Royal Marines

The Marines were first raised in 1664 as a regiment of land soldiers prepared for sea service. Raised as the Duke of York and Albany´s Maritime Regiment of Foot, they were known as the Admiral´s Regiment because the Duke was Lord High Admiral. In 1685 they became the Prince´s Regiment after Prince George of Denmark. In 1690 two regiments were created, followed by two more in 1698 and two more in 1702. These were disbanded in 1713 at the end of the War of Spanish Succession. Four companies of Invalids existed until 1739 when new regiments were raised during the War of Austrian Succession. These too were disbanded after the war.

In 1755 fifty new companies of marines were raised, grouped into three divisions, Chatham, Plymouth and Portsmouth, under the control of the Admiralty. The number of companies grew over the years and the marines were never disbanded again. In 1802 the corps was designated the Royal Marines by King George III on account of their distinguished service during the war with France. A fourth division was created at Woolwich from 1805 to 1869.

In 1804 marine companies of artillery were created which became a distinct division in 1859. This was called the Royal Marine Artillery and was based at Eastney. In 1855 the infantry companies were designated the Royal Marine Light Infantry. In 1923 both these branches were amalgamated as the Corps of Royal Marines.