Marines of the World

Fighting Regiments of Sea-Soldiers

This page is the beginning of the "Marines of the World" section; all links in this section are on this page. To follow the Links in order click-on the highlighted Link at the bottom of the page; or use the Links at the side.

The Previous page was: "Tobruk"

Marines the world over, are highly respected for their professionalism, and they are renowned for the prominent roll they play in action; their fighting abilities has been put to the test in every type of warfare; everywhere in the world, and they have more than proved their value, time and time again.

They have distinguished themselves over Centuries of fighting for their Country's causes, these men are respected by many, but feared by their enemies.

The Royal's are the modern-day commandos they have also proved to be among the fiercest and most highly trained sea soldiers there are.

Countries that have a long standing Marine Corps have a maritime history that is heaped in naval and maritime warfare.

Tobruk Marines In Pacific

1664 Formation of Royal Corps

1664 the Royal Marines Corps was formed since then they have possibly fought in more different battle situations than any other maritime corps in history.

The 'Bootnecks' (their nick name)have fought in all kinds of ships from the big sailing ships of old, right up to the the massive steel battle ships.

They have also carried out the duties of the landing parties. These experiences helped then to become the modern-day commando.

When Britain had the largest navy in the world every big ship had bootneck Detachments on board.

The Royal's guns crews competed with the seamen to see who the best gunners were, the competition was fierce.

Dutch Marines Female Warrior HM Landing Craft Ships Marines

United States Marine Corps 1775

The United States Marines Corps are without doubt the largest and most powerful force of this type in the world. Their soldiers' bravery in action has earned them great distinction.

They have stealth fighters or Special Forces in more than one department. They have fought all their battles with the valour of true professionals.

It is to the great regret of both the United States Marine Corps and the Royal Marines that they saw so little of one another during the Second World War, for their special comradeship is unique in the history of international relations.

At different periods of the war, ships of the Royal Navy were sent to American ports for repairs, and on these occasions the British Marines received highly privileged treatment from the American Marines.

It was not until the major units of the British fleet joined up with the American Navy in the Pacific in 1945, that the two Marine Corps fought in the same area. And even here the contact was not so close as they would have liked.

In the Pacific the British Marines fought in and from ships of the Royal Navy. Royal Marine pilots of the Fleet Air Arm took part in the attacks on Japanese ships.

And with their naval air comrades helped to stem the whirlwind of Japanese "KamiKaze" pilots, or suicide aircraft which fortunately came into full action too late to effect a radical revision of American Stategy.

Spanish Marines SR-71 Blackbird United States Marines Zeebrugge 1918

The Dutch Marines 1665

The Dutch Marines joined the sea soldiers of the world in 1665. One year after the British during the Dutch wars with Britain.

Two years later they fought each other for the first time on land; when The dutch marines attacked the Landguard Fort, Suffolk, at the entrance to Harwich Harbour where some of the British fleet were laid up.

On 2nd July 1667, 1,500 fully equipped Dutch Marines attacked the fort, they were successful at the other forts they attacked; but the Landguard fort was defended by Captain Natanial Darrell with 400 Musketeers (the first recorded British Marines) and with 100 gunners manning the cannons.

The nearest Sunday to the 2nd July is still celebrated for that successful defence; to this very day each year and is well worth joining other visitors to experience the happening.

Since the end of the Dutch Wars the Netherlands Marine Forces have often trained or fought along side the British Royal Marines.

They played an important part in helping to capture the rock of Gibraltar in 1704.

They have a long maritime history and have gained respect wherever they have fought.

Modern-day Pages Fast Boats Pages Joe Wezley Pages

The Spanish Corps 1537

The Spanish Corps have a distinguished history stretching back to 1537. They are the oldest formed Marine Corps in the world.

They are a 8,500 strong force with an independent 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 that were loading the cannons on the other ships they were fighting.

Should you have any material about any other marines that you would like to bring to our attention please do not hesitate to contact-us.

The next Link Below will be: "D.E.M.S. 1940"

THE ROYAL MARINES

LEAVE AFGHANISTAN FOR THE LAST TIME

The last commando group of thousands of Royal Marines to serve in Afghanistan are returning to the UK – marking the end of more than a decade of operational deployments in the country.

In an historic moment, troops from 40 Commando Royal Marines (40 Cdo) symbolically lowered the Royal Navy’s white ensign that has flown above their main operating base (MOB) Price, in the Nahr-e Saraj district, for the past six months – the last time the flag will fly in Helmand Province.

40 Cdo are the most recent Royal Marine unit to serve in Afghanistan after successive deployments that have seen Marines serve in areas such as Sangin, Nahr-e Saraj and Musa Qala.

40 Cdo were also the very first British troops to deploy to the country in 2001, securing Bagram airfield and going on to patrol the streets of Kabul.

The equivalent of over 14,000 Marines have deployed on operations in Afghanistan. The 7,200- strong Royal Marine Corps has deployed units to Afghanistan 12 times, along with many individuals who have been attached to other units.

And the Royal Marines have been awarded nearly 200 honours for their acts of bravery and distinguished service in Afghanistan, including a George Cross, seven Distinguished Service Orders and ten awards of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, including one posthumously.

The commando group, who have now handed over to 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, have seen security improve dramatically during their tour. Working out of MOB Price, which the Marines nicknamed “HMS Price” in line with Royal Navy tradition, they have developed the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan police units in the area to take on responsibility for security and have worked together to successfully tackle the insurgency.

In the past year, The number of UK bases across Helmand has reduced from 80 to 12 as they are handed over to Afghan forces or dismantled, in line with growing Afghan security capability. MOB Price is expected to be handed over to the Afghans in due course.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said

“The courage of the Royal Marines, and indeed all of our Armed Forces who have served in Afghanistan over the past decade, has been truly outstanding. Their commitment has made sure that transition of security to Afghan control is deliverable by the time we end our combat operations in December 2014.

“I recently saw for myself the capabilities of the Royal Marines as they undertook arduous winter training in Norway. I was extremely impressed by these Commandos who are absolutely committed to preparing for contingency operations that may arise whenever and wherever in the world.

“The hard work of 40 Commando Royal Marines in Afghanistan over the winter has led to impressive progress in the capabilities of Afghan forces as they take on security responsibility, with decreasing levels of assistance from UK and ISAF forces.

“It is these Afghan forces, developed and trained by UK personnel, who will ensure that Afghanistan never again provides a safe haven for terrorists.”

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope

“Royal Marines have been a key part of the Afghanistan effort since the UK committed to the region in 2001 and I would like to thank them for serving their country so valiantly, showing determination, commitment and courage.

“It has not been easy - with the many successes there have also been a number of sacrifices. Our thoughts and continued support are with those who were injured and their families and we will never forget those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

“The seminal contribution made by the Royal Marines has undeniably helped the Afghan Army strengthen its capability and with that brought greater stability to the region.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Matt Jackson

Commanding Officer 40 Commando Royal Marines

Described his unit’s work in Afghanistan as “absolutely exemplary”. “The Commando group has been able to transfer lead security responsibility from ISAF to the Afghan National Security Forces in a very difficult area of Central Helmand.

“Working together over the winter, we have given the Afghan Army and the Afghan police the confidence in their own abilities to operate together.

More importantly, we have given them the belief that they can operate independently from us; they now know that they are good enough to face down any future challenges that lie ahead.

“This is in no small measure due to the sacrifice made not just by the 61 Royal Marines who have lost their lives in this campaign, but by all Service personnel.”

Chief of Staff for 40 Commando, Major Karl Gray, said the unit had previously deployed to Afghanistan in October 2001, then returned on operations in 2007, 2010 and 2012.

“Having been here on and off since 2001, it has been really encouraging to see the tangible progress that the Afghan National Security Forces have made in their ability to legitimately and effectively provide security in the region.

“This is testament to the sacrifices and efforts made by each operational tour. We have sadly lost many outstanding Marines and soldiers during this campaign and, although only a small comfort to the families of the bereaved or injured, I can honestly say that these tragic losses have not been in vain.

“Everyone who has served here has made a difference, not only in Afghanistan but also to the security of the UK by preventing Afghanistan being a haven for terrorists.”

Marines of the World D.E.M.S. 1940

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