In the famous painting of Nelson’s death at the battle of Trafalgar, there are several men dressed in redcoats that look very much like line-infantry soldiers. They are, in fact, Royal Marines. First formed as a an official force in 1755, the Marines were granted their Royal status in 1802 and went on to find glory and honour serving all across the globe. Although essentially soldiers at sea, they differed greatly from both the sailors with whom they served and the line infantry whom they resembled.
Royal Marine Recruitment
Unlike the majority of sailors serving in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines were all volunteers. They were offered generous bounties to sign up, then sent to one of a number of training camps around Britain where they were drilled and trained like soldiers. When a new Navy vessel was about to put to sea, the Captain of the ship would apply to the Marines and a number would be sent to serve. The exact number was based on the size of the ship. Marines only served on vessels with a crew above fifty, and normally made up about one sixth or seventh of the total crew.
Policemen of the Royal Navy
Aboard their ships, Royal Marines usually lived in the decks in an area situated between the sailors and the officers, forming a natural buffer zone. The primary duty of the marines was to act as the ship's police force. To enforce the Captain’s orders and to guard key areas such as the Captain’s quarters, the weapons locker, and the alcohol store. The Marines were also present to prevent the most serious crime, mutiny. However most mutinies were more like industrial strikes and normally not violent affairs. In most cases of mutiny during the era, the Marines took little or no part. It is perhaps worth mentioning that the most famous mutinous ship HMS Bounty was too small to carry a contingent of Marines.
Amphibious Landings
During the Napoleonic Wars, a conflict that stretched across the globe, it became increasingly common for Britain to use the amphibious landings as military operations. However, most soldiers were very poor in operations involving boats, while sailors usually lacked the discipline once on land. Thus the Royal Marines became the masters of this type of warfare which often involved quick strikes at key coastal locations. The Royal Marines had some of their shining moments during the War of 1812, when Admiral Cochrane used them time and time again to launch quick strikes against the American Coast.
Fighting in the Line
During the major ship actions of the era, such as the battle of Trafalgar, Marines had a key part to play. During battle, Marines often manned several of the ships guns, continued to guard key ship locations, and were often sent up into the rigging to snipe at enemy crewman and to toss grenades. Marines usually did not take part in boarding actions – this confusing melee was often better left to the sure-footed sailors.
The Royal Marine’s Equipment
The equipment of a Royal Marine was very similar to a soldier of the line. He wore a similar uniform, although the Marines retained the round top-hat long after it was abandoned by the army. Marines were equipped with a musket that was very similar, although a few inches shorter than the one issued to the army. The musket and the attachable bayonet were the Marine’s primary weapon.
Primary Infomation for this article obtained from Nelson's Royal Marines by Stuart Hadaway, Military Illustrated, April 2008.
