The Battle of Soul Bay - First use of the word 'Marine'

Unit/ Formation: Marine Regiments

Location: North Sea

Period/ Conflict: Second Anglo Dutch War

Year: 1672

Date/s: 28 May 1672

The Burning of the Royal James at the Battle of Solebay, 28 May 1672 by Willem van de Velde the Younger

The name Marines first appeared in official records (30th May 1672). A letter from Captain Sylas Taylor, addressed to Lord Arlington’s secretary, and referring to the Battle of Sole bay, the writer concludes by saying “Those marines of whom I have wrote to you behaved themselves stoutly”.

This is the first mention that can be traced of the word 'Marines' in connection with any armed force of the country, and the Corps, at present day cannot fail to feel proud of the fact that the first use of the name was associated with words of praise and respect for the regiments.