The history of the Royal Marines is a roll-call of daring deeds and valiant victories.

28 October 1664

By order of the Privy Council the 'Admirals' Regiment' of 1200 men was raised to fight the Dutch at sea. Their gallantry laid the foundations for the Royal Marines' reputation ever since.

Gibraltar 1704

Following the Dutch War, Britain was involved in a war with France and Spain. The rock of Gibraltar was a major strategic target. The Marines captured it and held out for eight months under siege. 'Gibraltar' is the only battle honour we wear in our badge and on our colours.

Seven Years' War 1756 to 1763

During another war with France, the Marines fought and won a battle near Lagos, West Africa; at Quiberon Bay in France where Admiral Hawke destroyed the French Fleet; and at Quebec with General Wolfe. It is said that their laurels were won for bravery at the capture of the French island of Belle Isle.

The Glorious First of June 1794

During the war following the French revolution, the Marines took part in all the great sea battles including Nelson's victories on the Nile and at Copenhagen, and the battle fought and won on 'The Glorious First of June'.

Capture of Canton 1841

When Chinese junks harassed British ships in the 19th century, the Marines distinguished themselves, especially by the capture of Canton which led to the Chinese surrender.

The Siege of Sevastopol 1854

During the Crimean War, Britain joined forces with the French to halt Russia's attack on the Turkish Empire. The Marines fought in many actions, notably the defence of Balaclava, the battle of Inkerman, and the siege of Sevastapol where they won their first three Victoria Crosses.

The Boer War 1899 to 1902

In the South Africa war, the Marines were used mainly at sea as extra gun crews on the ships carrying troops and patrolling important routes. But during the Battle of Graspan in 1899, they lost half their number in a few minutes.

First World War 1914 to 1918

The Royal Marines took part in many of the Royal Navy's engagements afloat, while Marine gunners on land manned howitzers and anti-aircraft guns. Some Marines took to the air. One of them was awarded the first Distinguished Service Order of the war for a daring bombing raid on Zeppelin sheds. Two Royal Marines were awarded the Victoria Cross at Zeebrugge in 1918.

Second World War 1939 to 1945

The Royal Marines served in most naval encounters, including action against three German warships 'Graf Spee', 'Scharnhorst' and 'Bismark'. They were also involved in a wide range of new tasks: landing-craft crews, artillery and searchlight units and naval base defence organisation. The first Royal Marines Commando was raised in 1942 and by 1944 there were nine units engaged in action. By the end of the war there were 80,000 Royal Marines.

The Falklands 1982

The Royal Marines played a vital role in this brief but bloody war. Weeks before the Task Force arrived, men of the Special Boat Service were on shore scouting out possible landing sites. Later they played a crucial part in the battles for Port Stanley and Goose Green.