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Happy 358th Birthday Royal Marines Projecting Global Power Since 1664


Formed in the reign of King Charles II on October 28, 1664 as the Duke of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot (or Admiral’s Regiment), the name Marines first appeared in the records in 1672 and in 1802 they were titled the Royal Marines by King George III.

Since then, Marines have taken part in more battles on land and sea around the world than any other branch of the British Armed Forces; so numerous are the Corps’ battle honours they are simply represented by the famous Globe and the single honour ‘Gibraltar’

'I never knew an appeal made to them for honor, courage, or loyalty that they did not more than realize my highest expectations. If ever the hour of real danger should come to England they will be found the Country's Sheet Anchor.'

-Lord St. Vincent

Of the Royal Marines, 1802

"Soldier 'an Sailor too"

Rudyard Kipling

To take your chance in the thick

of a rush, with firing all about,

Is nothing so bad when you've cover

to `and, an' leave an' likin' to shout;

But to stand an' be still to the

Birken ead dri114 is a damn' tough bul

let to chew,

An' they done it, in the Dollies-'Er

Majesty's Dollies-soldier and sailor

too!

Their work was done when it

`and't begun; they was younger nor

me an' you'

Their choice it was plain between

drownin' in `eaps an' bein' mopped

by the screw.

So they stood an' was still to the

Biirken 'ead drill, soldier and sailor too!

We're most of us liars, we're `arf

of us thieves, an' the rest are as rank

as can be,

But once in a while we can finish

in style (which I `ope won't `appen to

me).

But it makes you think better o'

you an' your friend, an' the work yo

may `ave to do,

When you think o' the sinkin'

Victorier's Jollies-soldiers and sailor too!

Now there ins't no room for to

say ye don't know-they `ave proved

it plain and true

That, whether it's Widow, or

whether it's ship, Victorier's work is

to do,

An' they done it, the Jollies-'Er

Majesty's Dollies-soldiers and

sailors too!

The Royal Marines have been in action at the most extreme of Cardinal Points;

  • 62°57‘N (Arctic Convoys 1941 - 45)

  • 176°09‘E (Battle of Gate Pā Pukehinahina 1863)

  • 62°57‘S (Raid on Deception Island 1953)

  • 155°56W (Marines Killed alongside Cook 1779)


Why not come and explore this remarkable history for your self using the map here: Royal Marines a Geo History

Please also consider supporting the new Royal Marines Museum as they raise money to open a new museum telling the story of the Royal Marines.


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