Spanish MarinesThe First Regular Sea SoldiersThe previous page was: "Ship's Marines" The Spanish Marines Corps are recognised sea soldiers of the world. They have a maritime history heaped in sea warfare; and then it should be they have been one of the greatest maritime nations in history. They have a distinguished history stretching back to 1537. They started life as the 'Old Naples Sea Company.' They are the oldest formed Marine Corps in the world. Emperor Charles 1st founded the Mediterranean galley squadrons to operate against the Ottoman Turks. They immediately became a seaborne landing force because it was well disciplined they were very successful.
The Great Siege of MaltaThey fought with great distinction in the Great Siege of Malta and again at Lepanto, against the Turks in 1571. The Conquest of Portugal in 1580 was successful. They fought in the Azores in 1582, then the Spanish Amada in 1588 and in the South Americas at Bahia and Pernambuco in 1652. They are an 8,500 strong force with their own command structure. One of the duties of the Spanish Marines was to stand in the rigging of the big galleons and shoot the officers or the men loading the cannons on the other ships they were fighting. The Tercio de Armada (TEAR)Almost half of their force is highly trained in amphibious landings. They are the known as the landing brigade The Tercio de Armada (TEAR). They also have five marine light infantry regiments their duty is to protect the Spanish Navy. Their presence is seen mainly on the larger warships. Martin Alvarez died a hero's death at the battle of Cape St. Vincent aboard the Spanish flagship 'San Nicolas de Bari'. Alvarez fought with exceptional bravery, in recognition of this Nelson had him buried at sea with full honours. The event is commemorated by a plaque and a bronze cannon in Gibralter. Alvarez's name is still read out today. The next Link will be: "SR-71 Blackbird" Spanish Marines SR-71 Blackbird "Pirates Trilogy" $20
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