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Nelson and His Navy - Royal Marines

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"I never knew an appeal to them for honour, courage or loyalty that they did not realise more than my expectations. If ever the hour of real danger should come to England, they will be found the country's sheet anchor" (Sir John Jervis, Earl of St Vincent on the role of the Royal Marines 1805)

Regimental Background

The Royal Marines celebrate 28 October 1664 as their foundation day, for it was then, in the early stages of the Second Dutch War that the Admiral's Regiment (or the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot) was ordered to be raised. The vast majority of marines served aboard ship, in small detachments forming part of the crew. The most ancient role of marines was (and still is) to fight as sea going soldiers, using virtually the same weapons and tactics as on land. The marines were granted the title "Royal" in 1802.

The Napoleonic Wars

The period surrounding the Napoleonic Wars represents the pinnacle of achievement for the Royal Navy, when the "Habit of Victory" became so all encompassing that Brittania truly "Ruled the Waves". It was the time of Britains greatest hero, Lord Horatio Nelson, whose personal achievements captured the pride and the imagination of the Royal Navy and the British public until the present day. The Royal Marines played no small part in this period of naval history.

The Role of the Marines

Marines are often associated with the suppression of mutiny and this role greatly expanded during the Napoleonic Wars. They had always carried out guard duties aboard ship and had enforced regulations below deck. Marines were to stand guard whenever punishment was inflicted . They were deliberately sperated from the seamen and in harbour, when mutiny was most likely, they were to be kept 'constantly at drill or parade, and not to be diverted by the ordinary duties of the ship'.

The marines were of prime importance in amphibious warfare. Co-operations between the army and the navy often led to disputes of authority, the marines however were clearly under naval discipline and more hence effective. Marines duties on shore were not restricted to amphibious warfare. They could be landed as guards in a friendly port or to keep seamen from desertion. The smart uniformed appearance was also used to impress enemies and allies. Occasionally they were used for impressment duties.

Terms of Service

The recruitment of marines resembled that of the army, as they were essentially landmen they could not be "impressed" like seamen. Posters were printed and stuck up in market places, and recruiting sergeants roamed the area trying to recruit young men with tales of action and adventure. persuasion was not enough and in wartime a substantial bounty was offered which by 1801 had reached £26 per man. Despite this the rapid expansion of the navy caused a crisis as recruitment of marines did not match impressment of sailors. Some soldiers from the army were consequently used at sea and to overcome line of command problems many were offered bounties to transfer to the marines full time. The marines continued to expand throughout the Napoleonic Wars so that by 1805 some 30,000 marines had been voted by parliament. Marines like soldiers were traditionally recruited for life however during the 1790's there was some attempt made to recruit for the "duration" instead.

Marine shore organisation centered on three divisions, with barracks near the dockyards at Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. Training on shore was almost entirely in the skills of an infantryman. The first many marines knew of a ship was on their first posting aboard.

The pay of a marine private was £1 8s 0d per month as per the army. However on board ship this was reduced to 19s 3d per month as victualling and accommodation were provided free.

Uniforms and Equipment

Uniforms in general followed those of the army. Following the granting of "Royal" status in 1802 the whole marine uniform was updated. The new uniforms were ' by the King's express command, the pattern of the First regiment of Foot Guards'. Sergeants were distinguished by knots on their right shoulders and lace trimmings of their jackets and hats. Corporals had only the knot. The rank and file marine wore two leather pipe clayed cross belts with a plate bearing the Marines badge joining them together.

The basic weapon of the marines was the Brown Bess (flintlock) musket. On ship this was likely to be the shorter Sea Service musket, however on shore marines could be issued with the normal Land or India Pattern of musket. Bayonets were similar to those used by the army.

More Information

For more information on the Royal Marines in 1805 read Nelson's Navy by Brian Lavery, published by Conway. Alternatively visit the Royal Marines Museum, Southsea, Hampshire, England.