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’.
Today, the Royal Marines are the UK’s Commando Forces and the Royal Navy’s amphibious troops. An elite force held at very high readiness, they are trained for worldwide rapid response, able to deal with a wide spectrum of threats and security challenges.
The main deployable force is 3 Commando Brigade RM with a Lead Commando Group ready and held at five days' notice to deploy globally, in support of the UK’s national interests
'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
In 2022 on the occasion of the Royal Marines 358th Birthday King Charles III became the Captain General Royal Marines.
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 with over 700 pins to explore you can search by Unit/ Conflict or Period.
(Please note that due to an error on the part of the author many hundreds of images collected over a 6 year period are missing, these will be replaced over the coming year)
Related Royal Marines 'Dits'