ROYAL MARINES HANDOUT

ROYAL MARINES CORPS MEMORABLE DATES

Introduction
Since the birth of the Corps in 1664, the Royal Marines has distinguished itself in many
different theatres of war in every quarter of the globe. The Corps crest, the globe encircled
by laurels, reflects its involvement in every major sea battle and in many land campaigns
for over three hundred years. The most important of these actions together with the
formation of the Royal Marines have been commemorated by the granting of ten Corps
Memorable Dates, ranging from the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 to the recent recapture of
the Falkland Islands in 1982. Memorable dates for actions during and after the 1939-45 war
have also been granted to operational HQ and units.
The Birth of the Corps - 28 October 1664
King Charles II sanctioned the formation of the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime
Regiment of Foot - the first Regiment to be formed specifically for service afloat. The
Regiment was raised mainly from the Trained Bands of the City of London from which the
RM derive the privilege of marching through the City of London with Colours flying, drums
beating and bayonets fixed. The yellow stripe in our present-day Regimental flash
commemorates the yellow uniforms of the Duke of York and Albany's Regiment.
The Capture of Gibraltar - 24 July 1704
The famous attack upon Gibraltar, which led to its surrender to the British, on 24 July 1704
was carried out by a brigade of British and Dutch Marines, 1,800 strong, under the
command of Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt. In the following October, Gibraltar was
besieged by the French and Spanish. The Marine brigade, which had been reinforced
shortly before by a further 400 Marines from the British Fleet, held the fortress against
repeated attacks until the siege was raised on 9 March 1705. In one incident in this fighting,
Captain Fisher of the Marines with 17 of his men, successfully defended the Round Tower
against the continued assaults of 500 French Grenadiers. A contemporary report of this
noted defence says, "Encouraged by the Prince of Hesse, the garrison did more than could
humanly be expected, and the English Marines gained an immortal glory.
The Battle of Trafalgar - 21 October 1805
The Corps was present at Lord Nelson's victory over the combined fleets at Trafalgar, the
most decisive sea fight in British history. Ninety officers and over 3,600 NCOs, and men of
the RM at their traditional stations on the upper decks of the British ships bore a brave and
important part in the success of the day. The losses were particularly heavy on board the
leading ships; in Lord Nelson's flagship, the Victory, 4 RM officers and 27 men of the RM
detachment were killed or wounded. The total RM casualties during the battle were 4
officers and 117 men killed or died of wounds and 14 officers and 226 men wounded.
The Battle of Belle Isle - 7 June 1761
Two battalions of Marines, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John McKenzie,
served with great distinction at the siege of Belle Isle, an island off the north-west coast of
France near St Nazaire in Quiberon Bay. With the 19th Regiment, these two units effected
their first successful seaborne landing in the face of stiff opposition. They took part in all
subsequent fighting on the island.
The Marine battalions gained great fame at the final storming of the redoubts in June. Of
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their conduct on this occasion the Annual Register for 1761 said:
No action of greater spirit and gallantry has been performed during the whole war.
The laurel wreath borne on the Colours and appointments of the RM is believed to have
been adopted in honour of the distinguished service of the Corps during this operation.
The Battle of Bunker Hill -17 June 1775
On the night of 16 June 1775 a rebel American force occupied dominating high ground to
the north of the town of Boston where a British garrison was based. On the following
morning General Sir William Howe launched an attack to dislodge the Americans which
was repulsed with heavy losses. A second attack was also unsuccessful but the third, after
Howe had been reinforced by a Marine Force and the 47th Regiment, finally took the
position. The Marine Force under Major John Pitcairn consisted of the First and Second
Marine Battalions. It suffered casualties of 29 killed and 87 wounded in storming the
heights. A contemporary report said:
"The reputation of the Marines was never more nobly sustained. Their unshaken
steadiness was conspicuous and their valour in closing with the enemy when part of the
attacking column wavered gained them not only the admiration of their comrades but the
commendation of their distinguished chief."
Gallipoli - 28 April 1915
During February and March 915 elements of the 3rd Royal Marines Brigade (Brigadier C N
Trotman RMLI), landed largely unopposed on the Gallipoli Peninsula to dismantle Turkish
defensive positions. After the unsuccessful naval attempts to force the Narrows in March,
the Turkish Army reinforced the peninsula in strength. Thereafter a major amphibious
operation was required. The Plymouth Battalion RMLI took park in the initial landing on 25
April but the Brigade did not land until the night of 28/29 April when it went ashore at Anzac
Cover to relieve 1 and 3 Australian Brigades. On 30 April it was joined in the line by 1 Royal
Navy Brigade (Brigadier D Mercer RMLI) which contained the Deal RMLI Battalion. For the
next 13 days both brigades were engaged in continuous heavy fighting, bearing the brunt of
the Turkish attacks and displaying great resolution. After a counter-attack in the Monash
Valley by Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions on 3 May 1915 the Turks were driven back
with heavy losses. Major Quinn, a great Australian VC, said to Major Jerram of the RM
Brigade "The bravest thing I've seen so far was the charge of your two Battalions up that
hill on Bloody Sunday."
In another incident Lance Corporal W R Parker (Portsmouth Battalion RMLI) was awarded
the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in evacuating a party of wounded men under fire. The
RM Brigade's casualties during this period were 21 officers and 217 men killed, 29 officers
and 764 men wounded and 122 men missing. On 12 May both brigades were deployed to
Cape Helles to rejoin the RN Division for the remainder of the campaign.
The Raid on Zeebrugge - 23 April 1918
The 4th Battalion RM under the command of Lieutenant Colonel B N Elliot DSO took a
leading part in the gallant enterprise against the German naval base at Zeebrugge, on St
George's Day, 1918.
The RMLI companies landed on the Mole in the face of determined opposition and held
their positions while the entrance to the canal was successfully blocked and the Mole
destroyed. Lieutenant Colonel Elliot, the last of a family who had served in the Corps from
father to son since 1755, Major Cordner, his second-in-command, 9 other officers and 109
NCOs and men lost their lives in this gallant affair, while 233 all ranks were wounded and
13 taken prisoner. Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to the RM for their conduct during
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the operation.
The Landings in Normandy - 6 June 1944
Over 16,000 Royal Marines took part in the largest amphibious operation in history. Most of
the minor landing craft were manned by Royal Marines, as also were the guns of the
support craft, and all capital ships carried an RM detachment. Five RM Commandos (41,
45, 46, 47 and 48) landed during the assault phase, grouped with three Army Commandos
into two Special Service Brigades. In addition the Corps provided a number of specialist
units including an Armoured Support Group, beach clearance and control parties and
engineers. The first 48 hours of the operation were the most critical, involving a seaborne
assault against a heavily protected and strongly held coastline. Most of the RM
Commandos were ashore by 0900 hours on 6 June and had achieved their initial objectives
by early on 7 June. The Corps thus played a leading role in the establishment of secure
beach-heads from which subsequent operations to defeat the German Army in the west
were developed. Nine officers and 85 men were killed in action on 6 June. The number of
wounded is not known. The following gallantry awards were conferred upon Royal Marines
during the Normandy campaign, most of them for actions on 6 June: 5 DSOs, 3 OBEs, 13
DSCs, 10 MCs, 1 CGM, 26 DSMs and 13 MMs.
The Assault on Walcheren - 1 November 1944
The leading troops in the successful seaborne attack on Walcheren in November 1944,
were the 4th Special Service Brigade (Brigadier B W Leicester DSO) consisting of Numbers
41, 47 and 48 Commandos and Number 4 Army Commando. The three RM Commandos
attacked Westkapelle with little support, owing to the weather.
The casualties were extremely heavy, but under the cover of this distraction 41, 47 and 48
commandos assaulted the island and landed on both sides of the dyke Hitler had ordered
his troops that the island was to be held at all costs, and in response they had defended the
island with some formidable defences. With very little cover from the flat, featureless terrain
the Allied forces again and again ran into German machine-gun cross fire. Inevitably the
casualties were high however after some days heavy fighting the result was a complete
success. Walcheren was captured; the port of Antwerp opened and again the Allied Armies
gained momentum in their advance towards Berlin.

BREAKDOWN OF BASIC TRAINING

Week 1 Foundation
The Start, The realisation that there are two five o'clocks per day.
o Joining Routine
o Gym and Swimming Assessment
o Kit Issue
o Mathematics and English Tests
o Admin
o Drill and Physical Training
Location: Lympstone Commando Training Centre
Week 2 Foundation
First introduction to field conditions:
o Exercise First Step (Overnight in the field)
o Drill Physical Training
o Personal Admin
o Close Quarter Combat.
For many the realisation that the life of a Marine is predominently spent outdoors, begins to
strike home. If it's wet or snowing, this is where people may start having second thoughts push through it.
Location: Lympstone Commando Training Centre & Woodbury Common.
Week 3 Foundation
Tactics and weapons training:
o Weapon Training
o Drill
o Physical Training
You've now morphed into a half-man, half ironing board mutant - but a smart one at that.
Location: Lympstone Commando Training Centre
Week 4 Individual Skills
More tests:
o Weapon Training
o Physical Training & Swim
o Drill & Corps History
o Exercise Early Knight (First armed field exercise at night)
Location: Lympstone Commando Training Centre
Week 5 Individual Skills
Camp and field week:
o Weapon Training (including Weapon Handling Tests)
o Physical Training & Runs
o Map Reading
o Exercise Quick Cover (3 day exercise including Basic Fieldcraft and Close Quarter Battle)
This is the first opt-out point & there will be a few quitters. Avoid the "Lemming Effect" and
crack-on. Those that leave at this point can generally expect a 12-24 month wait before getting
the opportunity to re-join.
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o Families Day
Location: Lympstone Commando Training Centre & Woodbury Common.
Long Weekend Leave
Week 6 Individual Skills
The recruits' basic shooting skills are perfected:
o First Aid
o Rifle Shoot
o Physical Training
o Map Reading
Location: Lympstone, Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) & 40 Cdo
Week 7 Individual Skills
A week in the field introducing more basic infantry skills:
o Exercise Marshall Star (3 1/2 Day Exercise) covers Basic Fieldcraft & Soldiering Skills
(including Obstacle Crossing)
o Close Quarter Combat
Location: Woodbury Common.
Week 8 Individual Skills
Introduction to Survival Training:
o Drill
o Physical Training
o Map Reading
o First Aid and Survival Training
Location; CTCRM & Stallcombe Wood
Week 9 Individual Skills
Weapons training, and an introduction to education qualifications:
o Drill
o Physical Training & Gym pass out.
o Map reading
o First Aid Exam
o Light Support Weapon (LSW) Training and Shoot.
o NVQ & Key Skills start
Location; CTCRM
Week 10 Individual Skills
Navigation and survival training:
o Exercise Hunter's Moon (4 day exercise) Fieldcraft
o Navigation Training,
o Map Reading
o Survival Exercise
Location; Dartmoor & Gileigh
Long Weekend Leave
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Week 11 Advanced Skills

Recruits must pass the next two weeks to continue their training:
o Live Firing: Rifle elementary application to Annual Personal Weapons Test (Combat
Infantryman) (also Computer Simulations Shoots)
Location; Straight Point Range
Week 12 Advanced Skills
Shooting training is crucial if recruits are to pass on to continue their training:
o Light Support Weapon Auto Shoot: LSW Annual Personal Weapons Assessment (Moving
Targets/Night Sights)
Location; Straight Point Range
Week 13 Advanced Skills
Communication and CBRN training start this week:
o Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Training
o Comms Training Starts
o Grenade throwing
o Helicopter & Underwater Escape Drills
Location; Woodbury Common, RNAS Yeovilton
Week 14 Advanced Skills
Time to perfect navigation and field skills ready for Exercise Baptist Run next week:
o CBRN
o Radios
o Exercise Running Man (3 day exercise) mainly Navigation Training (Yomping)
o Fit Lovats & Blues Uniforms
Location; CTCRM & Woodbury Common
Week 15 Advanced Skills
A major exercise this week tests all the core military skills required of a Royal Marine. All
recruits must successfully complete this exercise to continue training:
o Individual Skills Revision
o Exercise Baptist Run (2 day field test exercise)-to test all skills taught in phase 1- includes
stalking, kit inspections, map reading, CBRN and signal tests.
o First drill inspection, arms drill pass out and phase 1 pass out parade
Location; CTC & Woodbury Common
Long Weekend Leave
Week 16 Operations of War module
Training picks up intensity, with an emphasis on perfecting Infantry skills:
o VHF radio procedure training
o Battle physical training
o 51mm mortar training
o Tactics package starts
o Battlefield tour
Location; CTCRM & France
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Week 17 Operations of War module

Soldiering skills and tactical training are honed and perfected:
o Exercise First Base Tactical field patrols race
o Observation posts and harbour drills
Location; Perridge Estate
Week 18 Operations of War module
Patrol and tactical understanding is perfected:
o Exercise Second Empire section and troop level attacks
o Troop fighting patrols and ambushes
Location: Woodbury Common
Week 19 Operations of War module
A combination of weapon and adventure training:
o General purpose machine gun (GPMG) training
o R & I/ Adventure training
o Battle physical training
Location; CTCRM & Cornwall
Week 20 Operations of War module
The multi-terrain vehicle (the Viking) is introduced to recruits, and tactical training is completed:
o Exercise Viking Warrior (Troop level patrolling exercise)
o Including Viking training package
Location: Bovington Camp & training areas.
Week 21 Operations of War module
This week includes weapons training and battlefield tactics lectures:
o Battle physical training
o General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) training
o Defence lectures and CBRN
Location; CTCRM
Week 22 Operations of War module
More patrolling skills are taught, as well as fighting in woods and forests (FIWAF):
o Battle Physical training pass out
o Operating in Built-up Areas and Close Quarter Battle Skills Including patrolling
o FIWAF
o Dig & defence
o CBRN
Location; Sennybridge
Week 23 Operations of War module
Operations in Built-up Areas and Close Quarter Battle Skills (OBUA AND CQB) is taught and
practiced:
o Operations in Built-up Areas and Close Quarter Battle Skills (OBUA AND CQB) exercise
Location; Sennybridge . Long weekend Leave
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Week 24 Operations of War module

More weaponry training, and an Endurance Course acquaint:
o Minimi light machine gun (LGM) training,
o Endurance course acquaint,
o Key skills period ends
Location: CTCRM
Week 25 Operations of War module
Amphibious training:
o 12 mile load carry
o Amphibious training
o Minimi LMG firing (AWA)
o Sea safety training
o Visit RM museum
Location; Poole Areas & Portsmouth
Week 26 Commando Course
Climbing and mountain skills are practiced and the Final exercise begins:
o 6 Mile speed march,
o Cliff assault & rope techniques,
o Water obstacle crossing,
o Tarzan assault course acquaint
o Final Exercise starts
This is the last opt-out point after this week you'll hopefully complete RT, give 2.5 years return
of service before being eligible to submit 12 months notice. Those not sure about their
intentions ('War dodgers') leave at this point. With hindsight, having got this far, most bitterly
regret leaving.
Location; CTCRM, Foggin Tor, SW England
Week 27 Commando Course
Final Exercise is designed to prove a high standard of professional skills and tactical
understanding and recruits must successfully complete this in order to continue training. This is
the turning point - if you pass this, you're extremely unlucky not to successfully pass out:
o Final Exercise ends
o Specialisations brief
Location: SW England, CTCRM
Long Weekend Leave
Week 28 Commando Course
Training and an intensive physical workout on the Tarzan Assault Course
o European computer driving licence (ECDL) computing
o Tarzan Assault and Endurance course run-throughs
o Drill
Location; CTCRM, Woodbury Common, Bicton college

Week 29 Commando Course

Live fire tactical training:
o Field Firing Exercise 1 (Individual and Fire team level Live Firing)
Location; Dartmoor
Week 30 Commando Course
o Field Firing Exercise 2 (Section & Troop level Field Firing)
o Endurance course pass out
Location; Dartmoor, Woodbury Common, CTCRM
Week 31 Commando Course
This is the Commando test week where all the core criteria to becoming a Royal Marine
Commando are tested:
o Commando Tests (9 mile speed march, Tarzan & assault course, 30 miler, Endurance
course)
o ECDL Computing
o Drill
Location; CTCRM, Woodbury Common, Dartmoor & Bicton College
Week 32 Kings Squad Pass Out Week
In this final week of training, recruits celebrate their transition to Royal Marine Commandos:
o King's Squad Pass Out Parade
o Leaving admin
Location; CTCRM.

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The Royal Marines Command

The Corps is broken down into various components with varying tasks and skill sets. A self
reliant Brigade with Air assets, amphibious platforms, light armour support, logistic support,
medical support, reconnaissance groups, Fleet Protection assets, communications
infrastructure and of course 3 frontline Commando Units.
3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines
Based in Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth
3 Commando brigade are supported through a small but highly experienced Brigade Staff who
work for the Brigade Commander. When deploying from an Amphibious platform the Brigade
Commander and his Staff will work in tandem with a Commander Amphibious Forces and his
staff to deliver the Brigade ashore.
43 Commando Fleet Protection Group RM
Based in Clyde, Scotland
Split into 3 Rifle Companys the Unit is responsible for supplying rapid reaction elements to
protect Fleet and UK nuclear assets as well as conducting non-compliant boarding operations
in support of counter-piracy operations. They are also responsible for providing military support
in final denial of access to UK nuclear assets and to provide security for nuclear weapon
convoys.
Commando Logistics Regiment
Based at RM Chivenor, North Devon
Commando Logistics Regiment supply 3 Cdo Bde with assets such as supplying vehicle
recovery and repairs, stores and ammunition, Medical Support, fuel and all other assets
required for war fighting operations both at sea and ashore.
It is unique as a Unit as it supplies all facets and equipment without relying on support from
other units.
30 Commando IX Group RM
Based at Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth
30 Cdo IX (Information Exploitation) Gp RM are responsible for providing recce assets such as
the Surveillance and Reconnaissance Squadron, which is a highly trained unit made up of
reconnaissance specialists who operate ahead of the main Brigade Force.
Other key assets are Communications Squadron, providing both tactical and strategic
communications to the Brigade. Y Squadron who are highly trained specialists who intercept
enemy communications, building up a battle picture for the Commanders on the ground.

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40,42 & 45 Commando RM

40 Cdo RM Norton Manor Camp, Taunton
42 Cdo RM Bickleigh Barracks, Plymouth
45 Cdo RM Condor Barracks, Arbroath, Scotland
The Royal Marines cutting edge is structured within a brigade of three Commando Unitsnumbered 40, 42, 45. (Pronounced forty, four two & four five Commando). These Units are the
main fighting arm of the Corps and can work independently or collectively on Operations.
539 Assault Gp RM
Based in Plymouth, Devon
The Sqn is the Brigades amphibious landing asset comprising of raiding squadrons, Hovercraft
and vehicle and troop carrying landing craft. They are vital in launching the Corps in seaborne
operations and can also operate amphibious Viking vehicles to deliver force into hostile
territories.
1 Assault Group Royal Marines
Based in Plymouth,
One of the Royal Marines biggest assets which provides training and deployable assets for all
the main amphibious platforms within the Fleet.
Armoured Support Group
Based in Yeovilton, Somerset
The Armoured Support Group are 3 Commando Brigades experts in Protected Mobility.
Operating the formidable, highly mobile Viking All-Terrain Vehicle (Protected), they support the
Lead Commando Group both on land and at sea.

Commando Helicopter Force

Based at Royal Naval Air Station, Yeovilton
A Naval Squadron supported by Royal Marines, equipped with providing air reconnaissance,
Attack helos and troop carrying helos in support of operations for 3 Cdo Bde from both at sea
and from land bases. The Squadrons currently fly Merlin and Wildcat helos.

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Royal Marines rank structure

Other ranks
Marine (Mne)
Lance Corporal (LCpl)
Corporal (Cpl)
Sergeant (Sgt)
Colour Sergeant (CSgt)
Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2)
Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1)

Officers
Second lieutenant (2nd Lt)
Lieutenant (Lt)
Captain (Capt)
Major (Maj)
Lieutenant Colonel (LT Col)
Colonel (Col)
Brigadier General (Brig)
Major General (Maj Gen)

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ROYAL MARINES VICTORIA CROSS WINNERS

CORPORAL JOHN PRETTYJOHN RM, VC - 5 NOVEMBER 1854
BATTLE OF INKERMAN
At the Battle of Inkerman, Corporal Prettyjohn's platoon went to clear out some
caves which were occupied by snipers. In doing so they used up almost all of
their ammunition, and then noticed fresh parties of Russians creeping up the hill
in single file. Corporal Prettyjohn gave instructions to his men to collect as many
stones as possible which they could use instead of ammunition. When the first
Russian appeared he was seized by the corporal and thrown down the slope.
The others were greeted by a hail of stones and retreated.

BOMBARDIER THOMAS WILKINSON RMA, VC 7 JUNE 1855

CRIMEAN WAR
Wilkinson was about 24 years old, and a bombardier in the Royal Marine
Artillery, Royal Marines during the Crimean War when the following deed took
place for which he was awarded the VC
On 7 June 1855 at Sebastopol, Crimea, Bombardier Wilkinson was especially
recommended for gallant conduct with the advanced batteries. He worked at the
task of placing sandbags to repair damage done to the defences under a most
galling fire

LIEUTENANT GEORGE DARE DOWELL RMA, VC 13 JULY 1855

CRIMEAN WAR
Dowell was 24 years old, and a lieutenant in the Royal Marine Artillery, Royal
Marines during the Crimean War when the following deed took place for which
he was awarded the VC.
On 13 July 1855 at the Fort of Viborg in the Gulf of Finland, when an explosion
occurred in one of the cutters of HMS Arrogant, Lieutenant Dowell, who was on
board HMS Ruby, took three volunteers and went, under very heavy fire to the
assistance of the cutter. He took up three of the crew, and having rescued the
rest and also the Captain of the Mast (George Ingouville), he then towed the
stricken boat out of enemy gun range.
CAPTAIN LEWIS STRATFORD TOLLEMACHE HALLIDAY RMLI, VC 24
JUNE 1900 BOXER REBELLION, CHINA
Halliday was 30 years old, and a captain in the Royal Marine Light Infantry, Royal
Marines during the Boxer Rebellion in China when the following deed took place
for which he was awarded the VC.
On 24 June 1900 at Peking, China, an attack was made on the British Legation
by the Boxers who set fire to the stables and occupied some of the other
buildings. It being imperative to drive the enemy out, a hole was knocked in the
Legation wall and 20 men of the RMLI went in. Captain Halliday, leading a party
of six men, was involved in desperate fighting and was severely wounded but
despite his injuries, he killed four of the enemy. Finally, unable to carry on any
further, he ordered his men to go on without him, after which he returned to the
legation alone, telling his men 'carry on and not mind him', so as not to diminish
the number of men engaged in the sortie. He walked 100 yards unaided to the
hospital although his shoulder was half blown out and his left lung punctured.

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LANCE CORPORAL WALTER RICHARD PARKER RMLI, VC 01 MAY 1915

GALLOPOLI
Parker was 33 years old, and a lance-corporal in the Royal Marine Light Infantry,
Royal Marines, Royal Naval Division during the First World War when the
following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.
On the night of 30 April/1 May 1915 at Gaba Tepe, Gallipoli, Turkey, LanceCorporal Parker, a volunteer stretcher-bearer, went out with a party of NCOs and
men to take ammunition, water and medical stores to an isolated trench
containing about 40 men and several wounded. There were no communication
trenches leading to the trench, and several men had already been killed in an
attempt to reach it.
After crossing an area of about 400 yards swept by machine-gun and rifle fire,
Lance-Corporal Parker was alone, the rest of the party having been killed or
wounded. On his arrival he gave assistance to the wounded and when the trench
was finally evacuated early the next morning, he helped to remove and attend the
casualties, although he himself was seriously wounded

MAJOR FRANCIS JOHN WILLIAM HARVEY RMLI, VC 31 MAY 1916

BATTLE OF JUTLAND
Harvey was an officer in the Royal Marine Light Infantry during the First World
War. Harvey was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military
award for gallantry in the face of the enemy given to British and Commonwealth
forces, for his actions at the height of the Battle of Jutland. A long serving Royal
Marine officer descended of a military family, during his career Harvey became a
specialist in naval artillery, serving on many large warships as gunnery training
officer and gun commander. Specially requested for HMS Lion, the flagship of the
British battlecruiser fleet, Harvey fought at the battles of Heligoland Bight, Dogger
Bank and Jutland.
At Jutland, Harvey, although mortally wounded by German shellfire, ordered the
magazine of Q turret on the battlecruiser Lion to be flooded. This action prevented
the tons of cordite stored there from catastrophically detonating in an explosion
that would have destroyed the vessel and all aboard her. Although he succumbed
to his injuries seconds later, his dying act may have saved over a thousand lives
and prompted Winston Churchill to later comment: "In the long, rough, glorious
history of the Royal Marines there is no name and no deed which in its character
and consequences ranks above this"

MAJOR FREDERICK WILLIAM LUMSDEN RMLI DSO VC 3/4 APRIL 1917

WESTERN FRONT
For most conspicuous bravery, determination and devotion to duty.
Six enemy field guns having been captured, it was necessary to leave them in
dug-in positions, 300 yards in advance of the position held by our troops. The
enemy kept the captured guns under heavy fire.
Maj. Lumsden undertook the duty of bringing the guns into our lines.
In order to effect this, he personally led four artillery teams and a party of infantry
through the hostile barrage. As one of these teams sustained casualties, he left
the remaining teams in a covered position, and, through very heavy rifle, machine
gun and shrapnel fire, led the infantry to the guns. By force of example and
inspiring energy he succeeded in sending back two teams with guns, going
through the barrage with the teams of the third gun. He then returned to the guns
to await further teams, and these he succeeded in attaching to two of the three
remaining guns, despite rifle fire, which had become intense at short range, and
removed the guns to safety.
By this time the enemy, in considerable strength, had driven through the infantry
covering points, and blown up the breach of the remaining gun.
Maj. Lumsden then returned, drove off the enemy, attached the gun to a team
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and got it away

SERGEANT NORMAN AUGUSTINE FINCH RMA VC 23 APRIL 1918

ZEEBRUGGE
He was 27 years old, and a sergeant in the Royal Marine Artillery, Royal Marines
during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was
awarded the VC.
On 22/23 April 1918 at Zeebrugge, Belgium, Sergeant Finch was second in
command of the pom-poms and Lewis gun in the foretop of HMS Vindictive. At
one period Vindictive was being hit every few seconds, but Sergeant Finch and
the officer in command kept up a continuous fire, until two heavy shells made
direct hits on the foretop killing or disabling everyone except Sergeant Finch who
was, however, severely wounded. Nevertheless he remained in his battered and
exposed position, harassing the enemy on the Mole until the foretop received
another direct hit, putting the remainder of the armament completely out of action.
His award was by virtue of ballot. He retired with the rank of Quartermaster
Sergeant in December 1929

CAPTAIN EDWARD BAMFORD DSO RMLI VC 24 APRIL 1918 ZEEBRUGGE

Captain Edward Bamford's Victoria Cross Citation, London Gazette, 23 July 1918:
For conspicuous gallantry at Zeebrugge. April 1918. This officer landed on the
Mole from "Vindictive" with Nos. 5, 7 & 8 platoons of the Marine Storming Force in
the face of great difficulties. When on the Mole under heavy fire, he displayed the
greatest initiative in the command of his company, and by his total disregard of
danger, showed a magnificent example to his men. He first established a strong
point on the right of the disembarkation, and when that was safe, led an assault
on a battery to the left with the utmost coolness and valour. Captain Bamford was
selected by the officers of the R.M.A & R.M.L.I detachments to receive the
Victoria Cross under Rule 13 of the Royal Warrant, dated 26 January 1856
Was also awarded the DSO at The Battle of Jutland 1916

CORPORAL THOMAS PECK HUNTER RM VC 2 APRIL 1945 LAKE

COMACCHIO
Hunter was 21 years old, and a temporary corporal in 43 (RM) Commando during
the Spring 1945 offensive in Italy during the Second World War when the
following incident took place. He was awarded the VC for his actions during
Operation Roast.
On 2 April 1945 at Lake Comacchio, Italy, Corporal Hunter, who was in charge of
a Bren gun section, offered himself as a target to save his troop. Seizing the Bren
gun, he charged alone across 200 yards of open ground under most intense fire
towards a group of houses where three MG 42 machine-guns were lodged. So
determined was his charge that the enemy soldiers were demoralized and six
gunners surrendered. The remainder fled. Hunter cleared the house, changing
magazines as he ran and continued to draw enemy fire until most of the troop had
reached cover, Hunter was killed, firing accurately to the last. Danish national,
Major Anders Lassen of the Special Boat Service (SBS) was also awarded a VC
posthumously in the same action.

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GLOBE AND LAUREL

The Lion and Crown
The Lion & Crown denotes a Royal regiment. George III
conferred this honour in 1802 in consideration of the very
meritorious services of the Marines in the late war.

Gibraltar
The capture and defence of Gibraltar in 1704 was considered by
George IV to be one of the most glorious achievements of the Royal
Marines and that it should therefore appear as part of their emblem to
represent the numerous honours they had earned.

The Great Globe

Granted by King George IV in 1827, who chose this symbol to
represent the Royal Marines successes in every quarter of the world.

The Laurels
The Laurels are believed to honour the gallantry they displayed during
the capture of Belle Isle in 1761.

The Fouled Anchor

Incorporated into the emblem in 1747, it is the badge of the Lord High
Admiral and indicates the Corps is part of the Royal Navy.

Per Mare Per Terram

By Sea By Land is the motto of the Royal Marines. It is believed to

have been used first in 1775.

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THE BRUNSWICK STAR

The Brunswick Star is the name given to the helmet plate worn on the white Wolsey
Pattern helmets worn for ceremonial duties and probably more familiar to you by the Royal
Marines Band. The name derives from the officers and men of the Kings German Legion
(the Brunswicks) who wore a similar shaped plate during the Napoleonic Wars.

The Brunswick Star worn today was first issued in 1905 on the express command of King
Edward VII, when he granted the R.M.L.I. and R.M.A. the unique privilege of wearing the
White WP Helmet. The plate carries all the hallmarks of the Corps the Globe, the Laurels,
Gibraltar, the Anchor, the Crown and the Corps Motto.
The Corps Colours
The following are the Corps colours, in sequence and proportion:

Blue 4 parts
Yellow 1 part
Green 1 part
Red 2 parts
Blue 4 parts

Blue
Navy blue is the primary colour in the combination selected. It marks the intimate
connection of the Corps with the RN.
Red
Drummer red is the secondary colour in the design. This tint of red is the old historic colour
of the British Army and was worn by the infantry of the Corps from early times down to the
introduction of scarlet in 1876.
Green
Light Infantry green was worn on the shako by the infantry of the Corps for some years. It
was perpetuated in the bugle strings of the RMLI.
Yellow
Old gold, rather than yellow, is the colour closely associated with the early history of the
Corps, as it was the distinctive colour of the dress and ensigns of the Duke of York and
Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot from which the Corps originates.

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ROYAL MARINES KNOWLEDGE QUESTIONS

During your time at CTCRM , you will be asked questions about the Corps. The questions set
out below are designed to help you prepare for this. Use them to sharpen your knowledge
and increase your chances of success.
1. What is the date of the birth of the Corps?
2. What is the Motto of the Corps?
3. What does the Motto mean?
4. Describe the elements of the Globe & Laurel.
5. What are the 4 Commando Tests and their respective times?
6. Who is Hannah Snell?
7. What are the Corps Main battle honours?
8. Who is Commandant General of the Corps?
9. What are the three main Commando Units?
10. Where are they located?
11. What is the role of 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines?
12. Name five specialisations or technical branches you can be trained for after your
General Duties period.
13. What is the role of 30 Cdo IX Group Royal Marines?
14. What are the main Assault ships within the RN which are used as platforms for the
Royal Marines to conduct amphibious operations from?
15. Where in the World are the Royal Marines currently serving outside the UK?
16. What is the name of the current rifle used in the RM?
17. What are the Royal Marines Ethos and Values?
18. What is Spean Bridge, and what is its significance?
19. Name the Royal Marines Victoria Cross recipients.
20. What do the Corps Colours represent?

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