 Marines of 45 Commando Royal Marines entering Stanley, East Falkland, June 1982. Hostilities Only Marines who were not only commandos and development of mountain and arctic techniques on NATO’s Northern Flank; supporting the Navy in the global maritime ship’s Marines, but also landing craft coxswains, armoured 3 42 Commando Royal Marines on patrol, southern vehicle operators and pilots. Together, the professionals and community; becoming the leading exponents in information Iraq during , 21 March 2003. amateurs established a reputation for sturdiness and exploitation on operations; or leading the field in the reliability in adversity. The world war generation returning rehabilitation and assimilation of injured Marines within 4 40 Commando Royal Marines returning by to their former professions was replaced by National the family of the Corps – all remain influential beyond the helicopter from a border patrol, Borneo, 1966. Servicemen who, together with the Continuous Service confines of the Corps. regulars, took on the mantle of the commando role across the globe in the post war confrontations in Palestine, Malaya Equally adept at rescuing refugees from mountains in Iraq and Cyprus, adding to the laurels already achieved by their as he is to confronting the Queen’s enemies, the modern forebears. Their training remained tough and designed to Marine is as determined, unselfish and as cheerful in produce a robust and determined commando soldier. The adversity as his predecessors be they ‘His Majesty’s Jollies’, traditional role of the Marine at sea gradually dwindled in Nelsonian Lobsters, ships Marines of the First World War importance, but the link to the sea remained with landing or commandos of the Second World War. craft squadrons and amphibious ships. 4 The mixed force of National Service and career Marine was eventually consigned to history, yet still the Corps produced 2 when 40 Commando carried out only the second opposed required to serve in a military capacity with the Fleet’. In the courageous, resilient and self-disciplined career Marines able amphibious helicopter assault into Iraq. The versatility of the Sixties, changing national defence priorities meant leaving to adapt to the streets of Northern Ireland, the hot sands of Royal Marines was again demonstrated throughout the the Far East and adapting to operating on the Northern and Southern Arabia or the cold and wet of the Falklands Islands operations in Iraq and Afghanistan where new and original Southern Flanks of NATO. and overcome adversity in their own inimitable style. The approaches led to ground breaking operational techniques. Marine of today has all the qualities of his forebears: The lessons from these operations have shaped the powerful The Corps has become synonymous with the commando role versatility, intelligence and fortitude, and the flexibility to and multi-dimensional capabilities of the Corps today. but the traditional roles of supporting the Navy at sea still adapt to an uncertain world. apply and have increased in importance. From detachments Purpose on ships to the provision of specialists: countering piracy, people smuggling and terrorism, the Navy has increasingly Power By Sea and Land, the Royal Marines have provided a robust come to rely on the traditional skills of the Marines. On land, The link to the sea has remained strong and Royal Marines and increasingly sophisticated response to the nation’s the Marines also protect the nation’s nuclear deterrent and have been influential in the development of the amphibious enemies and the Marine has developed in character and the Commando Brigade remains at immediate notice as a capability. The success of the Suez operation in 1956 in which capability to meet these demands. At the end of the Second contingency force, forward deployed in support of the 45 Commando became the first unit in the world to launch a World War, ships’ Marines and RM Commandos policed the nation’s interests. helicopter assault from the sea generated a momentum in Empire and fought the rise of communism in Malaya and amphibious matters that culminated in the development of Korea. The value of the commando brigade was Progress the Commando carriers. The effective use of these carriers by demonstrated to great effect by the landings at Suez. It the embarked Commandos in Kuwait in 1961 and East Africa became an amphibious ‘Fire Brigade’ east of Suez during the The history of the Corps is littered with threats and in 1964 led to the development of more capable landing retreat from empire, fighting insurgency in East Africa, Aden challenges. From whatever direction they have come, the ships and the Royal Marines became leading exponents in and Borneo. In 1964, the Tercentenary of service to the Corps has sought to demonstrate excellence, relevance and their use alongside the US Marine Corps. The expression of Crown by the Royal Marines, the role of the Corps was, ‘To value for money. In each case, the contribution of the Corps that power and capability was fully demonstrated during the provide such specialised assault troops as may be required has been found to be vital to the needs of the nation. Never recapture of the Falkland Islands in 1982 and again in 2003 for our seaborne forces together with such units as may be complacent, the Royal Marines have sought to deliver

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