Origins and Formation

The Royal Marines trace their origins back to the early 17th century when England was developing a permanent naval force. The official formation of the Royal Marines took place on 28 October 1664, when King Charles II ordered the creation of the “Duke of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot.” Initially consisting of around 1,200 men, this regiment was established to serve aboard Royal Navy ships and conduct amphibious assaults.

The concept of dedicated marine infantry was not new, as other European navies also employed soldiers trained for naval combat. However, the Royal Marines were among the first to develop a structured doctrine emphasizing the combination of land and sea warfare.

18th Century – Expansion and the Seven Years’ War

Throughout the 18th century, the Royal Marines grew in size and importance. They participated in various conflicts, including the War of Spanish Succession (1701–1714) and the Seven Years’ War (1756–1763). Their role expanded from shipboard security and boarding operations to large-scale amphibious assaults.

One of the most notable engagements was the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775) during the American Revolutionary War. The Royal Marines fought alongside the British Army, demonstrating their effectiveness in land battles as well as in naval engagements. Their reputation for discipline and tenacity was solidified in these early conflicts.

19th Century – Napoleonic Wars and the British Empire

The Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815) marked a significant period in the history of the Royal Marines. Their participation in battles such as Trafalgar (1805) showcased their crucial role in naval engagements. The Royal Marines were present aboard Admiral Lord Nelson’s fleet, helping to secure one of Britain’s most decisive victories over the French and Spanish navies.

As the British Empire expanded, the Royal Marines were deployed across the world. They played key roles in the War of 1812, the Crimean War (1853–1856), and conflicts in China during the Opium Wars. Their responsibilities included garrisoning naval bases, conducting amphibious landings, and maintaining order in colonies.

By the late 19th century, the Royal Marines had developed a distinct identity within the British military. They adopted the famous green beret and continued to refine their specializations in amphibious warfare.

World War I – Trench Warfare and Naval Engagements

During World War I (1914–1918), the Royal Marines played a vital role in both naval and land operations. They were involved in the Gallipoli Campaign (1915), one of the most challenging amphibious assaults in history. Their ability to adapt to the harsh terrain and fierce combat demonstrated their resilience.

The Royal Marine Light Infantry (RMLI) and the Royal Marine Artillery (RMA) fought on the Western Front, enduring trench warfare conditions alongside the British Army. The Marines were also engaged in protecting vital naval assets and conducting raids on enemy coastlines.

World War II – Special Operations and Amphibious Warfare

In World War II (1939–1945), the Royal Marines were at the forefront of some of the most daring amphibious assaults. Their expertise in seaborne landings made them indispensable in campaigns such as:

• The Normandy Landings (D-Day, 1944) – Royal Marine Commandos stormed the beaches of Normandy as part of Operation Overlord.
• The Raid on Dieppe (1942) – An early attempt at a large-scale amphibious landing, which, despite being a costly failure, provided valuable lessons for later operations.
• The Pacific Theatre – The Royal Marines assisted in operations against Japan, including fighting in Burma and the Pacific Islands.

During this period, the Royal Marine Commandos were officially formed. Their selection and training process became one of the most demanding in the military, setting the foundation for modern special forces operations.

Post-War Era and the Cold War

Following World War II, the Royal Marines continued to evolve. They were involved in counter-insurgency operations and peacekeeping missions around the world, including:

• The Malayan Emergency (1948–1960) – Fighting Communist insurgents in the jungles of Malaya.
• The Korean War (1950–1953) – Supporting UN forces against North Korean and Chinese troops.
• The Suez Crisis (1956) – Conducting amphibious landings during Britain’s intervention in Egypt.

During the Cold War, the Royal Marines were stationed in various strategic locations, ready to respond to global threats. They developed Arctic warfare expertise, regularly training in Norway in case of conflict with the Soviet Union.

The Falklands War (1982)

One of the most famous and significant moments in Royal Marines history was the Falklands War (1982). When Argentina invaded the Falkland Islands, British forces, including a significant contingent of Royal Marines, were deployed to reclaim the territory.

• The Royal Marines led the amphibious landings at San Carlos Bay, establishing a crucial foothold.
• They played a major role in key battles, including Mount Harriet, Two Sisters, and Tumbledown Mountain.
• Their training in harsh conditions proved invaluable in the cold, rugged terrain of the Falklands.

The conflict lasted 74 days, and the British forces emerged victorious, reinforcing the reputation of the Royal Marines as an elite fighting force.

Modern-Day Operations and the War on Terror

In the 21st century, the Royal Marines have continued to be at the forefront of British military operations. Some of their key missions include:

• Iraq War (2003–2011) – The Royal Marines participated in the invasion of Iraq, securing key locations such as the Al-Faw Peninsula.
• Afghanistan (2001–2021) – Deployed extensively in Helmand Province, conducting counter-insurgency operations against the Taliban.
• Counter-Piracy Missions – Engaging in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

Training, Structure, and Special Forces

The Royal Marines’ selection and training process is regarded as one of the most challenging in the world. The 32-week training program at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone, Devon, includes:

• Endurance and physical conditioning.
• Weapons and tactical training.
• Survival and navigation exercises.
• The Commando Tests, which include a 30-mile yomp (march) across Dartmoor.

Elite units within the Royal Marines include the Special Boat Service (SBS), a counterpart to the SAS, specializing in maritime counter-terrorism and covert operations.

The Future of the Royal Marines

Today, the Royal Marines continue to modernize, incorporating cutting-edge technology and adapting to new forms of warfare. They have been restructured into the Future Commando Force (FCF), focusing on agility, rapid deployment, and integration with advanced combat systems.

With their expertise in amphibious warfare, special operations, and global deployments, the Royal Marines remain one of the world’s most respected and formidable military units.

Conclusion

From their humble beginnings in 1664 to their elite status today, the Royal Marines have played a vital role in British military history. Their resilience, adaptability, and commitment to excellence have ensured their place as one of the most formidable fighting forces in the world. Whether in the trenches of World War I, the beaches of Normandy, or the mountains of Afghanistan, the Royal Marines’ motto, “Per Mare, Per Terram” (By Sea, By Land), continues to define their legacy.