War, for again completing the ten regiments of Marines, in order to
render them effective as speedily as possible.
[Sidenote: 1745]
Attacks having been made during the last year by the French upon
_Canso_ and _Anna-polis_ in _Nova Scotia_, the former of which they
burnt, the Northern Colonies of British America became alarmed for
their safety: an expedition was consequently commenced against
_Louisburg_; considerable levies were raised in the American
provinces, and a co-operating naval force, under Commodore Warren,
then commanding on the West India station, was ordered to repair
to Canso; the arrangements made for conducting this expedition
were carried into effect with that confidence and secrecy which
are always essential towards securing the success of a military
enterprise, and the exertions of the Americans were fully equal to
the important interests which they had at stake.
On the 4th of April the levies from New England, having reached
_Canso_, were encamped and brought into military order and
discipline preparatory to the arrival of other corps from the
several provinces, while the ships of war upon the coast, and some
stout privateers, continued off the harbour of _Louisburg_, in
order to cut off all intelligence of the projected enterprise. On
the 23rd of April Commodore Warren arrived at _Canso_, and by the
29th all the land forces were embarked, and proceeded to _Gabaras
Bay_, about four miles from the capital of _Cape Breton_.
On the 30th of April 2000 men were landed at noon, who beat
back a detachment of troops which was sent to prevent their
disembarkation. On that and the following day three hundred seamen
and _five hundred Marines_ were disembarked under cover of the
vessels ranged along the coast. The troops were under the command
of Brigadier-General William Pepperell, a native of Piccataway, and
Colonel of American Militia.
The French, conscious of the strength of their positions,
maintained possession of the city until their means of defence were
overpowered by the forces brought against them.
By indefatigable labour, the British Marines, and the American
provincials, succeeded in effecting an entrance into the harbour
on the 1st of June, 1745; _Louisburg_ capitulated, and with it the
whole dependency of _Cape Breton_; the object was attained with a
loss little exceeding 100 men.[46]
Two regiments were formed for service at Cape Breton, by Colonel
William Shirley and Sir William Pepperell, each consisting of ten
companies of 100 men per company: these were numbered the 50th and
51st regiments of infantry of the line.
[Sidenote: 1746]
In the year 1746 very serious complaints were made of the neglect
and delay which had occurred in the settlement of the accounts of
the Marine Corps, and a committee was appointed to investigate
the grievances which had been represented. The cause of the delay
was alleged to arise, in the first instance, from the absence of
regular and periodical muster-rolls, according to the practice in
regiments of the regular army. This system, it was stated, could
not easily be acted upon in the corps of Marines, who were employed
by detachments in the several ships of war. The investigation
produced, however, the effect of a large balance in the hands of
the Paymaster-General being repaid into the Bank of England, for
the benefit of those who were justly entitled to it.
The privations and inconveniences, which this meritorious body of
troops had continued to endure for several years, did not affect
their loyalty and steady allegiance, and they still remained the
useful corps, in periods of emergency, they had always proved in
former years.
For the service of this year (1746) nearly 12,000 Marines were
included in the parliamentary vote of the military establishment.
An expedition against Quebec was contemplated at this period, and
a considerable force was assembled at Spithead with that intent,
but delays took place until the season for such an attempt became
too late. Of this force Colonel Powlett’s (the ninth) regiment of
Marines formed a part.
The troops were afterwards destined against _Port L’Orient_, under
the directions of Admiral Lestock and Lieut.-General Sinclair.
Sixteen sail of the line and eight frigates, with 5000 troops,
exclusive of Marines, were the number employed on this occasion.
The long detention of so respectable a force until the period of
the equinox, endangered its progress along a hostile coast at so
critical a season, and gave time for the enemy to ascertain the
object of the expedition.
The fleet sailed from Plymouth on the 14th of September for the
coast of Brittany, and a debarkation of the troops was effected on
the 20th of that month, in _Quimperlay Bay_: on the 21st the troops
advanced in two columns against _Plymeur_, which surrendered, and
on the following day the whole moved on to a rising ground within
a mile of _Port L’Orient_, the ultimate object of their views.
Some affairs took place between the 21st and 26th of September,
when after a cannonade, which did considerable damage to the town,
a retreat was commenced under cover of the night. The French were
pouring in from all quarters, and the situation of the British
troops became critical.
After a loss of 150 men killed, wounded, and missing, a
re-embarkation was effected, and the fleet sailed on the 1st of
October for the Bay of Borneuff, off Quiberon, to the south of
Quimperlay: a detachment of Marines was entrenched at Quimperlay
to guard the landing-place; the remainder, under Colonel Holmes,
was united with the army: some troops were landed on the 4th of
October on the peninsula of Quiberon, and, after remaining ashore
some days, the whole returned to England.
[Sidenote: 1747]
The number of Marines for the year 1747 was eleven thousand one
hundred and fifty, as included in the parliamentary vote of that
year.
On the 28th of February, 1747, His Majesty King George II.
directed, that the several regiments of Marines, which were then
existing, or might hereafter be raised, should be placed under the
entire command of the Lords Commissioners for executing the office
of High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland.
The following Royal Warrant was issued on this subject:--
“_To Our Commissioners for executing the office of High Admiral
of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; and to Our
Commissioners for executing the office of our High Admiral for
the time being._”
(Copy)
“Whereas We have thought it necessary for the good of Our Service
to put under your immediate and entire command all our Marine
regiments now raised, or hereafter to be raised; Our Will and
Pleasure therefore is, that you do lake upon you the immediate
and entire command of the said Marine forces accordingly; and
for the better government of our said Marine regiments, we have
thought fit to empower and authorise you to prepare and publish
such rules and ordinances as are fit to be observed by our said
Marine forces under your command, hereby strictly charging and
requiring the several colonels and other officers, who shall
from time to time be employed in the said regiments, to take
notice thereof, and in all respects to conform themselves to
such directions accordingly, and to cause exact musters to be
taken of them, as well at sea as on shore, and that the same
be transmitted to our Commissary-General of Marines, in order
to the more speedy clearing of the accounts of our said Marine
regiments. And whereas, by the establishment, provision is made
for such contingent charges as may arise in this service, and to
the use of our said forces, you are hereby further authorized
to direct the payment of the said money, in such proportions as
you shall, in your discretion, think necessary, for the purpose
aforesaid.
“And for executing the several powers and authorities herein
expressed this shall be your warrant. And so we bid you heartily
farewell.
“Given at our Court at St. James’s, this 28th
February, 1746-7, in the 20th year of
our reign.
“By His Majesty’s Command.
(Signed) “CHESTERFIELD.”
Notwithstanding the disasters which had attended the expeditions
of the French in North America in the preceding year (1746), when
Louis XV. had equipped an extensive armament, under the command
of the Duke d’Anville for the recapture of Cape Breton, which was
rendered ineffectual by storms and other casualties, and by the
death of its commander, the French Monarch was not discouraged by
these disasters; but was resolved to renew his efforts against the
British colonies in North America, and also the settlements in the
East Indies. For these purposes two squadrons were prepared at
Brest, one commanded by Commodore de la Jonquière, and the other,
destined for India, by Monsieur de St. George.
Intelligence had been received by the British Government of these
preparations, and measures were adopted in order to counteract the
views of the enemy. The occasion afforded a renewed display of
the zeal and intrepidity of Vice-Admiral Anson and Rear-Admiral
Warren, who sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of April, in order to
intercept both squadrons, which were to set sail together. The
Vice-Admiral, on board of the “Prince George” of ninety guns, with
the Rear-Admiral, on board the “Devonshire,” and twelve ships more
under his command, received directions to cruise between Ushant and
Cape Finisterre on the coast of Galicia.
On the 3rd of May, 1747, they fell in with the French squadrons,
consisting of six large ships of war, as many frigates, and four
armed vessels equipped by the French East India Company, having
under their convoy about thirty ships laden with merchandize: those
prepared for war immediately shortened sail, and formed in line of
battle, while the rest, under the protection of the six frigates,
proceeded on their voyage with all the sail they could carry.
The British squadron was likewise drawn up in line of battle,
and the engagement began with great fury about four o’clock in
the afternoon. The enemy’s ships sustained the battle with equal
conduct and valour, until they were overpowered by numbers, and
they then struck their colours. About seven hundred of the French
were killed and wounded in this action; the English lost about
five hundred; and among them Captain Grenville, Commander of the
ship “Defiance,” nephew to Lord Viscount Cobham, an officer of the
most promising genius, and animated with the noblest sentiments of
honour and patriotism. Two of these prizes were the “_Invincible_”
and the “_Glory_,” which induced the Captain of the former to say
to the Admiral, on giving up his sword, “Sir, you have conquered
the _Invincible_, and _Glory_ follows you.” This blow was severely
felt by France, who had vainly flattered herself, that by means of
this armament she should render herself mistress of the Indian
seas, and by that superiority be enabled to wrest from the British
their most valuable possessions in that part of the world.
A considerable quantity of money, intended to answer the
contingencies of these expeditions, was found on board of the
French ships, which were brought to Spithead, and the treasure,
being landed, was conveyed in twenty waggons to the Bank of
England, escorted by a party of Marines, amidst the acclamations of
the populace.
For this achievement Vice-Admiral George Anson was created a Peer
of Great Britain, and Rear-Admiral Peter Warren was invested with
the Order of the Bath. The whole fleet received the thanks of the
Sovereign, through their Commander, Admiral Lord Anson.
The year 1747 was remarkable for other naval successes; about the
middle of June, COMMODORE FOX, with six ships of war, cruising in
the latitude of Cape Ortegal, in Galicia, took about forty French
ships, richly laden from St. Domingo, after they had been abandoned
by their convoy.
The fourteenth of October, 1747, was rendered memorable as another
day of triumph for the British Navy. REAR-ADMIRAL EDWARD HAWKE
sailed from Plymouth in the beginning of August, with fourteen
ships of the line, with instructions to intercept a fleet of
French merchant-ships bound for the West Indies: the British fleet
cruised for some time on the coast of Bretagne, and the French
ships sailed from the isle of Aix under convoy of nine ships of
the line, besides frigates, commanded by M. de l’Etendiere. The
two squadrons came in sight of each other in the latitude of
Belle Isle. The battle commenced about eleven in the forenoon,
and lasted until night, when all the French squadron, except two
ships, the “Intrepide” and “Tonnant,” which escaped in the dark,
had struck to the English flag. After despatching a sloop to
Commodore Legge, commanding a squadron in the Leeward Islands, to
take proper measures to intercept the French ships in the passage
to Martinique, and other French islands, ADMIRAL HAWKE conducted
his prizes to Spithead, and was rewarded with the Order of the
Bath; and the thanks of a grateful country were rendered to all the
officers, seamen, and Marines of the squadron.
In the latter part of 1747, _Admiral Boscawen_ had sailed from
England with a fleet of ships, and a number of Marines, and other
forces, in order to reinforce the British fleet in the East Indies,
with instructions to make an attack upon the _Island of Mauritius_,
and subsequently to effect the conquest of _Pondicherry_, which was
the chief object of the expedition.
After having reconnoitred the coast of the Mauritius, it was
ascertained that the powerful means of defence everywhere
presented, and the dangers in many places of approaching the
land, would involve a great sacrifice of men, and render success
ultimately doubtful; the coming on of the autumnal monsoons had
also an influence in the decision of a council, which was to
relinquish the attempt, and to proceed without delay for the _Coast
of Coromandel_, according to the prescribed plan of operations.
[Sidenote: 1748]
About the end of June, 1748, the Admiral quitted the Coasts of the
Mauritius, and proceeded to _Fort St. David_, where the troops were
landed, and encamped with all the necessary stores; the Marines
from four ships sent to Europe under Admiral Griffin, were added
to the battalion employed on this service. The forces employed
amounted to six thousand British and Native Auxiliary troops, and
upwards of one thousand sailors, trained to the use of small arms,
who were to form the besieging army. The battering cannon, mortars,
and every implement were conveyed by the squadron within two miles
of the town, while the land forces marched on the 8th of August
towards _Pondicherry_, about thirty miles distant.
After several unsuccessful attempts, the troops crossed the river
of _Arian Coupan_, and obtained possession of a strong situation
within a mile of that Fort; a communication was maintained from
thence with the fleet; and all the implements necessary for the
siege were landed.
On the 25th of September the batteries were completed, and began
to play; but, notwithstanding a combined cannonade on the part
of the squadron against the town, it was found that the enemy’s
fire gained an ascendency over the besiegers. The fatigues endured
by the troops, sickness becoming prevalent, and the rainy season
being daily expected, which would inundate the country, and render
retreat impracticable, afforded strong grounds, on which a Council
of War, held on the 30th of September, determined to abandon
the siege, to re-embark the men and stores, and to destroy the
batteries. The troops fortunately reached Fort St. David on the
evening of the 7th of October, after having demolished the fort of
_Arian Coupan_ on their way; the heavy rains which fell on the same
evening had nearly rendered the rivers impassable.
On the 13th of February, 1748, the British squadron in the West
Indies sailed from Jamaica under the command of Rear-Admiral
Knowles, on an expedition against St. Jago, in Cuba, for which
purpose some land forces were embarked at Jamaica, and being
joined with the Marines of the squadron, the whole put to sea; but
after persevering for some time against strong northerly winds,
which prevented their approaching that coast, the design was
given up, and the force was directed against _Port Louis_, on the
south side of Hispaniola, before which place it arrived on the
8th of March. The service was performed by the ships in line of
battle, which, after three hours’ heavy cannonade, compelled the
governor, M. de Chaleaunoye, to surrender, when Major Scott, with a
detachment of Colonel Trelawny’s, the forty-ninth regiment, and the
Marines, were landed, and took possession of the Fort in the name
of His Majesty. After having shipped or destroyed upwards of eighty
heavy cannon, and blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked;
and Rear-Admiral Knowles resumed his former design against St.
Jago, where he arrived on the 5th of April. The Plymouth and
Cornwall were ordered to enter the harbour, but after firing a few
broadsides at the castle, it was considered prudent to desist, and
the squadron returned to Jamaica.
The distresses of France arising from the destruction of her Navy,
and the annihilation of her commerce, compelled King Louis XV. to
express a desire for peace. Accordingly, a congress was held at
_Aix-la-Chapelle_, in order to negotiate the terms on which peace
could be restored. The desire expressed by the King of France, as
well as of Spain, did not, however, induce the British Government
to relax in its efforts to reduce the means which those powers
never failed to use, when opportunities offered, of thwarting the
measures of Great Britain.
The negotiations, commenced at Aix-la-Chapelle in June, 1748,
produced a Definitive Treaty of Peace, which was concluded on the
18th of October of that year, and was proclaimed on the 2nd of
February, 1749.
Among the many reductions which took place during 1748, consequent
on the General Peace, the Ten regiments of Marines were disbanded
in November of that year, the officers of which were placed on
half-pay.
[Sidenote: 1755]
The conditions of the Peace concluded with France in 1748, were
broken as soon as that Power had recovered from the effects of the
former war: the interval of six years had been devoted to extending
her Naval preparations, and to negotiations with other States, in
order to reduce, or destroy, the power of Great Britain.
After enduring many insults, and witnessing the hostile measures
which were preparing in the ports of France, the energies of the
British nation were again aroused, and in the spring of 1755
considerable augmentations were made in the Army and Navy, and
fifty companies of Marines were directed to be raised and placed
under the control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.
These companies were formed into three Divisions, and stationed at
Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and an Act of Parliament was
passed for the “Regulation of the Marine forces while on shore.”[47]
From the 5th of April, 1755, the Marine corps have constituted a
branch of the permanent national force, and have been provided for
in the annual votes of the House of Commons, on distinct estimates
produced at each session, of the Navy, Army, and Marines.
War was declared against France on the 18th May in the following
year (1756).
* * * * *
The foregoing pages contain accounts of the services of the _Corps
of Marines_ from the earliest period of their formation, to the
year 1748, when they ceased to form a portion of the establishment
of the Army. These historical details afford numerous instances
in which the gallant exertions of the Marines have materially
contributed to the successes obtained by the Navy and Army, and to
the honours and advantages which have resulted from their combined
operations.
The services of the present Marine forces have been, as in former
years, highly useful and efficient, and by their uniformly good
conduct they have obtained the approbation of the Sovereign, and
the confidence of the Country.
[Sidenote: 1802]
As a lasting mark of approbation, His Majesty King George III. was
pleased, in 1802, to direct that they should be styled “_The Royal
Marines_,” as announced in the following Order, issued by the Lords
Commissioners of the Admiralty, and inserted in the London Gazette,
dated
“_Admiralty Office, 29th April, 1802._
“His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify His Commands,
that, in consideration of the very meritorious services of the
Marines during the late War, the Corps shall in future be styled
‘THE ROYAL MARINES.’
“By Command of their Lordships.
(Signed) “EVAN NEPEAN.”
On acquiring the title of _Royal_, the facings of the Marines,
which had been _White_, were changed to _Blue_, as in other Royal
corps of Infantry.[48]
[Sidenote: 1827]
On the 26th of September, 1827, New Colours were presented to the
Division of Royal Marines at Chatham, on the part of His Majesty
King George IV., by His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence,
then Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and General of Marines,
afterwards King William IV.
After alluding to the services of Marine regiments from the period
of their formation to the present time, His Royal Highness caused
the New Colours to be unfurled, and concluded his address in the
following terms:
“His Majesty has selected for the Royal Marines a _Device_, to
which their achievements have entitled them, and which, by his
permission, I this day present to you;--a _Badge_ which you
have so hardly and honorably earned:--From the difficulty of
selecting any particular places to inscribe on these Standards,
your Sovereign has been pleased to adopt ‘_The Great Globe
itself_,’ as the most proper and distinctive badge. He has also
directed, that his own name (_George IV._) shall be added to that
peculiar badge, THE ANCHOR, which is your distinctive bearing,
in order that it may be known hereafter, that GEORGE THE FOURTH
had conferred on you the honorable and well-earned badge this day
presented to you.
“The motto, peculiarly your own, ‘_Per Mare; Per Terram_,’ has
been allowed to remain; and surmounting the entire is the word
GIBRALTAR, in commemoration of the important national services
you performed there. In presenting these Colours, the gift of
your Sovereign, into your hands, I trust,--I am confident,--you
will defend them with the same intrepidity, loyalty, and
regard for the interests of the country, that have marked your
preservation of your old ones; and if you do, your Sovereign, and
your Country, will have equal reason to be satisfied.”
[Illustration: THE ROYAL MARINES
_For Cannon’s Military Records_]
FOOTNOTES:
[44] By Order in Council, dated 26th October, 1604, it was
directed, that twelve hundred land-soldiers should be raised, in
order to be in readiness for distribution in His Majesty’s fleets;
the whole to form one regiment, of six companies, under a Colonel,
with a Lieutenant-Colonel, and Serjeant-Major; each company
consisted of two hundred soldiers, with a captain, lieutenant,
ensign, drummer, four serjeants, and four corporals. The regiment
was armed with firelocks.
A subsequent Order in Council, dated 1st April, 1668, authorised
the drawing of such numbers of soldiers from the Foot Guards, for
His Majesty’s service at sea, during the summer, as the Lord High
Admiral might require.
[45] In 1732 trustees were appointed by charter to superintend
a new settlement in _Georgia_, situated to the southward of
_Carolina_ in America, and _Mr. James Oglethorpe_, General and
Governor of the Province, embarked at Gravesend with a number of
poor families to plant that Colony. In 1737, when the King of Spain
claimed as part of his territories, the Colony of Georgia, which
was considered to belong to Great Britain, General Oglethorpe was
authorised to raise a regiment of six companies of 100 men each,
for the defence of the settlement. The colonies of Georgia and
Carolina had been named from King George II., and his consort Queen
Caroline.