The Probert Encyclopaedia of Warfare

MARINES

Marines are soldiers serving on board ship. They were first formed in 1664 with the object of forming a nursery to man the fleet. An order in council dated 16th October 1664 authorised 1200 soldiers to be raised and formed into one regiment. In 1684 the third regiment of the line was called the Marine Regiment, but the system of having soldiers exclusively for sea service was not carried into effect until 1698, when two marine regiments were formed. More regiments were embodied in subsequent years and became known as the jollies. The divisional system dates from 1755 when the Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth divisions were established. In 1802 they were formerly named the Royal Marine Forces. In 1805 a fourth division was raised, that of Woolwich. In 1862 the Royal Marine Artillery was established as a separate corps and in 1855 the Royal Marine Light Infantry were established. The Woolwich division was abolished in 1869.

In the USA, the United States Marine Corps was first established by Act of Congress on November the 10th ,1775, authorizing the enlistment of two battalions to be called the 'first and second battalions of marines'. The Marine Corps was re-established by Act of Congress on July the 11th, 1798. By this act the marines were at any time liable to do duty in the forts and garrisons of the United States and while enlisted they were exempt from arrest for debt or contract. There was no regimental organization, but the corps could be formed into companies as the President directed. The marines were at all times subject to the laws and regulations of the navy. By the Act of 1874, the commander-in-chief of marines was entitled to the rank and pay of a colonel.
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