Soldiers of the Sea

The quick march 'Soldiers of the Sea' was composed by Vivian Dunn and written for HMS Bulwark, the Royal Navy's first Commando Carrier in which 42 Commando Royal Marines was embarked.

Initially commissioned as a light aircraft carrier in 1954, the ship was converted into a commando carrier in 1958 and recommissioned as such in 1960. Bulwark remained in this capacity until 1979 following failed efforts to sell the ship, Bulwark re-entered service as an anti-submarine warfare carrier and remained as such until being decommissioned in 1981. The ship was scrapped in 1984.

It was first performed in June 1960 at the ceremony of Beating Retreat performed by the Massed Bands of HM Royal Marines, at which the salute was taken by His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Captain General Royal Marines.

The Royal Marines Band, Soldiers of the Sea, performed on Horse Guards Parade, London. [click to listen on You Tube]