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Royal Marines Artillery Rocket Detachments

Jul 28
2 min read

The Royal Marine Artillery used Congreve rockets in several engagements during the War of 1812.


First used during the Napoleonic Wars men from the Royal Marine Artillery had become experts in their use, and the navy had converted HMS Galgo and Erebus into rocket ships.

An Illustration from the book: A Treatise on the General Principles, Powers, and Facility of Application of the Congreve Rocket Systemby Sir William Congreve, (1827). (Printed for Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green), Paternoster Row, London, 1827
An Illustration from the book: A Treatise on the General Principles, Powers, and Facility of Application of the Congreve Rocket Systemby Sir William Congreve, (1827). (Printed for Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green), Paternoster Row, London, 1827

Two battalions of Royal Marines were sent to North America in 1813 and supporting each battalion was a rocket detachment, each with an establishment of 25 men, commanded by lieutenants Balchild and John Harvey Stevens.


Both rocket detachments were embarked aboard the transport vessel Mariner.

A view of the Battle of Fort Oswego, fought on 6 May 1814 between the British, commanded by Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo, R.N. (1782-1818) and the Americans, commanded by George Edward Mitchell (1781-1832), resulting in a British victory.
A view of the Battle of Fort Oswego, fought on 6 May 1814 between the British, commanded by Commodore Sir James Lucas Yeo, R.N. (1782-1818) and the Americans, commanded by George Edward Mitchell (1781-1832), resulting in a British victory.

The British used the Congreve rocket on U.S. soil for the first time in an attack on Lewes, Delaware, on 6 and 7 April 1813. The town was bombarded for 22 hours


Rockets were used in the engagements at Fort Oswego and Lundy's Lane (Niagra).


A third battalion of Royal Marines arrived in North America in 1814, with an attached rocket detachment commanded by Lieutenant John Lawrence, which subsequently participated in the Chesapeake campaign.


Congreve rocket, from schematic by Sir William Congreve, dated 1814.
Congreve rocket, from schematic by Sir William Congreve, dated 1814.

During this campaign, the British used rockets at the Battle of Bladensburg to rout the militia (which led to the burning and surrender of Washington, D.C.), and at the Battle of North Point.


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Guest
Oct 20

The details about the Congreve rockets and the Royal Marines’ campaigns make this a compelling piece of military history. Articles like this show the value of preserving historical records and keeping information accessible for future readers. In everyday life, maintaining an organized environment matters too, and professional cleaning services can help keep homes and workplaces comfortable.

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Guest
Oct 20

This article provides an interesting account of how Royal Marine rocket detachments contributed to the War of 1812, with details about their commanders and key engagements. It’s fascinating to see how specialized military technology influenced historical events. A well-organized local information resource also helps readers find useful information more easily.

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Oct 19
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

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