Royal Marines

Historical Time Line

1750 - 1774

1750. Up to the 19th century. A Punishment of twelve lashes on board all naval ships was the maximum authorised for any one offence. However, for two offences the punishment was 24 lashes.

1750. The Rum Ration was once again reduced to half gill.

1754 - 1763. The French and Indian War took place in North American. The war was fought between the colonies of Britain, America and New France, with both European sides supported by military units from their parent countries, as well as their Native American allies. At the start of the war, the French North American colonies had a population of roughly 60,000 European settlers, compared to 2 million in the British North American colonies. The war was also part of the world wide Seven Years' War that saw Great Britain, Hanover, Portugal, and Prussia fighting against Austria, France, Russia, Sweden, and Spain.

1755. Sunday 8th June. HMS Boscawen took the Alcide and the Lys.

1755. In the early part of this year, a levy of fifty companies of marines was ordered; they were now for the first time formed into three divisions, stationed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, being under the immediate control of the Board of Admiralty, and an Act of Parliament was passed for their regulation while on shore.
From this period, the corps of marines has constituted a part of the military force on the peace establishment. The sale of commissions was abolished, yet the interchange of appointments in the army continued to take place; but this system was soon altered, and the promotion was confined to regular rotation, which regulation has been enforced ever since. Every appointment was notified from the Admiralty and appeared in the " London Gazette;" but the practice of its being thus officially announced was discontinued, and it is only within a short period that the publication of the promotions in the marines has been resumed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1755. Upon the renewal of hostilities at the commencement of this year, a levy of fifty companies of marines was ordered, and they were for the first time formed into three divisions, stationed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. This is also the first date of marine commissions not being purchased, and of the officers rising in regular rotation only. On its establishment, the corps consisted of 3 lieutenant-colonels, 3 majors, 50 captains, 50 first-lieutenants, and 100 second-lieutenants, who were taken from the line and former marine regiments. The field-officers were, major-generals Patterson and Drury, and colonel Gordon, to be lieutenant-colonels; and lieut.-colonel Bendy she, with majors Leighton and Burleigh, to be majors.

The intercourse by exchange to the army was open to the officers of marines, and in the course of a few years twelve of the first-appointed captains returned to the line; eight of whom were lieutenant-colonels, and four of them were majors, in 1766. Of that number were sir Robert Abercrombie, Alexander Leslie, William Picton, Henry Grame, Charles Grey, and John Johnstone. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1755. Saturday 5th April. The Marines underwent another name change that of the Corps of Marines. At that time there were fifty Independent Companies divided into three Marine Divisions. With their headquartered at the major naval bases of Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth. An arrangement that became permanent for the Corps. This is also the first date of Marine Commissions not being purchased, and of the officers rising in regular rotation only. On its establishment, the Corps consisted of 3 Lieutenant Colonels, 3 Majors, 50 Captains, 50 first Lieutenants, and 100 second Lieutenants, who were taken from the line and former Marine Regiments. The field officers were, Major Generals Patterson and Drury, and Colonel Gordon, to be Lieutenant Colonels, and Lieutenant Colonel Bendyshe, with Majors Leighton and Burleigh, to be Majors. The intercourse by exchange to the army was open to the officers of Marines, and in the course of a few years twelve of the first appointed Captains returned to the line, eight of whom were Lieutenant Colonels, and four of them were Majors. Amongst that number were Sir Robert Abercrombie, Alexander Leslie, William Picton, Henry Orame, Charles Grey, and John Johnstone.

1755. Whenever the Marines serve with the army, they took precedence in seniority after the 49th Regiment of Foot. The Marine seniority is only calculated from its formation in 1755, and not by any previous service of the disbanded Marine Regiments.

1755. Friday 14th November. The Espirance was captured by the Orford.

1755. His Majesty's Marine Forces raised. The oldest predecessor to which the Royal Marines can trace a direct lineage.

1755. Plymouth (Uniform). Coats ordered to be worn always hooked up and white stockings to be worn by both Officers and men. The former when under arms were to wear Stiff topped buff coloured gloves.

1755. Marines came under the Naval Discipline Act whilst at sea and to conform to the ships’ hierarchy it was rare to have a Marine officer above the rank of Captain aboard (equivalent to a naval First Lieutenant). However in larger operations a number of ships’ Marine detachments would form into a Battalion to be landed, and on these occasions a Marine officer with the commission of Major or Colonel would assume command ashore.(RMHS)

1755. HMS Mars lost off Halifax.

1755. HMS Blandford taken by the Duguay-Trouin.

1755. Not with standing flagrant acts of hostility, the court of London continued to receive assurances of the friendly disposition of the french government; but early in 1755, the british ministry were undeceived in their reliance on those professions of good faith, by certain information that a considerable fleet was preparing to sail for America from the different ports of France, with a formidable number of troops on board. The british minister, roused at this information, ordered an immediate equipment of men-of-war; and in the latter part of April, vice-admiral Boscawen, with eleven ships of the line, sailed for America, and was shortly afterwards followed by rearadmiral Holburne, with six ships of the line and one frigate. The government had received subsequent intelligence that the french armament consisted of twenty-five ships of the line, sixteen sail of which, with troops on board, under the command of M. Bois de la Mothe, who having detached four of the line and two frigates for Louisbourg, the remainder proceeded to Quebec, where they safely arrived, with the exception of the Alcide 64, and the Lys of 20 guns, which were captured on the 8th of June, after a gallant resistance, by the Dunkirk and Defiance of 60 guns.
This action may be considered the commencement of the war, for as soon as it was known in Europe, the french ambassador left London, and orders were issued by the british government for making reprisals. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1755. On reformation of the Corps twenty Marine companies were allocated to Portsmouth, eighteen to Plymouth and twelve to Chatham. These were known as the Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham divisions and it was these divisions that the New South Wales detachment would volunteer 32 years later.

1755 - 1770. The Marines uniform of the day. (Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)

1755 - 1802. There were fifty independent companies of Marines permanently in service.

I756. Early. The French collected a considerable force on the coast of the British Channel; and although these preparations excited great alarm in this country, they were made merely to divert our attention from the armaments in the Mediterranean: nevertheless, it was sufficient to cause so much excitement, that hessian and hanoverian troops were brought over to assist us. Amongst the additional reinforcements, 9138 marines were voted in Parliament; and in order to complete the establishment, thirty additional companies were ordered to be raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, by passing an il Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his Majesty's land forces and marines." But it was suspended on the 13th of May by royal command. As it now became apparent that the French, in preparing an armament at Toulon, meditated an attack upon Minorca, it was deemed expedient to reinforce our garrison on that island. Admiral Byng was ordered to proceed with ten ships of the line to the Mediterranean for that purpose; and the 7th regiment of Fusileers being ordered to embark on board the squadron, the marines were sent on shore to make room for them. The expedition sailed from Spithead on the 6th of April, and arrived at Gibraltar on the 2nd of May, where it was joined 17r „ by the squadron under captain Edgecumbe, who after landing a captain, two subalterns, and 110 marines, with 150 sailors, to assist in the defence of Minorca, had been driven away by the appearance of a french fleet of twelve ships of the line, under admiral De la Gallissionaire.

Admiral Byng having refitted his ships, and taking with him those under captain Edgecumbe, quitted Gibraltar on the 8th of May, and arrived off Minorca on the 18th, with the intention of throwing succour into the castle of St. Philip; but learning that the enemy's fleet was not far off, he considered it prudent, from the circumstance of having no marines on board the squadron, and the ships being but badly manned, to retain the troops ; consequently, the garrison was left to depend upon its own resources. The hostile squadron was shortly afterwards discovered by our look-out ships; but it was not until the 20th that both fleets formed their lines of battle, when the British bore down to the attack. The action was vigorously maintained by the rear division under rear-admiral West, until the Intrepid had her fore topmast shot away; the wreck falling on the foresail, the ship became ungovernable, and rendered it necessary for those astern of her to heave all aback. This accident caused an opening between the van and rear divisions, which exposed the former to the enemy's fire.

The ships a head were now directed to support the rear of our fleet, when the enemy, taking advantage of the confusion that prevailed, kept edging away, and being better sailers than the British, they avoided a renewal of the engagement. The number of ships engaged was equal, but those of the enemy were generally of larger dimensions, carried more guns and more men. Our loss amounted to 43 killed, 168 wounded. The enemy had 38 killed, and 181 wounded. The Defiance bore the brunt of the action, having her captain and 13 killed, and 45 wounded. Our ships suffered so much in their masts and rigging, that the admiral, after collecting his crippled ships, found it expedient to call a council of war; and on that decision the squadron proceeded to Gibraltar, leaving the brave defenders of Fort St. Philip to their fate. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1756. The Marines was augmented to 9,138 men, adding thirty companies to the establishment of the previous year. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1756. Thursday 12th February. Watson and Pocock took Geriah.

1756. HMS Warwick taken by a French Squadron off Marinique.

1756. Early. An unaccountable dread pervaded the nation, which the public measures certainly tended to heighten. In the early part of 1756 the enemy had collected immense forces upon their coasts with the avowed object of invading England. Foreign auxiliaries were called in, measures of precaution and defence were adopted, while the real objects of attack from all their mighty threats, were entirely forgotten and neglected. Amongst the additional forces voted during the present year, 9138 Marines were decreed by Parliament; in order to complete which 30 additional companies were ordered to be raised. The expedient of a land impress was resorted to, in the form of an "Act for the more speedy and effectual recruiting his Majesty's Land Forces and Marines," but which was suspended by a Royal Order upon the 1st of May, in consequence of the zealous and patriotic co-operations of the nobility and gentry, who, by their purses and their energies, rendered it unnecessary.

The real designs of the French having been developed in an expedition against Minorca, while they continued to amuse the nation by the terrors of an invasion, produced a declaration of war upon the 18th of May, against that power. Admiral Byng had been detached for its relief and had previously been ordered to disembark all the Marines from his ships, in order to take on board a number of land forces destined for the relief of that garrison.

Commodore Edgcumbe, who commanded the British squadron in the Mediterranean, foreseeing an attack upon the island, had landed 1 Captain, 2 Subalterns, 4 Serjeants, 4 Corporals, 3 Drummers, and 104 Rank and File, being nearly the whole of his Marines, to strengthen its defence, who shared in the fatigues and the glory of that distinguished siege under Lieutenant General Blakeney. Much spirit and determined bravery was evinced in the course of it.

After more than two months tedious approaches, the enemy stormed, upon the 25th of June, in different points, but with partial success. The firing had continued from ten at night until four upon the following morning, when Marshall Richelieu beat a parley in order to bury his dead. But he shamefully invaded the interval of suspension, by reinforcing the lodgements he had gained, which communicating by subterraneous passages, afforded easy access into the body of the place itself.
This led to its immediate fall, by capitulation, after seventy days contest, and is an instance of what little confidence should be placed in the French character, under every similar occasion.
The Nation, always too apt to despond from slight causes, most bitterly lamented this event, which was preceded by the very unwelcome tidings of a drawn battle between the hostile fleets.

Sir Edward Hawke succeeded the unfortunate Admiral, who became a victim to the strict letter of the law, and the general prejudices of his Country. From a vast superiority our commerce in those seas was well protected, while that of the enemy suffered extremely. The constant threats of descent appeared to paralyse every exertion but that of domestic security; while the enemy were carrying on their schemes of distant conquest under the panic which these had produced.
Towards the close of the year a new Ministry was formed, to which the Nation looked with confidence and hope.
In this administration that great and manly character, Mr. Pitt, was one. No farther details occur under the era of 1756. The Marines, in common with their brethren in the British Fleet, shared in the credit which was gained by some partial actions during the year. (Taken from Chapter 19 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1756. In the early part of May. The french fleet, of which we have just spoken, sailed from Toulon, and landed 15,000 troops on the island of Minorca. The siege of Fort St. Philip had lasted seventy days, during which the British endured excessive fatigue in defending such extensive fortifications with so inconsiderable a force. On the 25th the enemy stormed the works at several points, but with partial success; the firing continued from ten at night until four the next morning, when marshal De Richelieu beat a parley, for leave to bury the dead and remove the wounded. A suspension of arms was agreed upon, but the enemy took this opportunity to strengthen the lodgments they had made, by throwing a number of men into them; whence they communicated by subterraneous passages with all the other outworks, and even with the body of the place itself. This dastardly act of treachery, so unworthy of the character of a military nation, led to the immediate capitulation of the garrison, the whole force of which amounted to no more than 2760 men, and their loss was 93 killed, and 340 wounded.

Admiral Byng was recalled and tried for not doing his utmost to destroy the enem; on which charge he was found guilty and sentenced to be shot; but the court considered that his misconduct did not proceed from want of courage or disaffection, and they therefore most earnestly recommended him to his Majesty's clemency. Notwithstanding this humane consideration, the sentence was carried into execution at twelve o'clock on the 14th of March 1757, on board the Monarque, in Portsmouth harbour. (Taken from Chapter 19 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

Twenty companies were added to the establishment of the marines, to complete the parliamentary vote of 11,419 men. On the 8th of September admiral Hawke, with sixteen ships of the line, seven frigates, and fifty-five transports, conveying ten regiments of foot, two of marines, and a proportionate train of artillery, sailed from Portsmouth to make an attack on the port of Rochefort. Part of the fleet, which had been detached under vice-admiral Knowles, anchored in Basque Roads on the 23rd, and on the following morning this division, consisting of seven sail of the line, entered the roads of Aix. After an hour's cannonade the troops took possession of that island, which, though possessing fortifications planned by the celebrated Vauban, were so dilapidated as to be incapable of defence, and there were only six guns mounted in a battery, en barbette.

After several days, it was determined to make an effort to destroy the shipping and arsenal at Rochefort; but no sooner had the troops embarked in the boats to proceed on that service, than the attack was relinquished, and on the 29th the fleet returned to England.

A further augmentation this year of thirty companies, completed the establishment of marines to 14,845 men. On the 28th February the Monmouth of 64 guns, Captain Gardiner, having chased from a squadron under admiral Osborn when off Cape de Gat, brought to action the french 84-gun ship Fourdroyant ; and, notwithstanding the great disparity of force, maintained a gallant action, which lasted from nine in the morning until one in the afternoon ; when this powerful ship, after receiving a broadside from the Swiftsure, struck her colours, having lost her main and mizen masts, with 100 men killed, and 90 wounded. The Monmouth lost her captain, and 27 killed, and 79 wounded. The Fourdroyant mounted twenty-four and forty-two pounders, whilst the Monmouth had only twelves and twenty-fours. The marine officers of the Monmouth were captain James Austin, and lieutenant George Preston. (Taken from Chapter 19 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1756. Saturday 8th May – Monday 28th June. The Defence of Port St. Phillip. Minorca. A French force under the Command of the Duke de Richelieu landed on the island and besieged the British garrison at St. Philip's Castle manned by 110 Officers and Marines, forcing them to surrender after a lengthy siege. A British relief force under the Command of Admiral John Byng sailed with the purpose of saving the island, but after the naval Battle of Minorca Byng withdrew to Gibraltar, and the resistance of the garrison finally collapsed. Byng was later blamed for the loss of Minorca, and executed by firing squad.

1756. Monday 17th May. HMS Colchester and HMS Lyme engaged the Aquilon and the Fidle.

1756. HMS Dunkirk destroyed Forts at Chausey.

1756. HMS Tartar took the Cerf, Grand Guidom, Heros, and the Rose.

1756. HMS Dispatch engaged the Prince de Soubiser.

1756. HMS Adventure captured by a French privateer.

1756. Thursday 20th May. Byng's action of Minorca with La Gullissoniere.

1756. Fortunatus Wright in the St. George with a xebec.(?)

1756. Thursday 20th May. The following order was given that no man was to appear in the streets with his hat flapped, and that the Sergeants and Corporals of each Company to take care that the men all keep their.

1756. Thursday 20th May. Chatham (Uniform). Orders were given that No man was to appear in the streets with his hat Flapped, and that the Sergeants and Corporal of each Company were to take care that the men all keep their hats well cocked. Probably because the cloth Fusilier caps were not allowed to be worn when walking out.

1756. Monday 12th July. HMS Litchfield and HMS Warwick captured the Arc en Ciel.

1756. Tuesday 27th July. Holmes action off Louisbourg with De beauzier.

1756. Friday 3rd December. Plymouth (Uniform).Corporals ordered to wear Shoulder Knots.

1756. Thursday 23rd - 28th December. HMS Terrible, HMS Alexander and Vengrance.

1756. Autigallican captured the Due de Penthicure.

1756. Tuesday 28th December. Watson at Calcutta captured Forts.

1757. An addition of twenty companies was ordered early in the year 1757, to complete the parliamentary vote of eleven thousand four hundred and nineteen marines.
The happy change which had taken place in the councils of the nation seemed to extend its effects through every department. That vigor and unanimity was, however, again suspended by intrigue and faction, of which the enemy availed themselves, by detaching with impunity, reinforcements to their distant dominions.
A coalition of parties having been accomplished, re-animated the country, but nothing peculiarly interesting or falling within my scope, can be remarked within the current incidents of this year.
Some partial naval actions, which did honour to the leaders, and which reflected credit upon all the subordinates who had a share, were fought within this period. They evinced that our spirit was not extinguished, but that it only awaited the auspices of some guiding hand, and a higher occasion, to render it of substantial benefit to the public. (Taken from Chapter 20 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1757. January. HMS Tartar captured the Mont Ozier.

1757. Sunday 2nd January. Watson at Calcutar.

1757. February. HMS Tartar captured the Vicloire.

1757. Friday 4th March. Chatham (Uniform). The complement of necessaries of each man of the Division is three shirts, two pair of shoes, and three pairs of stockings.

1757. Monday 14th March. During the Seven Years War, Admiral Byng was charged with 'failing to do his utmost'. He was executed on board the Monarch on March 14th, 1757.
'The Shooting of Admiral Byng on board the Monarque'; artist unknown A quiet, shy man, the unfortunate John Byng was no coward - he faced his death with cool courage - but he seems to have been too cautious, passive and defeatist for command in the British navy. He went to sea at thirteen and rose up the ladder to captain at twenty-three and rear admiral at forty.
Aged fifty in 1756 when the Seven Years’ War broke out, Byng, now a full admiral, sailed with ten ships of the line to Gibraltar. His orders were to prevent the French in Toulon from capturing the British stronghold of Fort St Philip on the island of Minorca, and to this end he was to carry a detachment of 700 men from the Gibraltar garrison to Port Mahon.

When Byng reached Gibraltar, however, he discovered that the French had already landed a sizeable force on Minorca and were besieging the fort. He and his council of war decided against landing more troops and he wrote to the Admiralty to explain that carrying out his orders would not stop the French and would be a needless waste of manpower.
The letter, which arrived at the end of May, aroused consternation and fury in London. George II said flatly: ‘This man will not fight!’ Then came news of an inconclusive encounter in June between the British fleet under Byng and the French, from which the French had sailed away scot free, and late in June Fort St Philip surrendered. Byng was summoned home and put under arrest on arrival. Mobs went about chanting ‘Swing, swing Admiral Byng’ and the court martial, which convened at the end of December, was reported in detail in all the newspapers. Byng was charged with ‘failing to do his utmost’. He defended himself, but the court found against him and with the utmost reluctance sentenced him to death.
The government ignored the court’s unanimous recommendation to mercy and George

I declined to use his prerogative to spare Byng. In a howling gale in Portsmouth harbour that March day a heavy coffin was hoisted on board the Monarch at 7am. It was already inscribed, ‘The Hon. John Byng, Esqr. Died March 14th 1757.’ The admiral himself followed and by 11am boats were bringing officers from every warship in the harbour and numerous other vessels were heaving up and down filled with eager spectators.

At noon Byng came out on deck in a light grey coat, white breeches and a big white wig. He had been persuaded with difficulty to be blindfolded, on the grounds that it would not be fair to the firing party to have to see his face. He was escorted out onto the quarter deck, ‘with a stately pace and a composed countenance’ according to the Evening Post, to see nine marines in their scarlet uniforms lined up in three rows. The rear row were in reserve. In front of him was a cushion and a heap of sawdust, sodden from the rain.

He knelt on the cushion, tied the blindfold round his head and held up a neatly folded white handkerchief in his right hand. After a few agonizing moments he dropped the handkerchief, the six marines fired, and the admiral fell gently on his side. He was fifty-two.
The rights and wrongs of the matter have been disputed ever since, but Byng was not a political victim and Voltaire’s comment that he was shot ‘to encourage the others’ probably hit the nail on the head.
(By Richard Cavendish | Published in History Today Volume: 5757 Issue: 3  2007)

1757. Friday 18th March. HMS Greenwich taken by a French Squadron off Domingo.

1757. Wednesday 23rd March. Watson at Chandernagore.

1757. Wednesday 30th March. Chatham (Uniform). The Officers are to observe the length of the mens shirts to be to the top of the knee pan.

1757. May. HMS Tartar took the Pentlope.

1757. Monday 25th July. HMS Southampton engaged five French Privateers.

1757. Thursday 22nd September. HMS Southampton captured the Emeraude.

1757. Friday 23rd September. Knowles attacked the Isle of Aix.

1757. Saturday 24th September. HMS Tilbury lost off Louisbourg.

1757. September. The Raid on the port of Rochefort (sometimes referred to as the Descent on Rochefort) was a British amphibious attempt to capture the French Atlantic port. An important but second rate military and naval base essential for the efficiency of Brest. The raid pioneered a new tactic of ‘descents’ on the French coast, championed by William Pitt 1st Earl of Chatham. Pitt is best known as the wartime political leader of Britain during the Seven Years War. Especially for his single minded devotion to victory over France, a victory which ultimately solidified Britain's dominance over world affairs. Although viewed as a failure positive lessons were learned about ‘desents’, notably by Wolfe, who two years later captured Quebec. Desents, refer to climbing of rocks and cliffs.

1757. Friday 21st October. HMS Forrest engaged De Kersaint off Cape Francois.

1757. October. HMS Tartar took the Gramont.

1757. Wednesday 23rd November. HMS Hassar and HMS Dolphin destroyed the Alcvon.

1757. November. HMS Tartar captured the Milampe.

1757. Friday 16th December. HMS Augusta captured nine armed merchantmen.

1757. Twenty companies were added to the Corps, making 110 companies, and the total number of men established at 11,419.

1757. The alleged scalping of British Soldiers by the Rebels (America). General Amherst forwarded the following intimidation to Montcalm the Governor of Canada: “No scouting party or others in the Army are to scalp women and children belonging to the enemy. They are, if possible to take them prisoners, but not to injure them on any account. The General being determined, should the enemy continue to murder and scalp women and children, who are the subjects of the King of Great Britain, to revenge it by death of two men of the enemy for every woman or child murdered by them. C. V. F. Townsend 7th Fusiliers and formally of the R.M.L.I. reports that: “Warfare in this part of the world between the English and French was carried on in a revolting cruel and bloody manner, but the French were the worst offenders. Scalps were taken even by regular soldiers on both sides following the example of their Indian allies.” The Canadians threw in their lot with the French, sending in men and supplies, and scalping without mercy all the English stragglers who fell into their hands. General Wolf sent a letter to Montcalm to stop this, but he either could not, or would not, because it continued. Therefore Wolf was obliged to retaliate, and accordingly the following order was issued to the troops: “The General strictly forbids the inhuman practice of scalping, except when the enemy are Indians, or Canadians dressed like Indians. (sic)

1757. HMS Unicorn took Invincible and Comtesse de Nosailles.

1757. HMS Unicorn took the Hermione.

1757. HMS Chichester took the Bien Acquis.

1757. HMS Eagle and HMS Medway took the Due d' Aquitaine.

1757. HMS Antelope destroyed the Aquilon.

1757. HMS Happy took the Infernal.

1757. HMS Defiance captured the Prlvst de Paris.(?)

1757. HMS Ambuscade captured the Vainqueur.

1757. HMS Experiment captured the Telemagne.

1757. HMS Fortune captured a French ship.

1758. The Marines were further increased to 140 companies, amounting to 14,845 men, which force was continued until 1760, when the marines amounted to 18,355, being more than one fourth of the naval force. In consequence of a representation from the commandants of divisions, that more fieldofficers were required for the better discipline of the service, three naval captains were appointed colonels of marines, with forty shillings per diem; and the only marine colonel, general Patterson, was placed on the retirement with £700 per annum thus banishing all hopes of higher preferment than the rank of lieutenant-colonel. This arrangement created such dissatisfaction in the corps, that a memorial, expressive of their deep sense of the injustice, in placing officers over them so perfectly incapable to command troops in the field, or conducting the details of military discipline on shore, was presented to the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, (Appendix 9). In addition to this humiliating measure, the circumscribed establishment on the peace of 1763 produced so much discontent, that many officers, seeing their prospects thus destroyed, quitted the marines and entered the army, where some rose to the highest rank. The appointment of lord Hood to the command of the Chatham division is dated 26th of March 1763; and we have given insertion to two documents, to show that his lordship actually exercised the duties of that office, (Appendix 2. and 3). It soon became evident that this anomaly could not exist without great detriment to the public service; and on the 26th of April lord Howe wrote to colonel Bendyshe, "that as he is appointed a lord of the Admiralty, his (lord Howe's) attendance at the marine head- quarters is to be dispensed with." From that period, no naval officer was permitted to interfere with the military duties of the divisions; but despite of the earnest memorials that were presented, complaining of this degrading infliction, the nominal colonels of marines retained their forty shillings per diem; admiral Boscawen, general of marines, his £2000 per annum; and sir C. Saunders, lieut.-gen., his £1200; and shortly afterwards a naval major-general was added to the establishment. From the assurances given by the Board of Admiralty, on the formation of the corps in 1 755, that they should receive every advantage with regard to their individual promotion, the marines had a right to expect protection and encouragement; and it was not therefore surprising, that on finding their remonstrance disregarded, and their hopes of preferment destroyed, a vast number withdrew from the service. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Sunday 1st January. HMS Adventure captured the Machault.

1758. Sunday 8th January. HMS Hussar captured the Vengeance.

1758. Sunday 19th February. HMS Invincible lost on the Owers.

1758. Tuesday 28th February. HMS Revenge captured the Orphce.(?)

1758. Tuesday 28th February. HMS Monmouth captured the Foudroyant.

1758. Tuesday 28th February. HMS Monarque and HMS Monmouth destroyed the Oriflmme.

1758. Thursday 9th March. A small squadron under the command of captain Marsh, which sailed from Plymouth, having on board 200 marines under major Mason, and a detachment of artillery commanded by captain Walker, arrived off the entrance of the Senegal river on 24th April. The governor of Fort Louis endeavoured to oppose their passing the bar; but the French were beaten back, and a landing of the troops speedily effected. Preparation was made for attacking the fort, which is situated on a small island about twelve miles up the river; but proposals were submitted by the governor to surrender the colony. On the 2nd May, major Monson, with his marines, took possession of the fort, in which was a garrison of 240 soldiers, with 90 pieces of cannon. The squadron then proceeded to attack the island of Goree; but their force proving insufficient, the attempt miscarried.

Admiral Boscawen, with twenty-three ships of the line, several frigates, and a fleet of transports, conveying 12,000 troops under major-general Amherst, sailed from Spithead on the 18th of February, and arrived at Halifax on the 9th of May, whence he sailed on the 28th and this fleet, numbering together 157 sail, anchored on the 2nd of June in Gabareuse Bay, about two leagues westward of Louisbourg. Chevalier Drucour had taken every possible precaution to prevent a surprise, by throwing up entrenchments and having batteries along the coast. In the harbour were five ships of the line and five frigates, three of which were sunk at the entrance during the siege. The garrison consisted of 2500 troops, besides 600 armed inhabitants. For several days the surf ran so high, as to render it impossible to land the troops; but on the 8th the weather became more moderate, and the soldiers were in the boats at break of day. Under cover of the fire from the frigates and smaller vessels, they moved towards the shore in three divisions. The enemy reserved their fire until the boats were close to the shore; but the calmness and intrepidity of the British overcame all obstacles, although the surf was so great that many of the boats were destroyed. Brigadier-general Wolfe jumped into the sea, and being followed by his whole division, who were instantly formed into line, they drove the enemy at the point of the bayonet. The other two divisions following their gallant example, the French fled in great confusion, leaving seventeen pieces of cannon and two mortars, with their ammunition, in the hands of the British; and before night the whole army, with its cannon and stores, were landed, and the town regularly invested. The governor destroyed his out-posts, with all the buildings within two miles of the ramparts and prepared for a resolute defence. On the 12th general Wolfe, with 1200 men, was ordered to march round to the north-east harbour, where he erected a powerful battery, which silenced the fire from the island. On the 25th the marines were landed, and being formed into a battalion, took post at Kennington Cove; and on the 30th they were successfully engaged with the enemy. On the 28th the French sank a ship of the line and three frigates at the mouth of the harbour, to prevent the entrance of our squadron. The army underwent great fatigue in carrying on the approaches, which were con siderably advanced, when an accident afforded them an unlooked-for relief, and greatly distressed the enemy: on the 21st of July a shell from the light-house battery having set fire to the 74-gun ship Entreprenant, she immediately blew up, and the Capricieux and Celebre of 64 guns taking fire, they were also destroyed. In the night of the 25th of July 600 seamen, under captains Laforey and Balfour, pulled into the harbour, and boarded the Prudent 74 and the Bienfaisant of 64 guns, and carried them, without much resistance: the former having taken the ground was destroyed, but the Bienfaisant was brought triumphantly away. On the 26th of July the garrison of Louisbourg capitulated, and the islands of St. John and Cape Breton were ceded to his britannic Majesty. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Wednesday 3rd April. In order to frustrate the intentions of the french government, in the equipment of armaments to relieve their american colonies, admiral Hawke, with seven ships of the line, was despatched to Basque Roads, where he arrived on 3rd April, and anchored inside the isle of Aix. The enemy's squadron of five ships of the line cut their cables and ran ashore; but they were afterwards by great exertion dragged through the mud and got into the Charente. On the 5th, the admiral sent 150 marines, under captain Ewer, to demolish the new works which the enemy had erected on the isle of Aix; which service being effected, he re-embarked in perfect order. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Wednesday 5th April. Hawke at Isle of Aix.

1758. HMS Essex and HMS Pluto capture the Galathle.

1758. Thursday 13th April. The burning of HMS Prince George.

1758. HMS St, Albans and HMS Favorite took Loire.

1758. HMS Monmouth and HMS Lyme destroyed the Rose.

1758. The Boreas took the Diane.

1758. Friday 28th April. HMS Triton and HMS Bridgewater were destroyed by a French Squadon.

1758. Saturday 29th April. Pocock and D'Ache in the East Indies.

1758. Tuesday 2nd May. The Capture of Fort Louis in Senegal. A small British squadron under the Command of Captain Henry Marsh sailed from Plymouth, despatched against the French settlements in West Africa. On Sunday 30th April Marsh landed 700 Marines, and a detachment of 25 Artillerymen with 10 guns and 8 mortars under Captain Walker to attack Fort Louis. A French deputation soon surrendered the fort which was garrisoned by 232 French officers and soldiers. However, the actual handing over of the Fort was delayed, owing to the action of the local natives, who, not thinking that their interests had been sufficiently secured, blockaded the French. The expedition is reported to have cost roughly a million pounds.

1758. Friday 26th May. HMS Dolphin and HMS Solebay with Marechal de Belleisle.

1758. Monday 26th May. HMS Dorsetshire and HMS Achilles captured the Raisonnable.

1758. Tuesday 6th June. Howe at St. Malo.

1758. Sunday 25th June - 26th July. The Siege of Louisburg was a pivotal Battle of the ‘Seven Years War that ended the French colonial era in Canada and led directly to the loss of Quebec in 1759. On Sunday 25th June 500 Marines landed and took up a position at Kennington Cove.

1758. Thursday 29th June. HMS Renown captured the Guirlande.

1758. Sunday 2nd July. 100 Marines sent ashore to join General Wolfe’s Army.

1758. Wednesday. 5th July. General Orders. As soon as it is dark the Highlanders are to draw the 2 Light 6 pounders and place them in a battery prepare for them upon the right redan. One of the Artillery and some Marines are to serve those two pieces, and their ammunition is to be deposited the redan The Colhorn Mortars are not to play any more at the shipping, but the 5 Royals may be employed a day  or two in the redoubt constructed by Anstruthers and Marines. The Marines are to do their duty with the Corps of Artillery, by that means they will be able to keep their own batteries in constant repair.

1758. Saturday 15th July. A Sergeant of Marines was taken prisoner by the Light Infantry, he was some distance from his post without arms.

1758. Tuesday 25th July. The Prudente was set on fire and the Bienfuissant towed off to the North East Harbour by the boats of the fleet which carried about 450 seamen and Marines, commanded by Captains Laforey and Balfour, boarded the ships without opposition from them, but from the town, who, having the services, fired Grape and Musketry, did not kill above seven and wounded as many. The Prudente being on ground they were obliged to set fire to her, eleven officers, mostly Marines and about 122 sailors out of the two were made prisoners.

1758. Thursday 3rd August. Pocock and D'Ache togther in their second action.

1758. Monday 7th August - Wednesday 16th August. A raid on Cherbourg took place during the ’Seven Years War’ during which a British force was landed on the coast of France by the Royal Navy with the intention of attacking the town of Cherbourg as part of the British government's policy of ‘Descents’ on the French Coast.

1758. Tuseday 15th August. Howe destroyed the Cherbourg.

1758. Thursday 17th August. A Plymouth Order was given on the manner of saluting Officers: "Taking off their hats in speaking or passing an officer. “McIntyre amplifies this: "When a soldier has acquired a good air, he should be taught to take off his hat properly with his left hand and let it hang at his side; in that position to look the officer in the face, taking care at the same time not to stoop or hang down his head. This custom was certainly observed in the Brigade of Guards when in fatigue dress, down to the Boer I. Jar.
Fortescue gives the weight of clothing and equipment carried by the Army and presumably the Marines in 1762:
Coat ……………………….…….....….5 lbs 2 oz
Flintlock and Sling…………………...11 lbs
Other Items and 6 days provisions   39lb 7oz
Total                                                  55lb 9oz
The knapsack contained 2 shirts, 2 stacks ("Rollers" in Marines),
2 pairs stockings, one pair summer breeches, one pair shoes, brushes and blackball. Marines carried a pair of tartan trousers in the valise until about 1904. But from various letters a knapsack was not generally issued to Royal Marines and as late as 1775 when drafts were ordered to America it is said that knapsacks were being sent in the transport, though they are shown in the list of necessaries to be supplied by the Contractor and cost 3/7d in 1785. A letter speaks in 1793 of them as "more in the nature of Haversacks" and asks for knapsacks the same as Line Regiments.
SEA ROSTER.
No general Corps Rosters for Officers were kept, but one for each rank at each Division, and there were many difficulties and complaints at the unequal incidence of embarkation. The men also seem to have been detailed by roster, but there was much marching of drafts from one Division to another to meet requirements. Complements for each class of ship were laid down from time to time.
DRILL AND TRAINING.
He have very little to go on as to the training imparted, but it is pretty clear that during the war the recruits were in many cases embarked with little or no training at all; in fact, the Battalions sent to Rochefort in 1757 were composed of more or less untrained recruits. Acording to Plymouth Orders the first drill parade took place on the Hoe on 12th May 1755 and on this subject our best authority is Lieutenant Mcintyr's book. There used to be an old drill-book in the Forton Library which gave the instructions for the Manual and Firing Exercises about 1760. Drill at that time was in 3 ranks; the firings in use were those used by the Army adapted as necessary for ship us, eg "Barricade firing" was used for repelling boarders. The officers carried fuzees not only in action but on parade.
DRUMMERS.
1756. Tuesday 4th February. A Plymouth Order of 4th February 1756 states that Drummers were to be paid 3/- a6week for subsistence until such time as they "are perfect in their beating"; the remainder of their subsistence was to pay for necessaries after deducting "£1.1.0 which is to be paid to the Drum-Major for all such as he makes perfect in their beating". This payment was only abolished by Order-in Council on the 5th July 1918.
ADJUTANTS.
At first only one was allowed for each Headquarters, but they had risen to 3 by the end of the War, a second being added on 22nd April 1758 and a third in September 1762.
In 1756 a Quartermaster was appointed to each headquarters; they were duty officers detailed for a period of years like the Adjutants.
They only dealt with Arms and the Uniform Clothing.
BUNDLES
A Plymouth Order of 19th February 1756 says that no Marines to carry bundles in the streets.
GARRISON DUTY
1756. June. There seems to have been some friction with the regiments as to the standing of the Marines, because in June 1756 the Secretary at War censured Anstruther's Regiment about some difficulty concerning their taking over guards from the Marines. It was ruled that "Officers of Marines have rank according to the dates of their Commissions".
SQUADS
By 1756 it had evidently been found that it was impossible for the Company Commander, constantly embarking, etc, to keep all· the accounts of NCOs and men, purchase and supply necessaries, etc, so Parade Companies called Squads were formed by grouping the Divisional Companies. The number of Companies to a Squad varied from 4 to as many as 44 to 6 squads. Officers called Squad Officers were appointed to take charge of the accounts, etc.
An Admiralty Warrant of November 1763 gives an idea of their duties:
"It has been represented to us that from the various accounts of receipts and disbursements which Squad Officers of Marines are obliged to keep, not only a thorough knowledge of accounts but a regular minute exactness therein, as well as some experience in business is requisite to enable them to execute all the several parts of their duties. "An Order of 1760 shows that "Officers who pay Squads are to return accoutrements and King's clothing to the Quarter Master". This also shows that as early as this the difference between public and personal clothing was recognised.
SERGEANT MAJORS
1756. Wednesday 17th November. A second Sergeant Major was added to each Division. At the same time the senior Sergeant Major at Plymouth, John Christian, was given a commission and appointed Adjutant, an appointment which he held for 19 years; on 18th October 1773, when a Captain Lieutenant, he was appointed Adjutant of the Portsmouth Division.
The arms seem to have been very bad, and certainly the wooden rammers were most unserviceable. Mcintyre says: They are unfit for service- he has to have two or three motions to ensure the shot being home; they frequently break, and the brass heads fly off." He says they "ought to be replaced by iron rammers". "Every Soldier must keep his arms as bright as possible, particularly the brass work and barrel; stocks to be well rubbed and side of lock well oiled; cock and flint screwed fast. The bayonet to fix properly, rammer to fit tight so as not to fall out at exercise", whilst by Orders 1st May 1759 it says, "the Bayonets must be made to fit the firelock". Barrels were kept bright till after Waterloo and one of the earliest Orders of the peace in 1816 was that the barrels were to be browned It was not until 1764 that it was ordered that the firelocks should be marked with the number of the Company and the number of the firelock in the Company. "Sergeants and Corporals to keep a list." So that from the earliest times it was the custom for the Marine to retain his own firearm.
This year a very curious method was adopted of rewarding the Corps for its services. Instead of granting any privileges to the officers and men of the Corps the following order was promulgated: "His Majesty anxious to reward such officers as had distinguished themselves in the service of their country on this occasion (viz the great victories of 1759 appointed:
Admiral Boscawen to be General of His Marine Forces with a salary of £2,000ayear (for Lagos).
Vice Admiral Saunders Lieutenant General of the same with a salary of £L,200 a year (for Quebec.) and the following Captains of the Navy to be Colonels of the above Corps:
Sir Piercy Brett Kt, at Portsmouth. Hon Augustus Keppel, at Plymouth. Richard. Viscount Howe, at Chatham. with a salary of £800 a year each." This system remained in force until 1837, when it was abolished.
1762. The strength of the Corps voted for this year was 18,355 in 130 Companies.
1762 The strength of the Corps was raised to 19,061 of all ranks formed in 135 Companies.
1763 The Corps was now to experience its first period of peace conditions. Hitherto it had been customary to disband or transfer to the Army the Marine Regiments on the conclusion of a war. In consequence the letters and orders extant, which are now continuous, deal largely with administration, clothing, etc, and we see the institution of many rules and customs that are "still in force today. Further, it became possible to properly drill and train officers and men, as from many allusions during the war period we gather that untrained recruits were often sent afloat.
The arms seem to have been very bad, and certainly the wooden rammers were most unserviceable. Mcintyre says: They are unfit for service- he has to have two or three motions to ensure the shot being home; they frequently break, and the brass heads fly off." He says they "ought to be replaced by iron rammers". "Every Soldier must keep his arms as bright as possible, particularly the brass work and barrel; stocks to be well rubbed and side of lock well oiled; cock and flint screwed fast. The bayonet to fix properly, rammer to fit tight so as not to fall out at exercise", whilst by Orders
1759. Tuesday 1st May It say’s "the Bayonets must be made to fit the firelock". Barrels were kept bright till after Waterloo and one of the earliest Orders of the peace in 1816 was that the barrels were to be browned
It was not until 1764 that it was ordered that the firelocks should be marked with the number of the Company and the number of the firelock in the Company. "Sergeants and Corporals to keep a list." So that from the earliest times it was the custom for the Marine to retain his own firearm.
1760 This year a very curious method was adopted of rewarding the Corps for its services. Instead of granting any privileges to the officers and men of the Corps the following order was promulgated: "His Majesty anxious to reward such officers as had distinguished themselves in the service of their country on this occasion (viz the great victories of 1759.
Admiral Boscawen to be General of His Marine Forces with a salary of £2,000ayear (for Lagos).
Vice Admiral Saunders Lieutenant General of the same with a salary of £L,200 a year (for Quebec).
The following Captains of the Navy to be Colonels of the above Corps: Sir Piercy Brett Kt, at Portsmouth.
Ron Augustus Keppel, at Plymouth. Richard. Viscount Howe, at Chatham. with a salary of £800 a year each." This system remained in force until 1837, when it was abolished.
1761. The strength of the Corps voted for this year was 18,355 in 130 Companies.
1762 The strength of the Corps was raised to 19,061 of all ranks formed in 135 Companies.
1763 The Corps was now to experience its first period of peace conditions. Hitherto it had been customary to disband or transfer to the Army the Marine Regiments on the conclusion of a war. In consequence the letters and orders extant, which are now continuous, deal largely with administration, clothing, etc, and we see the institution of many rules and customs that are still in force today. Further, it became possible to properly drill and train officers and men, as from many allusions during the war period we gather that untrained recruits were often sent afloat.
QUARTERMASTER
There was a Lieutenant and Quartermaster at each Division who dealt with arms, accoutrements and King's Clothing; he had nothing to do with rations or necessaries. He was a combatant officer appointed for a term of years like the Adjutant.
SEA ROSTER
The Officers' Sea Service Roster was established very early. It was kept by Divisions and not generally throughout the Corps, which led to a lot of trouble and inconvenience. It was carefully watched, as service afloat was evidently not popular; a ruling was given on 31 August 1763 probably in consequence of officers applying for half pay to avoid sea! "None such were to be restored to full pay until after every other officer who from want of seniority to entitle him to continue on full pay, when present establishment took place."
1766. Tuesday 2nd December 1766 the Captains memorialised the Admiralty with a list of the Captains of the various Divisions who had done a tour of sea duty’s nice the new establishment and proposing that a general Sea Roster for the 3 Divisions should be established for future service. The Admiralty did not approve; yet a study of the Letter Books shows the great difficulties, expense and hardship that this decision caused, and which was not altered until 1815. Portsmouth had a special grievance as the majority of the ships seem to have commissioned there.
There is no record of how officers were entered for the Corps, but during the next few years at all events vacancies were filled by bringing in officers from half pay. Officers were given commissions to certain companies and not generally to the Corps and commissions were signed by the King. This arrangement remained in force until the demobilisation of 1814-15.
DISCIPLINE
The Marine Mutiny Act and Articles of War were passed each year by Parliament and sent to the Admiralty for signature, who promulgated them by Warrant to Commanding Officers in April of each year.
There were 2 types of Courts-Martial - the General and the Divisional. The Admiralty issued the Warrant for the GCM to the Commandant who assembled the Court which was entirely composed of Marine Officers, eg "A GCM being ordered to be held at Plymouth and not sufficient officers to compose the same" orders 2 Majors and 2 Captains to go forthwith- one, Willan, being disembarked from HMS SUPERB for the purpose, to be re-embarked on conclusion of the duty to be sent from Portsmouth. A post script says, "they will be allowed their travelling expenses".
The Admiralty confirmed the sentences and varied the punishments as they thought fit. It also seems to have been the practice to send offenders awaiting trial at other Divisions before a court when ordered to assemble.
The Adjutant usually acted as Judge Advocate.
1764-1770.
The strength of the Corps remained at 70 Companies. During this year many rulings and orders were issued which moulded the Corps into its present shape.
The question early arose as to the Marines providing Garrison Guards such as Haslar, etc, and after much bickering with the local Army authorities a ruling was given on 28th September 1764 which has been in force ever since, though there have been many variations of it. It is curious that the question should have arisen with our Chummy regiment, the 31st.
1764. 28th September. Difficulties continued to be experienced in raising sufficient recruits and on 12th May 1764 the Admiralty called attention to the shortages shown in the Weekly Returns and the Commanding Officer is directed to send out more recruiting parties, "Beating Orders and Recruiting Instructions" being sent to them.
DRILL AND TRAINING AFLOAT
In this year we get the first mention of a question which has agitated the minds of Marine Officers and the Admiralty to the present day, i.e. the perennial question of the drill and training of the detachments in the harbour ships and their period of service in those ships. After various suggestions, on 6th July 1764 the Admiralty issued the following orders. (Author unknown?)

1758. Saturday 2nd September. HMS Shrewsbury destroyed the Calypso.

1758. Wednesday 27th September. Disaster at St. Malo.

1758. Monday 2nd October. HMS Lizard captured the Due d' Hanovre.

1758. HMS Torbay captured the Rostan.

1758. Tuesday 31st October. HMS Antelope captured the Belliqucnxr. (?)

1758. Friday 3rd November. Buckingham and Floristssant.

1758. Wednesday 24th November. Plymouth (Uniform). Brown linen Spatterdashes ordered for the Guard.

1758. Tuesday 28th November. HMS Lichfield was lost.

1758. Tuesday 12th December - 16th February 1759. The Siege and Defence of Madras was part of the ‘Third Carnatic War’ against the French. The British garrison was able to hold out until it was relieved. The British are reported to have fired 26,554 cannon balls and more than 200,000 cartridge rounds in defence of the town. The failure to take Madras was a huge disappointment for the French and a big setback to their campaign in India. The French also lost 1200 men.

1758. Sunday 24th Decemnber. A squadron of four ships of the line, two frigates, with 600 troops, sailed from Cork on the 9th of November, and anchored in the road of Goree on the 24th of December. On either side of the bay was a small fort, with several batteries extending along the shore, mounting in the whole 100 pieces of cannon; and the garrison consisted of 300 regulars, and about the same number of negro inhabitants. On the morning of the 28th, the troops were ordered into the boats, ready for landing; and the ships having taken their stations, opened a heavy fire, which was returned by the enemy with great spirit. After this cannonade had been maintained for several hours, the governor surrendered at discretion; upon which Keppel landed all the marines of the squadron and took possession of the island.

In November, the Buckingham of 64 guns, captain Tyrrel, accompanied by the Weazle sloop, being near Guadaloupe, discovered a fleet of nineteen sail, under convoy of the french 74-gun ship Florissant and two frigates. After a running fight, in which the Buckingham was annoyed by the frigates, captain Tyrrel closed with the Florissant, and the action was maintained with great determination on both sides. Captain Tyrrel received a wound which compelled him to resign the command to lieutenant, Marshall, who fell gloriously, and the second-lieutenant continued the engagement until the french colours were hauled down. The Florissant had 180 men killed, and 300 wounded; whilst the Buckingham had only 7 killed, and 17 dangerously wounded. The. british ship was so much disabled in her masts and rigging, that the Florissant escaped during the night. Captain Tyrrel thus speaks of the conduct of the marines: — " Captain Troy, at the head of the marines, performed the service of a brave and gallant officer, cleared the poop and quarter-deck of the enemy, and drove her men like sheep down the main-deck." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1758. Wednesday 20th December. The Capture of Goree.

1758. The Corps was further increased to 140 companies, amounting to 14,845 men.

1758. A Battalion of 24 Officers, 1 Surgeon 21 Drummers and 540 Marines left Plymouth to assist in the Capture of Quebec in Canada.

1758 - 1761. The ‘Anglo Cherokee War’ was a conflict between British forces in North America and Cherokee Indian tribes during the French and Indian War. The British and the Cherokee had been allies at the start of the war, but each party had suspected the other of betrayals. Tensions between British American settlers and the Cherokee increased during the 1750s, culminating in open hostilities during 1758.

1759. Fourteen thousand eight hundred and forty-five Marines formed the Establishment of 1759.
The manly, daring, and enlightened mind of him who guided the public measures, was never more conspicuous than in the extensive plans which directed the operations of the present year. Superior to the menaces of invasion, though still not despising them, he did not limit the national energies to a system of self-defence but resolved upon carrying war and conquest against the distant territories of our enemy. The spirit of Englishmen, thus roused, kept pace with the bold views of Mr. Pitt, and while it has convinced the world how invincible we are when knit together in the bonds of union, let us imitate the examples of this happy period, upon every return of public danger!

One of the most gallant single actions with which this contest was marked, occurred in the West Indies, towards the close of 1758. It is narrated by Captain Tyrrell, of the Buckingham, who fought it, in all the honest simplicity of a British Seaman, and bears high testimony to the gallant conduct of those under his command. This gratifying tribute, when merited, should never be withheld from the meanest, and it must ever honourably characterize the man who bestows it. Falling in with the Florissant, of 74 guns, and two heavy frigates, in his Majesty's Ship Buckingham, of 70, he bravely engaged them and obliged the first to strike; but night coming on, she availed herself of its darkness, made sail, and escaped from her disabled antagonist. Speaking of my Corps, Capt. Tyrrell's words are, "Capt. Troy, at the head of his Marines, performed the service of a brave and gallant Officer, cleared the poop and quarter-deck of the enemy, and drove her men like sheep down the main deck."

The defenceless state of the French Carribee Islands, induced an expedition against them, which sailed from Europe towards the end of November 1758, under General Hopson and Commodore Hughes, and arrived at Barbadoes upon the 3d of January following. This Squadron, consisting of seven sail of the line, one of fifty guns, besides frigates, had on board nearly eight hundred Marines, headed by Brevet Col. Rycaut, of the Portsmouth Division, which were intended to form a battalion, to co-operate with the army; but Commodore Moore assuming the command of our Naval Forces in these seas, after this junction, cancelled that plan, and adopted the idea of landing each party in detachment, when necessary. By this measure the public character of Colonel Rycaut was suspended, and that regular system of discipline, which must ever result from the union of many under one form, was sacrificed. This leads me to notice, that the Marine Soldier is peculiarly exposed to a great disadvantage upon every service of combined operation. Constantly employed in small detachments, it is frequently his lot, at a short notice, to enter the field against the well-trained legions of his enemies, and to unite his energies with the Regular and Brigaded Forces of his country. He, in this new scene, perhaps, knows not his file leader, and is probably a stranger to his officer.

As the predominant duties of this class of men are on board our navy, where military evolutions can only be performed upon a narrow scale; considering that a sudden and unforeseen emergency may place them in the situation I have described, it might be a means of rousing an emulous zeal between each, and of fixing that intimacy which is requisite to promote a mutual confidence, to form the detachments in every Fleet, or Squadron, into one battalion, or more; which being constantly maintained in a state of arrangement, would be better prepared for these momentary calls. The benefit which must arise would far counter balance any trifling expense that might be incurred in the different necessary appendages to such establishments and would afford opportunities by which to recompence the meritorious individuals of a Corps, whose hopes cannot now aspire above one uniform level.

The whole of this armament sailed against Martinico on the 13th day of January; the land forces, having been already reduced by the fever and small pox.
During the night of the 15th the squadron beat up into the Bay of Port Royal, and on the following morning his Majesty's ship Bristol attacked and silenced Fort Negro, a strong battery of seven guns. Her Marines, as well as those of the Rippon, were immediately landed, who, with fixed bayonets, climbed up the rocks and entered the embrazures, without resistance, as the enemy had abandoned the works. The British colours were hoisted at ten, and the army was afterwards disembarked in the neighbourhood of that post, where they slept on their arms.

Next day a Council of War determined to change the attack against St. Pierre's, when the troops returned on board, and the guns were destroyed. After some consideration this idea was also relinquished, and it was resolved to proceed against Guadaloupe.
Having made that island upon the morning of the 23d, a disposition of attack, against Basseterre and the Forts, was given out, which commenced at nine, and continued, without an interval, until night, when the whole were silenced.
The loss was confined in this long and heavy cannonade, to Lieutenant Roberts, of Marines, in the Norfolk, killed; Captain Trelawney, of the Lyon, Lieutenants Curle and Chaudy, of Marines, on board that ship and the Rippon, wounded; with 30 of different
descriptions killed and 60 wounded. The town was unhappily set on fire, which irritated the flying inhabitants to a more vigorous defence of the island.
Upon the 24th the troops were landed, when the French abandoned the works they had begun on the rising ground behind Basseterre, without opposition. Our army took possession of them and halted there during the night. Next morning the enemy also deserted the citadel, retiring towards the mountains with the resolution of resting their future defence upon the chance of sickness gaining ground amongst our troops, and of succours from Europe. The 61st regiment, under Major Teesdale, was directed to occupy the town and citadel. This detachment owed their salvation to a Genoese deserter, who informed the Commanding Officer, when on the eve of entering the latter, of their impending danger from the explosion of a mine to which the train had been laid, and that was to have been fired by a Negro, who, unaware of the hazard to himself, was bribed to this duty. By pushing rapidly into the citadel, the train was found, and timely swept away, as the dark coloured emissary was advancing, with drunken and staggering steps, to have executed the diabolical design.

Upon the 25th the field pieces, and every necessary implement were landed, and the ground marked out for the different regiments, in such a manner as to co-operate instantly when required. A corps of Light Infantry, drawn from the several Battalions, was also formed and placed under the command of Major (now General) Melville, which rendered very essential services.

The French Commandant, Mons. Nadau, took post in a deep cleft of the mountains, which commanded his supplies from Cape Terres, by far the best cultivated quarter of the island. Every approach to this recess was also guarded by intrenchments. Upon the 26th a summons was sent him, which he modestly but firmly rejected.
Some trifling skirmishes, that involved nothing except a loss of men took place, instead of that active system of enterprize, which should, if possible, be ever followed in a West India warfare.

The enemy gathered spirit from our inactivity, and in their turn harassed and insulted the Citadel itself, and the relief of our Guards. This error, however, afforded an opportunity of distinguishing the 61st Regiment, which was successfully employed in dislodging the enemy from the grounds they occupied.

An attack being meditated against Fort Louis, upon the Grande Terre, or North East side of the Island, a Squadron was ordered, under Captain Harman, of the Berwick, with some Companies of the Highland Regiment, under Major Campbell, of the Marines; he having also a considerable detachment of his own Corps. The whole proceeded to execute this service upon the 6th of February, from which day, till the 13th, the ketches continued a brisk bombardment. The Squadron advanced to the contest early on that morning, and after five hours cannonade, silenced the Fort and its numerous dependant batteries. During this attack, the Highlanders and Marines were in the flat-bottomed boats, ready to seize upon the first favourable moment for debarkation; and on this signal being made they bravely pushed ashore, under a heavy resumed fire from every point of the enemy's defence. Major Campbell, upon this occasion, allowed them no breathing time; for finding that the ammunition was generally injured by landing at an improper place, he resolutely pushed on with fixed bayonets, and after a severe action carried the Fort, with, all the batteries. This was not accomplished without a considerable loss.

An unhappy plan of procrastinated operation continued to mark our progress in the neighbourhood of Basseterre, which assumed, however, a more active form under Gen. Barrington, who succeeded to the command of the Army, after the death of General Hopson, on the 27th of February. Resolving to change the plan of operation, he withdrew his forces from Basseterre, leaving a garrison in Fort Royal, and blowing up the other works.

The whole now directed their course to Fort Louis on the 7th of March, where the transports did not arrive until the 20th, owing to the prevalence of strong lee currents. Intelligence being received of a powerful French Squadron having reached Martinique, induced the Commodore to leave the Army at this critical period to their own energies, and to proceed whither he might be enabled to counteract its future schemes. Accordingly, the Marines were withdrawn from the shore, and distributed amongst their proper ships; but such was their reduced state in consequence of this service, that detachments were also necessarily solicited from the General to supply the heavy casualties which had occurred to them.
After a tedious, fatiguing, and spirited train of operation, upon which I am now precluded from remark, General Barrington effected the conquest of Guadaloupe on the 2d of May, and with it the neighbouring islands of Marigalante, Deseada, and The Saintes.
Everyone conversant in the military obstacles which present in that inhospitable country, cannot restrain his applause of the distinguished perseverance of the Commander in Chief, and the gallant Subordinates during the whole course of their arduous duties. It exhibits a powerful example of what may be achieved by the talents and active spirit of one man; but they are inherent in that noble family, whose virtues I cannot enhance by any panegyric of mine.
Wherever we cast an eye the most glorious achievements appear before us. The conquest of Canada and its Capital, was a most conspicuous event, but it was dearly purchased with the life of one man whose exalted genius and patriotic soul were fitted to turn the scale of Empires. The Plains of Abraham will be a lasting memorial of the superior steadiness and valour of British Soldiers, when led by courage and ability. The fatigues and services of the navy throughout the whole of this campaign were severe and highly honorable.

This leads me to notice a very ludicrous circumstance that occurred on the morning of the 13th of September, previous to that battle which decided the fate of Quebec. A number of Tars who had been employed in dragging the cannon to the heights upon which they were planted, when returning to their ships, observed the army drawn up in battle array, instead of continuing their route, they fell into the ranks with the Soldiers, some having cutlasses, others sticks, and a few having nothing in their hands. General Wolfe remarking their zeal, addressed them with that complacency which was so familiar to him, thanked them for their well-meant spirit, urged them to go on board, and pointed out the probable bad consequences from their mingling with the soldiery at so critical a moment. To this request some of them answered, "God bless your Honour, pray let us stay and see fair play between the English and French."

The General could not help smiling at these brave but thoughtless fellows, and again repeated his wish for them to withdraw. With this some complied, but others swore, immediately on turning his back, "that the Soldiers should not have all the fighting to themselves, but that they would come in for a share of it some way or other."
It appears that a number actually continued in the ranks during the progress of the day, and whenever a Soldier dropped they alternately put on his accoutrements, charged, and fired with perfect coolness.
Nothing peculiarly active fell to the lot of the Marines, excepting an affair of diversion on the 12th of September, with a view to aid the more material operations of the army.
Upon the evening of that day the Admiral ordered the flat bottomed boats, below the town, to assemble astern of one of the frigates.

Into these all the Marines which could consistently be spared, were embarked, and at the break of day of the 13th stood over towards the Beaufort shore as if to make a descent, while the ships of war that escorted them were ordered to cannonade the French lines. This feint obliged the enemy to retain a greater force at those works, than they would otherwise have done, and it was in some degree instrumental towards the success of that glorious day.
In the summer of the present year orders were given for each ship of the line, upon the home station, to take on board a double complement of Marines, to co-operate in the descents which might be attempted by the army.

Discomfited in every quarter, the enemy now confined their designs to domestic preparations, which aimed at a general but connected invasion of this island. Of these our Cabinet was fully apprized, and well knew how to frustrate them. Admiral De La Clue, with a considerable force, having put to sea from Toulon, in order to effect a junction with their grand armament at Brest, was soon after observed by Admiral Boscawen, and defeated with a loss of five of his ships, while the remains took shelter in the port of Cadiz, where they were blocked up by an English squadron. This reverse was little expected by the French Ministry, who could not conceive that our energies were everywhere.

The enemy defended themselves with bravery, and they had set them, by their Chief, a most heroic example. Such as might have been expected was given by Admiral Boscawen to his fleet.
Rear Admiral Rodney destroyed a link of that chain of preparation by the bombardment of Havre de Grace, where a large collection of boats had been formed, denominated Prames. These were flat bottomed, were about 100 feet long, 24 broad, and 10 in depth, each mounted two heavy cannon, had one mast, could sail or row when most convenient, and was capable of transporting 280 troops, or nearly 50 cavalry complete. Our good friends, the Dutch, ever ready to supply all parties, suffered a heavy loss during the blockade of Havre, in naval and military stores, with which their avarice had prompted them to supply our purposed invaders.

The honour of our arms was this year most gallantly supported by Vice Admiral Pocock, in the East Indies, who was opposed to very superior forces, but still afforded that general protection to our territory and our commerce, which must ever constitute the most predominant objects of our naval efforts. A sharp action was fought, which, as might have been anticipated, ended in a drawn conflict.
At this moment of public danger, the protection of our coasts was confided to Sir Edward Hawke, who shewed himself worthy of the trust. Taking his station off Brest he detached to every quarter within his limits, to reconnoitre and to destroy. Captain Harvey very highly distinguished himself by a train of activity upon his post, which was close to the mouth of that harbour. Some boats, seconded by his flying squadron, achieved the capture of several neutral vessels laden with naval stores, in the Bay of Camaret, which Mons. Conflans determined to resent. He accordingly employed a very superior force to gratify his spleen, which, however, did not stagger Captain Harvey's resolution, who, on the contrary, advanced to meet them. In turn he became the pursuer, which ended with the exchange of some distant shot, and the French ships taking shelter under their batteries.

The consequences that were averted by this seemingly unimportant affair, were great, as the enemy had in view, after driving this squadron from its ground, to have proceeded to the Morbihan, another part of the coast of Britanny, where we had a small blockading force stationed; after destroying which, they were to return to Brest with the numerous land forces that were then ready for embarkation. With such material objects before them, it is a stigma upon their naval spirit, in not having persevered.
The repeated enterprises of this vigilant Officer derive a peculiar merit from the time and manner in which they were performed. When the enemy were everywhere proclaiming their threats, Capt. Harvey landed his Marines from the Monmouth, upon the little island of Molines, and exacted from its inhabitants a small supply of cattle, stock, and vegetables.
The priest upon this spot stepped forth, as the organ of his flock, who, he said, were poor. Captain Harvey's reply was, "that he regretted to distress the wretched; but what he now did was merely to shew the enemy and all Europe, that the French could not protect their people within their own sight, much less dare the invasion of England!" He afterwards, in his own barge, being seconded by some other boats, brought off the tender of Admiral Conflans, from a small bay close to the harbour of Brest, within sight of their fleet, under a prodigious cannonade of guns and mortars, and an extensive line of musquetry. This brave man felt for the dignity of his country, and he maintained it.

The enemy, everywhere ready to catch a favourable moment, only awaited the time when our blockading Fleets should be driven from their coasts, in order to carry their long-boasted threats into effect. A heavy gale upon the 9th of November not only forced Sir Edward Hawke from his station but brought into Brest Monsieur Bompart and his Squadron from the West Indies in safety. This circumstance very much strengthened the ships of Conflans with prime seamen, who sailed on the 14th, and steered for Quiberon Bay, with a view to annihilate Commodore Duff's detachment, to bring out his transports with troops, and finally to attempt the invasion of our isles.
But Sir Edward Hawke anticipating his schemes, also put to sea; and notwithstanding that contending elements, for a while, opposed his wishes, still, by perseverance, he arrived in time to save our Flying Squadron, just on the eve of being captured, and to give a death blow to all their mighty hopes.
The victory of the 20th of November must ever stand as one of the most brilliant upon our naval annals, not so much from the extent of its success in captured ships, as the dangerous circumstances under which it was achieved, and the happy consequences that were its immediate results. Our loss upon this signal occasion was only fifty killed, and two hundred and forty-eight Seaman and Marines wounded.

Thus, foiled in every quarter, their commerce cut off by the conquest of their most valuable colonies, expensive preparations sacrificed, without the attainment of a single object, a partial bankruptcy took place in the national funds of France. At this trying period, however, the sufferings of its monarch, and of the public, were alleviated by the substantial tenders of loyalty and patriotism. Numerous were the individuals who manfully stepped forth to heal the wounded pride of their Sovereign, and to revive the drooping cause of their country. It is grateful to record such instances of public virtue from whatever source they flow.

In the greater part of these events, so productive of glory and good, the Corps of Marines bore a share, as well as in the many inferior but distinguished Naval contests that took place in 1759. During its progress, the Fleet of our enemy acknowledges a diminution of thirty-five Ships of the Line and an equal number of Frigates. There are many names which still survive, and others that have not long since closed useful and honourable lives, who were at this period familiar to the public ear, by their gallant deeds. To particularize all, would carry me beyond my limits, and I would not be partial to survivors alone.
His Majesty, in consideration of the very signal services rendered by Admirals Boscawen and Sir Charles Saunders, towards the close of this year, instituted a new Establishment of Marine Officers, intituled, "General and Lieutenant-General of Marines," to which soon after there were added three Colonels, nominated from Post-Captains in the Royal Navy, who had been conspicuous by their good conduct.
The Gentlemen who first occupied these appointments were,
Admiral Boscawen           General of Marines                      £2,000
Sir Charles Saunders       K. B.  Lieutenant-General           £1,200
Sir Piercy Brett, Bart.       Col. of Portsmouth Division         £800
Hon. Augustus Keppel     Col. of Plymouth Division            £800
Lord Viscount Howe         Col. of Chatham Division            £800
This establishment has subsequently been enlarged by the attachment of a Major-General, nd in this form it now exists.
Disclaiming every prejudice, I am led to ask how far either policy or justice can sanction the transmission of such an institution to posterity? They were originally the benevolent grants of a grateful Monarch, to distinguished individuals. As such, indeed, they have continued to be; but experience has shown, that Field Officers are the very life of discipline, and that if so respectable an addition were unalienated from the active members of the Corps, this principle would be still more animated. A man who suppresses his feelings upon any occasion that demands them, is unworthy of the name. How degrading is the thought, that the Marine Veteran, who ascends by the rules of slow gradation, can never reach the summit of his profession! God forbid that any reform should affect the living. Those who now enjoy this mark of favour are highly worthy of it. But confining such appointments to the corps would be gratifying to all, for I am sure that the Naval and Marine Officer are so united in their interests and their duties, that an accession of consequence, or benefit to either, would be warmly felt by both. (Taken from Chapter 22 'An Historical review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1759. Monday 22nd January - May. The Capture of Guadalupe from the French. It was part of the ‘Seven Years War’. A large British force had arrived in the West Indies, intending to seize French possessions. After a six-month long battle to capture Guadeloupe they finally received the formal surrender of the island, just days before a large French relief force arrived under Admiral Maximin de Bompart.

1759. Wednesday 21st February. HMS Vestal took the Bellone.

1759. Tuesady 27th February. When was theThe death of general Hopson changed the plan of opera tions; for his successor, major-general Barrington, re-embarked the troops, after leaving a garrison in Fort Royal and blowing up the other works. On the 7th of March the fleet sailed for Fort Louis, on the Grand-terre side of the island, where the whole had arrived by the 20th. The commodore receiving information of the arrival of a french squadron of eight ships of the line, under M. de Bompart, the army was left to its own energies, and the marines returned to their respective ships.

As their numbers were much reduced, a detachment of troops was added to their strength, and on the 13th of April the squadron sailed for Prince Rupert's bay. On the 1st of May Guadaloupe capitulated, and the example was followed by Desirade, Saintes, and Petite-terre; and on the 26th of May, Mariegalante likewise surrendered.

A fleet of twelve sail of the line, under M. de la Clue, sailed from Toulon in the early part of August, and five of these, with five frigates, soon afterwards separated. On the 18th, the squadron fell in with a british fleet of fourteen sail of the line, two of 50 guns, and several frigates, under admiral Boscawen, who immediately made the signal to chase and engage in line of battle a-head.

The advanced ships commenced firing upon the enemy at 2 h. 30 m. p. m., and closing with the Centaur of 74 guns, compelled that ship to surrender, with the loss of 200 men killed and wounded. The pursuit continued during the night, under favour of which two of the enemy escaped, and at day-light only four were to be seen, about five leagues distant from Lagos bay. The Ocean of 80 guns, and Redoutable 74, ran on the rocks, and were destroyed; but the Temeraire 74, and Modeste 64, were brought away. M. de la Clue died of his wounds and was buried at Lagos. The British sustained a loss of 56 men killed, and 196 wounded.
The fleet under sir Edward Hawke having taken refuge in Torbay during the heavy westerly gales, admiral Conflans took the earliest opportunity to put to sea with the french fleet, from Brest. On the same day the british admiral sailed from Toropt out bay, directing his course towards Quiberon, and on the 20th of November the enemy's fleet was discovered by our look-out ships. At this time, it was blowing hard, with a heavy sea; and although the shoals and rocks on the coast were imperfectly known to the english pilots, sir Edward Hawke zealously persevered in his endeavours to bring the enemy to action. The british fleet consisted of twenty-three ships of the line and ten frigates; that of the enemy, twenty-one of the line and five frigates. At 3 h. 30 m. p. m., the van of the British began engaging the enemy's rear, as their advanced ships led round the Cardinal rocks.

About 4 p. m., the Formidable, bearing the flag of rearadmiral Verger, after a gallant defence, struck her colours. The Thesee foundered in consequence of shipping a heavy sea in her lower deck, and the Superbe shared the same fate. The Heros surrendered and came to anchor, but it was blowing so hard that no boat could be sent to take possession. Darkness coming on, the enemy fled towards their own coast; seven of their line of battle ships, after throwing their guns overboard, got into the river Vilaine, whilst the British anchored under the island of Dumet. When morning appeared, the ship of the french admiral was discovered to be on shore, and she was soon afterwards burnt by her own crew. The Essex and Resolution ran on the Four-reef and were wrecked, but most of their crew were saved. Our total loss in this memorable battle was no more than one lieutenant and 39 seamen and marines killed, and 222 wounded.

In the East Indies the british arms were equally triumphant. A french squadron of eleven ships of the line, under M. d'Ache, appearing on the Coromandel coast, vice-admiral Pocock, with seven of the line, immediately proceeded thither; and on the 2nd of September the french ships were discovered, but it was not until the 10th that they were brought to action. Although nothing decisive resulted from this contest, our loss amounted to no less than 118 killed, — 66 mortally, 122 dangerously, and 263 slightly wounded. Among the killed was 17 captain C. Michie of the Newcastle, captain Gore and lieutenant Redshaw of the marines, and lieutenant Elliott of the Tyger.

Extensive preparations were now making in all the french ports for the invasion of Great Britain, and several men-of-war, transports, and flat-bottomed boats were getting ready in all the ports. Havre-de-Grace, and the other harbours on the coast of Normandy, prepared for the expedition against England, whilst another division of the flotilla was to proceed from Dunkirk, and make an attempt on the coast of Scotland; and a third embarkation, destined for Ireland, was to be made at Vannes, in Brittany, The duke D'Aiguillon had the command of the land forces, and a powerful squadron, under admiral Conflans, was to secure their landing. To counteract these machinations, admiral Havvke with a large fleet cruised before Brest, leaving a detached force to watch the bay of Audierne, and a squadron under commodore Boyce was stationed before Dunkirk. In the month of July, rear-admiral Rodney bombarded Havre with great success, setting fire to the town in several places, and he destroyed all their preparations for the invasion of England.

In this year, twenty-seven sail of the line and thirty-one frigates were captured from the French, and eight ships of the line and four frigates destroyed; whilst England, during the various operations, lost no more than seven ships of the line and five frigates. In addition to these reverses, the commerce of France was seriously reduced by the loss of Quebec and Guadaloupe.
In consideration of the signal services rendered by admirals Boscawen and sir Charles Saunders, his Majesty instituted a new establishment of marine officers, entitled " General and Lieutenant-general of Marines;" and shortly afterwards three post-captains in the navy were selected for the rank of colonel.

The following officers were the first who held those appointments: — PER ANN.
Admiral Boscawen . General of Marines. £2000
Sir Chas. Saunders, K.B. Lieut.- General . 1200
Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Div. 800
Hon. Augustus Keppel. Col. of Plymouth Div. 800
Viscount Howe .Col. of Chatham Div. 800
The appointment of a major-general was subsequently added to the establishment.
This arrangement, at once humiliating and disrespectful to a corps which had ever supported its military character with credit and honour, created universal dissatisfaction. It was a wound that rankled at the very heart of the service; and it con- tinued to be so sensibly felt as a mark of reproach, that in 1777 the corps resolved to memorial the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, respecting the injustice of placing officers of the navy over them; and justly remarking upon the incompetency of naval officers to take command of troops in the field. This remonstrance was forwarded by colonel Mackenzie, with a strong letter addressed to the earl of Sandwich; but neither that application, nor the many subsequent expressions of discontent, could obtain redress. The emoluments of thse appointments continued to be enjoyed by naval officers until the year 1833, when this degrading system of sinecures was abolished; but even then, the entire advantage did not revert to the corps, and but an inadequate proportion of the amount fell to their lot in the distribution of the good-service pensions.
In this year the british navy amounted to one hundred and twenty ships of the line: seventeen of that number were in the East Indies, twenty for the protection of our West India islands, twelve in North America, ten in the Mediterranean, and sixtyone on the home station. The establishment of marines was increased to one hundred and thirty companies, amounting to 18,365 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Monday 19th March. Aiolus took Mignone.

1759. Thursday 27th March. HMS Winsor took the Due de Chartres.

1759. Friday 28th March. HMS Southampton and HMS Milampe captured the Danal.

1759. Wednesday 4th April. HMS Achilles captured the St. Florentine.

1759. Wednesday 15th April. HMS Favorite captured the Valeur.

1759. Tuseday 1st May. The Capture of Guadaloupe.

1759. Friday 18th May. HMS Thames and HMS Venus took the Arithuse.

1759. An expedition, under commodore Moore, sailed from England in the latter part of the preceding year, consisting of nine ships of the line, a frigate, four bombs, with sixty transports containing six regiments of foot. 800 marines were embarked in the squadron, commanded by brevet-colonel Rycaut, of the Portsmouth division, and it was intended that they should have been formed into a battalion to co-operate with the land forces, but the commodore altered this arrangement, and landed the detachments as it became necessary; consequently, the services of colonel Rycaut were dispensed with. Dr. Beatson remarks, that " Colonel Rycaut, of the marines, was deprived of all command, whereby that useful corps was never permitted to land and act with the land forces, which was a very great loss to the army."

1759. June - September. Sanders at Quebec.

1759. Tuesday 3rd July. They arrived at Barbadoes on the 3rd of January 1759, whence they sailed on the 13th, and entered the bay of Fort Royal, Martinico, on the 15th. Early on the following morning, the Bristol and Ripon attacked a battery of seven guns on Negro Point, which they soon silenced, and the marines from both ships were landed; who, climbing up the rocks, entered the fort and hoisted the british colours. At four o'clock, the signal being made for disembarking the troops, they were immediately conveyed to the shore, under cover of the fire from the ships, and landed without much opposition; but finding it impracticable to bring the cannon sufficiently near for attacking the town, the forces re-embarked, in order to proceed to St. Pierre. When they arrived before that place, new difficulties arose, which occasioned a council of war. The commodore had no doubt of being able to reduce the town; but as the troops had suffered greatly by disease, and the probability of the ships being so disabled in the attack as to prevent them from availing themselves of their success to undertake further operations, he recommended that they should proceed against Guadaloupe.

The fleet arrived on the 23rd of January before the town of Basseterre, the capital of the island, a place of considerable extent, defended by strong batteries towards the sea; and on an eminence to the southward of the town stands Fort Royal, mounting forty-seven pieces of cannon. The chief engineer was of opinion that this fortress, from its elevation, was impregnable to the squadron; yet a council of war determined on the attack, and the ships took up their positions at nine a. m. on the 23rd, — the Lion 74 abreast of a battery of nine guns; St. George 90, Norfolk 74, and Cambridge 80 opposite the citadel, and kept up an incessant cannonade until five p. m., when the fort ceased firing. At ten a. m., the Panther 50 brought up close to the royal battery in the town, of twelve guns, and continued engaging for several hours, unassisted by the Burford 70, who was to have supported her; but owing to some accident she did not reach her station, nor take any part in the action.

The Rippon 60 ran so close to the shore, that she grounded and in consequence of the Berwick 64 relinquishing her station on the approach of some vessels on fire, she became exposed to the battery of St. Nicholas, of seven guns, as well as that of Morne Rouge, mounting six guns en barbette. The Rippon having suffered considerably from an explosion, which blew up the poop and set the ship on fire, made the signal for assistance: on which the Bristol 50 ran down, and took a position between her and the St. Nicholas battery; the marines at the same time taking the militia in the trenches in flank, soon dispersed them. In the evening the bomb-vessels threw shells into the town, which set it on fire, and the magazines blew up with a terrible explosion. The only officer killed was lieutenant Roberts of the marines, on board the Norfolk and among the wounded, captain Trelawney of the Lion, lieutenant Curies of the marines of the same ship, and lieutenant Chandy of the marines of the Rippon; with a total of 30 killed, and 60 wounded.

On the 24th the troops landed without opposition, took possession of the heights, and, the 61st regiment having marched into the citadel, hoisted the british colours. The country was far from being reduced to submission; it abounded in mountains and defiles, and the inhabitants were determined to defend their possessions to the last extremity. The french commandant, M. Nadau d'Etreuil, posted himself in a deep cleft in the mountains, which entirely commanded the passage into the Capesterres, the richest and best cultivated part of the island, which was very difficult of access, the whole environs being intersected by deep ravines. On the 26th a summons was sent by the British, which the commandant rejected with firmness.
Some skirmishes took place, in which the 61st regiment had an opportunity of distinguishing itself, in attacking the enemy's entrenchments.

It being resolved to reduce Fort Louis on the Grand-terre side of the island, the squadron, under captain Harman of the Berwick, moved on to the attack on the 13th February. The cannonade lasted five hours, during which every house was burnt, a breach made in the walls, and the batteries silenced along the shore. The troops then got into the boats, and major Campbell with his marines, and some companies of the royal highland regiment, with great difficulty landed. Finding that their ammunition was mostly destroyed, they drove the enemy at the point of the bayonet, and after a severe struggle carried the fort, with all the batteries. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Wednesday 1st August. The Battle of Minden in North Germany. Anglo Hanoverian forces under the Command of Ferdinand of Brunswick defeat the French army lead by Duc de Broglie, but due to the disobedience of the English cavalry Commander Lord George Sackville, the French were able to withdraw unmolested.

1759. Monday 13th August. HMS Crescent took the Berkeley.

1759. HMS Dreadnought took the Hermione.

1759. Saturday 18th August - Sunday 19th August 1759. A Naval Battle off Lagos between Britain and France took place, during the ‘Seven Years War’ off the coasts of Spain and Portugal, and is named after Lagos in Portugal. It ended in a victory for the British led by Sir Edward Boscawens While the he French lost 2 ships of the line that were destroyed and a further 3 were captured.

1759. Saturday 18th August. Boscawen and De la Clue.

1759. Sunday 2nd September. Pocock and D'Ache, third action.

1759. Thursday 13th September. The Capture of Quebec from the French. The British lead by General James Wolfe (1727 - 1759) achieved a dramatic victory when they scaled the cliffs overlooking the city of Quebec, defeating the French forces under the command of Louis Joseph de Montcalm. During the battle, which lasted less than an hour, Wolfe was fatally wounded. Montcalm was also wounded and died the next day. However, Wolfes Victory ensured British supremacy in Canada. During the operations the Marines were encamped at Point Levi on the south side of the St. Lawrence, but on the 26th July, two companies of them were sent over to General Wolf’s camp, at Montmorenci, as a reinforcement. Later 600 men of the Marines and Major Hardy’s Corps were sent over to defend the Island of Orleans in the middle of the river between Montmorenci and Point Levi. Some of those must have been sent from the ships as the Battalion was only 540 strong, or was entirely a ships battalion.  When the real attack on Quebec took place the line of battle ships which lay in the river below Quebec made a demonstration in front of the French lines to the north east of the city in order to divert attention from the landing at Sillery to the west of Quebec. They stood in as close to the shore as the depth of the water would allow. They then lowered the boats and filled them with Marines to deceive the enemy into expecting a landing at this point. The British lost 58 killed and 600 wounded. While the French had 116 killed and the same as the British 600 wounded. It’s also worth noting that Wolf used what was known in those days as ‘Descents’ to approach the city from what was thought to be impregnatable cliffs. Something he had witnessed a few years earlier while a junior Officer at the Raid on Rochefort.

1759. Tuesday 20th November. The Battle of Quibecon Bay of the Coast of France near St. Nazaire. The British Admiral Sir Edward Hawke along with 24 ships of the line caught up with a French fleet with 21 ships of the line under the Command of Marshal de Conflans and, after some hard fighting, sank, captured, or forced aground six of them and dispersed the rest, giving the Royal Navy one of its greatest Victories to date.

1759. Wednesday 5th December.The french squadron under Thurot, which had sailed from Dunkirk and taken refuge in the harbour of Gottenburg, in Sweden, and which originally consisted of five frigates, having on board 1200 soldiers, sailed from that port for Bergen; and on the 5th of December, having parted company with one of the squadron, they directed their course towards Ireland. It was ot until the 21st of February that Thurot effected a landing at Carrickfergus with 600 men and made the garrison under colonel Jennings prisoners; but learning the defeat of the fleet of Conflans and finding that a body of regular troops was approaching, they re-embarked and immediately sailed for France. A [ew hours after quitting the british coast, three ships were seen bearing down upon them; which were the english frigates jEoIus 36, captain Elliott, with the Pallas and Brilliant of 32 guns, captains Clement and Logie. An action was maintained with great spirit for an hour and a half, when the Marechal de Belleisle, of 44 guns, was boarded and captured by the Eolus, the gallant Thurot having fallen in the action. The other ships were also captured and taken into the English ports. The British loss was only 5 killed, and 41 wounded; that of the enemy 300 killed and wounded.

Shortly after the victory gained by colonel Coote over general Lally at Wandewash, a squadron of six ships of the line under rear-admiral Cornish, reached Madras; and as the french squadron under M. d'Ache" had not appeared on the coast, the admiral was at liberty to assist in reducing the french settlements. Colonel Coote with the army marched to attack Waldour, and block up Pondicherry, whilst the squadron proceeded to form the siege of Carical, where it arrived on the 28th of March. At five in the morning major Monson, with 300 marines and 50 pioneers, landed about four miles from the place, and marching directly up to it, took possession of the town early on the following day. Finding themselves annoyed by the redoubt of Fort Dauphin, ome shells were thrown by the British, which induced the enemy immediately to abandon it, and retire to Fort Louis. Reinforcements from Trichinopoly having arrived, the place was invested on the 3rd, and the British erected several batteries. On the 5th, major Monson, learning that the garrison was likely to obtain relief from Chilanbrun, summoned the commandant to surrender: the proposition was acceded to, and the french troops surrendered as prisoners of war. The marines, after assisting at the reduction of two other posts, were re-embarked in the early part of May. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Later part of the year. An expedition, under commodore Moore, sailed from England in the latter part of the preceding year, consisting of nine ships of the line, a frigate, four bombs, with sixty transports containing six regiments of foot. 800 marines were embarked in the squadron, commanded by brevet-colonel Rycaut, of the Portsmouth division, and it was intended that they should have been formed into a battalion to co-operate with the land forces, but the commodore altered this arrangement, and landed the detachments as it became necessary; consequently, the services of colonel Rycaut were dispensed with. Dr. Beatson remarks, that " Colonel Rycaut, of the marines, was deprived of all command, whereby that useful corps was never permitted to land and act with the land forces, which was a very great loss to the army."

1760. Thursday 3rd January. They arrived at Barbadoes on the 3rd of January 1760, whence they sailed on the 13th, and entered the bay of Fort Royal, Martinico, on the 15th. Early on the following morning, the Bristol and Ripon attacked a battery of seven guns on Negro Point, which they soon silenced, and the marines from both ships were landed; who, climbing up the rocks, entered the fort and hoisted the british colours. At four o'clock, the signal being made for disembarking the troops, they were immediately conveyed to the shore, under cover of the fire from the ships, and landed without much opposition; but finding it impracticable to bring the cannon sufficiently near for attacking the town, the forces re-embarked, in order to proceed to St. Pierre. When they arrived before that place, new difficulties arose, which occasioned a council of war. The commodore had no doubt of being able to reduce the town; but as the troops had suffered greatly by disease, and the probability of the ships being so disabled in the attack as to prevent them from availing themselves of their success to undertake further operations, he recommended that they should proceed against Guadaloupe.

The fleet arrived on the 23rd of January before the town of Basseterre, the capital of the island, a place of considerable extent, defended by strong batteries towards the sea; and on an eminence to the southward of the town stands Fort Royal, mounting forty-seven pieces of cannon. The chief engineer was of opinion that this fortress, from its elevation, was impregnable to the squadron; yet a council of war determined on the attack, and the ships took up their positions at nine a. m. on the 23rd, — the Lion 74 abreast of a battery of nine guns; St. George 90, Norfolk 74, and Cambridge 80 opposite the citadel, and kept up an incessant cannonade until five p. m., when the fort ceased firing. At ten a. m., the Panther 50 brought up close to the royal battery in the town, of twelve guns, and continued engaging for several hours, unassisted by the Burford 70, who was to have supported her; but owing to some accident she did not reach her station, nor take any part in the action.

The Rippon 60 ran so close to the shore, that she grounded and in consequence of the Berwick 64 relinquishing her station on the approach of some vessels on fire, she became exposed to the battery of St. Nicholas, of seven guns, as well as that of Morne Rouge, mounting six guns en barbette. The Rippon having suffered considerably from an explosion, which blew up the poop and set the ship on fire, made the signal for assistance: on which the Bristol 50 ran down, and took a position between her and the St. Nicholas battery; the marines at the same time taking the militia in the trenches in flank, soon dispersed them. In the evening the bomb-vessels threw shells into the town, which set it on fire, and the magazines blew up with a terrible explosion. The only officer killed was lieutenant Roberts of the marines, on board the Norfolk and among the wounded, captain Trelawney of the Lion, lieutenant Curies of the marines of the same ship, and lieutenant Chandy of the marines of the Rippon; with a total of 30 killed, and 60 wounded.

On the 24th the troops landed without opposition, took possession of the heights, and, the 61st regiment having marched into the citadel, hoisted the british colours. The country was far from being reduced to submission; it abounded in mountains and defiles, and the inhabitants were determined to defend their possessions to the last extremity. The french commandant, M. Nadau d'Etreuil, posted himself in a deep cleft in the mountains, which entirely commanded the passage into the Capesterres, the richest and best cultivated part of the island, which was very difficult of access, the whole environs being intersected by deep ravines. On the 26th a summons was sent by the British, which the commandant rejected with firmness. Some skirmishes took place, in which the 61st regiment had an opportunity of distinguishing itself, in attacking the enemy's entrenchments.

It being resolved to reduce Fort Louis on the Grand-terre side of the island, the squadron, under captain Harman of the Berwick, moved on to the attack on the 13th February. The cannonade lasted five hours, during which every house was burnt, a breach made in the walls, and the batteries silenced along the shore. The troops then got into the boats, and major Campbell with his marines, and some companies of the royal highland regiment, with great difficulty landed. Finding that their ammunition was mostly destroyed, they drove the enemy at the point of the bayonet, and after a severe struggle carried the fort, with all the batteries.

1759. Tuesady 27th February. Was when the death of general Hopson changed the plan of opera tions; for his successor, major-general Barrington, re-embarked the troops, after leaving a garrison in Fort Royal and blowing up the other works. On the 7th of March the fleet sailed for Fort Louis, on the Grand-terre side of the island, where the whole had arrived by the 20th. The commodore receiving information of the arrival of a french squadron of eight ships of the line, under M. de Bompart, the army was left to its own energies, and the marines returned to their respective ships.

As their numbers were much reduced, a detachment of troops was added to their strength, and on the 13th of April the squadron sailed for Prince Rupert's bay. On the 1st of May Guadaloupe capitulated, and the example was followed by Desirade, Saintes, and Petite-terre; and on the 26th of May, Mariegalante likewise surrendered.

A fleet of twelve sail of the line, under M. de la Clue, sailed from Toulon in the early part of August, and five of these, with five frigates, soon afterwards separated. On the 18th, the squadron fell in with a british fleet of fourteen sail of the line, two of 50 guns, and several frigates, under admiral Boscawen, who immediately made the signal to chase and engage in line of battle a-head.

The advanced ships commenced firing upon the enemy at 2 h. 30 m. p. m., and closing with the Centaur of 74 guns, compelled that ship to surrender, with the loss of 200 men killed and wounded. The pursuit continued during the night, under favour of which two of the enemy escaped, and at day-light only four were to be seen, about five leagues distant from Lagos bay. The Ocean of 80 guns, and Redoutable 74, ran on the rocks, and were destroyed; but the Temeraire 74, and Modeste 64, were brought away. M. de la Clue died of his wounds and was buried at Lagos. The British sustained a loss of 56 men killed, and 196 wounded.
The fleet under sir Edward Hawke having taken refuge in Torbay during the heavy westerly gales, admiral Conflans took the earliest opportunity to put to sea with the french fleet, from Brest. On the same day the british admiral sailed from Toropt out bay, directing his course towards Quiberon, and on the 20th of November the enemy's fleet was discovered by our look-out ships. At this time, it was blowing hard, with a heavy sea; and although the shoals and rocks on the coast were imperfectly known to the english pilots, sir Edward Hawke zealously persevered in his endeavours to bring the enemy to action. The british fleet consisted of twenty-three ships of the line and ten frigates; that of the enemy, twenty-one of the line and five frigates. At 3 h. 30 m. p. m., the van of the British began engaging the enemy's rear, as their advanced ships led round the Cardinal rocks.

About 4 p. m., the Formidable, bearing the flag of rearadmiral Verger, after a gallant defence, struck her colours. The Thesee foundered in consequence of shipping a heavy sea in her lower deck, and the Superbe shared the same fate. The Heros surrendered and came to anchor, but it was blowing so hard that no boat could be sent to take possession. Darkness coming on, the enemy fled towards their own coast; seven of their line of battle ships, after throwing their guns overboard, got into the river Vilaine, whilst the British anchored under the island of Dumet. When morning appeared, the ship of the french admiral was discovered to be on shore, and she was soon afterwards burnt by her own crew. The Essex and Resolution ran on the Four-reef and were wrecked, but most of their crew were saved. Our total loss in this memorable battle was no more than one lieutenant and 39 seamen and marines killed, and 222 wounded.

In the East Indies the british arms were equally triumphant. A french squadron of eleven ships of the line, under M. d'Ache, appearing on the Coromandel coast, vice-admiral Pocock, with seven of the line, immediately proceeded thither; and on the 2nd of September the french ships were discovered, but it was not until the 10th that they were brought to action. Although nothing decisive resulted from this contest, our loss amounted to no less than 118 killed, — 66 mortally, 122 dangerously, and 263 slightly wounded. Among the killed was 17 captain C. Michie of the Newcastle, captain Gore and lieutenant Redshaw of the marines, and lieutenant Elliott of the Tyger. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

Extensive preparations were now making in all the french ports for the invasion of Great Britain, and several men-of-war, transports, and flat-bottomed boats were getting ready in all the ports. Havre-de-Grace, and the other harbours on the coast of Normandy, prepared for the expedition against England, whilst another division of the flotilla was to proceed from Dunkirk, and make an attempt on the coast of Scotland; and a third embarkation, destined for Ireland, was to be made at Vannes, in Brittany, The duke D'Aiguillon had the command of the land forces, and a powerful squadron, under admiral Conflans, was to secure their landing. To counteract these machinations, admiral Havvke with a large fleet cruised before Brest, leaving a detached force to watch the bay of Audierne, and a squadron under commodore Boyce was stationed before Dunkirk. In the month of July, rear-admiral Rodney bombarded Havre with great success, setting fire to the town in several places, and he destroyed all their preparations for the invasion of England.

In this year, twenty-seven sail of the line and thirty-one frigates were captured from the French, and eight ships of the line and four frigates destroyed; whilst England, during the various operations, lost no more than seven ships of the line and five frigates. In addition to these reverses, the commerce of France was seriously reduced by the loss of Quebec and Guadaloupe.
In consideration of the signal services rendered by admirals Boscawen and sir Charles Saunders, his Majesty instituted a new establishment of marine officers, entitled " General and Lieutenant-general of Marines;" and shortly afterwards three post-captains in the navy were selected for the rank of colonel.
The following officers were the first who held those appointments: — PER ANN.
Admiral Boscawen . General of Marines. £2000
Sir Chas. Saunders, K.B. Lieut.- General . 1200
Sir Piercy Brett, Bart. Col. of Portsmouth Div. 800
Hon. Augustus Keppel. Col. of Plymouth Div. 800
Viscount Howe. Col. of Chatham Div. 800
The appointment of a major-general was subsequently added to the establishment.
This arrangement, at once humiliating and disrespectful to a corps which had ever supported its military character with credit and honour, created universal dissatisfaction. It was a wound that rankled at the very heart of the service; and it con- tinued to be so sensibly felt as a mark of reproach, that in 1777 the corps resolved to memorial the lords commissioners of the Admiralty, respecting the injustice of placing officers of the navy over them; and justly remarking upon the incompetency of naval officers to take command of troops in the field. This remonstrance was forwarded by colonel Mackenzie, with a strong letter addressed to the earl of Sandwich; but neither that application, nor the many subsequent expressions of discontent, could obtain redress. The emoluments of thse appointments continued to be enjoyed by naval officers until the year 1833, when this degrading system of sinecures was abolished; but even then, the entire advantage did not revert to the corps, and but an inadequate proportion of the amount fell to their lot in the distribution of the good-service pensions.

In this year the british navy amounted to one hundred and twenty ships of the line: seventeen of that number were in the East Indies, twenty for the protection of our West India islands, twelve in North America, ten in the Mediterranean, and sixtyone on the home station. The establishment of marines was increased to one hundred and thirty companies, amounting to 18,365 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Rear-admiral Stevens, having assumed the command of the fleet, landed the marines at Cuddalore on the 29th of August, and on the following day they joined the army. Colonel Coote was superseded in his command by the promotion of major Monson; but the latter was so severely wounded, that colonel Coote resumed his office, and continued to direct the operations against Pondicherry until its surrender on 16th January 1761.

A very gallant action between the Biddeford and Flamborough of 20 guns, captains Skinner and Kennedy, and the french frigates Malicieuse of 36, and Opale of 32 guns, was fought on the 4 th of April near Oporto. The enemy, perceiving the inferiority of the british ships, bore down upon them at about seven in the evening, and a close action continued until nine o'clock, when the enemy shot a-head. The firing was renewed as soon as the ships had repaired their rigging, and it was maintained until eleven; when the french frigates made sail and escaped, leaving the british ships so much disabled as to be incapable of pursuit. The Biddeford had her captain and 8 men killed, her lieutenant and 25 wounded. After the death of captain Skinner, lieutenant Knollis fought the ship until he was mortally wounded, and the master gallantly continued the action until the enemy made off. On board the Flamborough lieutenant Price of the marines and 5 men were killed, and 10 wounded.

Rear-admiral Rodney continued very actively employed on his station off Havre-de-Grace, keeping the enemy's coast in a constant state of alarm, and attacking their convoys whenever they dared to venture out of their ports. Admiral Boscawen was stationed with a strong squadron in the Bay of Biscay, and so effectually blockaded the harbours of Brest and Rochefort, that the French were unable to reinforce their possessions in North America. Sir Edward Hawke, who relieved admiral Boscawen in September, pursued the same plan of operations, and maintained the proud pre-eminence of our naval power. A secret expedition, commanded by major-general (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Wednesday 5th December.The french squadron under Thurot, which had sailed from Dunkirk and taken refuge in the harbour of Gottenburg, in Sweden, and which originally consisted of five frigates, having on board 1200 soldiers, sailed from that port for Bergen; and on the 5th of December, having parted company with one of the squadron, they directed their course towards Ireland. It was ot until the 21st of February that Thurot effected a landing at Carrickfergus with 600 men and made the garrison under colonel Jennings prisoners; but learning the defeat of the fleet of Conflans and finding that a body of regular troops was approaching, they re-embarked and immediately sailed for France. A [ew hours after quitting the british coast, three ships were seen bearing down upon them; which were the english frigates jEoIus 36, captain Elliott, with the Pallas and Brilliant of 32 guns, captains Clement and Logie. An action was maintained with great spirit for an hour and a half, when the Marechal de Belleisle, of 44 guns, was boarded and captured by the Eolus, the gallant Thurot having fallen in the action. The other ships were also captured and taken into the English ports. The British loss was only 5 killed, and 41 wounded; that of the enemy 300 killed and wounded.

Shortly after the victory gained by colonel Coote over general Lally at Wandewash, a squadron of six ships of the line under rear-admiral Cornish, reached Madras; and as the french squadron under M. d'Ache" had not appeared on the coast, the admiral was at liberty to assist in reducing the french settlements. Colonel Coote with the army marched to attack Waldour, and block up Pondicherry, whilst the squadron proceeded to form the siege of Carical, where it arrived on the 28th of March. At five in the morning major Monson, with 300 marines and 50 pioneers, landed about four miles from the place, and marching directly up to it, took possession of the town early on the following day. Finding themselves annoyed by the redoubt of Fort Dauphin, ome shells were thrown by the British, which induced the enemy immediately to abandon it, and retire to Fort Louis. Reinforcements from Trichinopoly having arrived, the place was invested on the 3rd, and the British erected several batteries. On the 5th, major Monson, learning that the garrison was likely to obtain relief from Chilanbrun, summoned the commandant to surrender: the proposition was acceded to, and the french troops surrendered as prisoners of war. The marines, after assisting at the reduction of two other posts, were re-embarked in the early part of May. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1759. Friday 28th December. The Battle and Capture of Goree in West Africa. After having made a short stay at Santa Cruz, in the Canary Isles, a British squadron led by Augustus Keppel approached Goree, and at 3:00 pm anchored in about 18 fathoms of water just outside the bay. The transports containing the troops were sent into the bay between Point Goree and Point Barrabas. Early on 29th December the troops were disembarked in to boats in readiness to land on the island upon a signal being made by the Commodore. Most of the ships gradually took up their assigned positions to the west or leeward side of Goree and moored head and stern under a heavy fire: At 9:00 am, the attack was begun by the HMS Prince Edward. However, the cannonade was not general until about noon, while some of the vessels experiencing difficulty in taking up their stations. The bombardment was then rapidly effective. In a few hours, the British ships silenced the French batteries and created havoc within the garrison. At nightfall, M. de Saint Jean surrendered the fortress and the island. Keppel landed his Marines to take possession. The garrison consisting of about 300 men, many of them Africans became prisoners of war. 110 guns and mortars were captured, while British losses were very low.

1760. A large augmentation to the Marine corps was voted for the year 1760, which amounted to 130 companies, comprising in all 18,355; being more than one fourth of our naval forces.
Their merits and usefulness became conspicuous by the most zealous and spirited services, on either element, to which their mingled duties called them. It was the happy destiny of Captain Elliot to deliver his country from the remaining terrors of invasion, kept alive by the adventurous and enterprising squadron of Thurot.
After having accomplished everything within the power of a mortal, for the good of his Nation, this Commander outlived not his defeat, but fell gloriously; leaving behind him a name equally revered for humanity as valour.
The enfeebled state of France, unable to extend support to the distant members of her Empire, exposed them as easy and alternate conquests to our successful arms. Although but few naval achievements occur through this year, still the spirit of our seamen continued the same, in every instance that presented for their efforts.
This era first brought into public and deserved notice, the great military talents of Colonel, afterwards General Sir Eyre Coote. To him may be chiefly attributed the recovery of our drooping interests in the East, at one time nearly annihilated by the bold and vindictive genius of Monsieur Lally.
Soon after the decisive battle obtained by Colonel Coote over that General at Wandewash, Admiral Cornish reached Madras with a reinforcement of six ships of the line. The French squadron not appearing on the coast, enabled our joint forces to prosecute future schemes of conquest. The first step was the advance of Colonel Coote against Waldour, and the united blockade of Pondicherry by sea and land. Major Monson, the second in command, was destined to attack Carical, and accordingly embarked on board the squadron with that view. The forces which he was to head consisted of 300 Marines, to be afterwards joined by a small body of Artillery, some Europeans, and a considerable number of Seapoys from Trichinopoly.
Admiral Cornish having arrived in the road of Carical upon the 28th of March, Major Monson was landed with the Marines and some native pioneers, at five in the evening, where they halted during the night, and advanced against the town early on the following morning, which they gained with a trifling loss. Being annoyed by Fort Dauphin, the enemy were also driven from it into Fort Louis, by a few shells.
Upon the 3d of April all the expected reinforcements arrived, by which the latter was immediately invested.
Learning on the 5th that the garrison had a prospect of relief and having already done considerable damage to the enemy's works, the Commandant was summoned to surrender, to which he agreed; the whole being considered as prisoners of war. The Seamen were meritoriously active in landing the necessary stores during the night-time.
By the successive operations of this force, the French were deprived of many important possessions, and Monsieur Lally, with an army, which a little while ago were the dread of that quarter, became shut up in Pondicherry, at the commencement of May.
These material services having been effected, the Marines were reimbarked on board their respective ships, and honoured by the thanks of him who had led them. In the meantime, Colonel Coote had carried his object, and had advanced within four miles of Pondicherry, towards which he threw up redoubts.
Rear-Admiral Stevens having assumed the command of the British Fleet, proceeded off that place, and at the instance of the Governor and Council of Madras, as well as of Colonel Coote, landed the Marines at Cuddalore, upon the 29th of August, in order to accelerate matters before the setting in of the rains. They immediately joined the Army and were materially assisting in the many active and tedious services that ensued.
Major Monson having received a superior commission to that of Colonel Coote, this respectable Officer, for a while, relinquished these bustling scenes; but the former being wounded most severely in a successful enterprize, which he conducted with great gallantry against the enemy's batteries, was in turn compelled to resign the command of the Army. Recent experience had convinced the public of the value of him who had been superseded, and the highest testimony that could have been yielded to an Officer, was recalling him to fill the important situation he had held.
The high-spirited Lally, jealous only of his own honour, but unfeeling towards the unsurpassed sufferings of those beneath him, persevered in defending Pondicherry, while a glimpse of hope remained. A dreadful disaster to our Fleet had nearly realized his deliverance; but the steady seamanship of our Officers, amidst one of the greatest hurricanes that ever blew, preserved a valuable remains for the service of their Country, which soon resumed the blockade of that important Capital.
It was not until the middle of January of the ensuing year that it fell, and with its conquest became involved the ruin of the French East India Company, with all their dependencies on the coast of Coromandel.
Such were the happy commercial results, as well as territorial acquisitions, that were obtained by our successful arms; in accomplishing which the Corps of Marines was in some degree instrumental.
On a retrospective view, a great s are of credit is justly due to Vice-Admiral Pocock, who, with very inferior numbers, was in three battles opposed to Monsieur D'Ache; in every one of which he supported the honour of the British Flag, while he afforded both a countenance and co-operation to the enterprises of our Army.
The plan of completely conquering the province of Canada was this year carried into effect; it was well arranged, was executed with spirit, and exhibited high military talents in Sir Jeffery Amherst, who commanded in Chief.
Some of our Naval Officers contributed much to the general success, from their intimate knowledge of the local navigation, and their active zeal in conducting the necessary and numberless duties of landing and re-embarking the troops.
The reduced state of the French Marine did not allow of many opportunities to signalize our Fleet during this year; but whenever they occurred, our superiority was uniformly conspicuous. From the protection which it gave to an important branch of our commerce, the gallant action between the Flamborough and Biddeford, both 20 gunships, with two heavy French frigates, deserves notice. These had been detached on purpose to intercept our outward-bound for Oporto and Lisbon, which they learnt was under convoy of a small sloop of war. Fortunately for this valuable Fleet, our ships got sight of La Malicieuse and L'Opale, of 36 guns each, upon the morning of the 4th of April, and gave them chace. It was not until
seven in the evening, when observing our vast inferiority, the enemy seemed willing for the combat. At this hour they closed, and continued engaging till nine, when a short respite enabled both to renew the battle, which continued till midnight.
That intrepid perseverance which so strongly marks the British character, and in a comparative sense so peculiarly distinguishes the British Seaman, at last prevailed, and compelled this very superior enemy to seek safety in flight; while the disabled state of our little ships, from the heavy metal to which they had been exposed, precluded the idea of pursuit.
Captain Skinner and the Hon. Lieutenant Knollis, of the Biddeford, fell upon this occasion; but their loss was nobly compensated by the unremitting good example of Mr. Stacey, the Master, who succeeded to the command.
Lieutenant Price, of the Marines, was also killed on board the Flamborough.
The events of this action were of much greater moment than such as frequently arise from the vindictive conflicts of greater numbers, as it preserved a large convoy from falling into the hands of the enemy, which would have otherwise been its fate, upon the very day it was fought.
Admiral Rodney was very active with his flying squadron, while our Grand Fleet, by its vigilance and occasional descents, entirely cut up the enemy's commerce, and kept their sea-coasts in a state of constant alarm, under the successive commands of Admirals Boscawen and Hawke.
The nation had to deplore the loss of its Sovereign on the morning of the 25th of October, who died alike beloved and regretted by every class of his subjects.
Upon the noon of the following day, his present Majesty was proclaimed King of these Realms, and very early afforded the most impressive earnests of predilection for his native Land, its glory, and its happiness.
The magnanimous benevolence of Englishmen was at this period highly conspicuous to their distressed fellow-countrymen, who were prisoners in France, and whose sufferings from penury and nakedness were of a kind the most extreme.
Sympathizing with their distresses, subscriptions were set on foot, and it was not long ere they were relieved by the most liberal supplies. The public generosity was not confined within the pale of its own kindred, but was stretched forth even towards our captive foes, whose wants were most imperious, but from which their nation was unable to deliver them.
When we reflect upon such noble acts of fellow-feeling, the man who is insensible to the reciprocal duties of fidelity and gratitude, deserves not the virtuous title of a Briton. The world also must cease to wonder at the many signal instances of Divine interposition in favour of this little island, when it considers that Providence is thus vindicating his own ways, in behalf of a people, who are uniformly guided by the sacred precepts, and godlike impulse, "of forgiving, and doing good to their enemies." (Taken from Chapter 23 'An Historical review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1760. Friday 4th January – 15 January 1761. The Siege and Capture of Pondicherry, part of the ’Third Carnatic War’. British land and naval forces besieged and eventually compelled the French forces defending the French colonial outpost of Pondicherry to surrender. 422 Marines were involved.

1760. The Navy of Spain was now reduced to twenty-two ships of the line, and that of France to thirty-one; whilst the navy of Great Britain amounted to 126 sail of the line and 75 frigates. Admiral Boscawen, who had sailed from England the previous November with a squadron of four ships of the line and two fifties, left the Cape of Good Hope on the 18th of May, having been reinforced by 400 dutch troops, and arrived at the island of Mauritius on the 23d of June. Finding the enemy fully prepared at every point and considering that the dangers of approaching the land would probably involve a great sacrifice of men, the admiral determined on proceeding to the coast of Coromandel, to undertake the siege of Pondicherry; and he arrived at Fort St. David's on the 29th of July, where he was joined by the squadron under vice-admiral Griffin. The united force amounted to six sail of the line and four ships of fifty guns, with several Company's ships well armed, exhibiting the greatest marine force that had ever been seen in India, with an army of 5220 men, of which 880 were marines belonging to the squadron. The troops landed and were put in motion on the 8th of August, and on the 11th they met some opposition from an advanced corps of the enemy; but nothing of importance occurred, until it was deemed essential to carry the fort of Arian Coupan, which appeared a mere outwork, but was fatally found to be of considerable strength, being fortified with a cavalier at each of the angles, with a deep dry ditch full of pit-falls, and a covered way. The attack was made by 700 men, composed of the grenadiers and picquets of the army, who were met by such a heavy discharge of grape and musketry, and a galling fire from two batteries on the opposite side of the river, that they were compelled to retreat. By this timek they felt, as he was the person on whom the admiral relied for conducting the operations against Pondicherry. This repulse did not deter the British from making another attempt: 1100 sailors landed and brought up battering cannon, and on the 17th a battery of four guns opened on the fort; but the distance was too great, and whilst the British were occupied in constructing another battery, a desperate attack was made on their entrenchments. Although at first it was attended with some success, the French were eventually driven back, and their commanding officer taken prisoner. Regular approaches were carried on for some days, when an accident happened to the enemy on the 30th, by means of which, possession was gained of the place. A large quantity of powder having exploded, blew up the fort, and killed upwards of 100 men; and the enemy consequently destroyed the remainder of the fortifications, and retreated to Pondicherry.

The british troops were employed repairing the fortifications, and endeavouring to render the place tenable, until the 25th, when the army advanced, and encamped within two miles of Pondicherry. The operations were now carried on at the north-west side of the town, and communication being opened with the ships to the northward of it, everything requisite for maintaining the siege was landed. Early in the morning, the advanced guard of about 100 men, and consisting principally of marines, was attacked by very superior numbers, headed by their principal engineer, M. de Paradis, who was mortally wounded, and the enemy repulsed with the loss of 120 men.

It is related that a woman fought in the ranks as a marine, who was named Hannah Snell, a native of Worcester. She enlisted at Portsmouth in colonel Fraser's regiment, and embarked on board the Swallow, one of the squadron under admiral Boscawen, when she behaved with distinguished courage, and received a ball in the groin, which she herself extracted two days afterwards. Eleven other wounds in both legs rendered her removal to the hospital at Cuddalore absolutely necessary, and having returned home in the Eltham frigate, her sex was not discovered until she obtained her discharge. She afterwards wore the marine dress and having presented a petition to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, obtained a pension of thirty pounds a-year for life. It was not until the 26th of September that the batteries were completed; but they were so inferior to those of the enemy, that two ships were warped nearer to the shore. The water being too shallow to admit of their producing much effect, they were withdrawn on the 28th, with the loss of captain Adams, of the Harwich, and one seaman. The approaches had now reached within 800 yards of the covered way, but on account of an inundation, they could advance no further on that side. Some new batteries were erected by the British, whilst the army having greatly increased their fire, had dismounted nine pieces of cannon.

The admiral perceiving that little impression had been made on the defences of the place, and that the troops were becoming sickly, called a council of war on the 30th of September ; which, taking into consideration that when the rains set in, the low country would be overflowed, and apprehensive of difficulty in removing the artillery and stores, combined with the danger likely to arise to the fleet if they remained on the coast, were of opinion that the siege ought to be immediately raised, especially as there were 700 men on the sick list. Several days were occupied in destroying the batteries, embarking the cannon, and removing the sick and wounded to the hospital-ships. This being completed, the army began its retreat, which was much impeded by the rains that had already set in, and which it would have been almost impossible to accomplish had it been deferred two days longer. The loss sustained in this expedition amounted to 757 soldiers, 43 artillery men, and 265 sailors: in all, 1 065 Europeans.

The garrison of Pondicherry consisted of 1800 Europeans, and 3000 Sepoys; their total loss did not exceed 250 men. The failure was attributable to the delay in advancing on Pondicherry, and the ill-advised measures that were pursued. Had the attack been directed against the north side, they could have carried on their operations even to the foot of the glacis, there being no inundation to stop them; and the camp might have been placed at a due distance from the batteries, and so close to the shore, that the supplies from the fleet might have been landed under their protection. The miscarriage of the british be- fore Pondicherry tended to lower the nation in the estimation of all the powers in Hindostan, and the French were in consequence considered of the highest military reputation.

On the West India station, rear-admiral Knowles embarked 240 men of Trelawney's regiment on board the squadron, with an intention of making an attack on St. Jago de Cuba, and sailed from Port Royal, in Jamaica, on 13th of February; but the northerly wind blowing unusually strong, the ships could not reach their destination. It was therefore determined to attempt the french settlement of Port Louis, on the south side of Hispaniola. The british squadron, consisting of seven sail of the line, and one of fifty guns, arrived off this place on the 8th of March, and immediately proceeded to cannonade the fort, mounting seventy-eight guns, with a garrison of 600 men. The ships moored in a close line a-head, within pistol-shot of the walls and after an uninterrupted fire of three hours, the place surrendered, when major Scott, with the troops and marines, landed and took possession. Our loss amounted to 70 men, killed and wounded; among the former were captains Rentone and Cust of the navy. After destroying the fort, the whole force re-embarked.

On the 29th September 1760, the same squadron, when near the Havanna, fell in with six Spanish ships of the line from Vera Cruz. After an engagement of several hours, in which the British had 59 men killed and 120 wounded, and the enemy 86 killed, and 197 wounded, the Conquestadore of 64 guns was captured, and the Africa 74 subsequently destroyed. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1760. The navies of France and Spain were now so reduced as to be no longer formidable, and this may be truly said to have been the only advantage gained by the war; for by the treaty of peace, concluded in the present year at Aix-la-Chapelle, all the conquests made by Great Britain from France and Spain were to be restored. So that after a long and sanguinary contest of nearly ten years' continuance, and increasing the national debt to eighty millions sterling, the condition of Great Britain was little better than when hostilities commenced; and that important matter which had been the occasion of this expensive war, — the right of british ships to navigate the american seas without being searched, was not even mentioned. Our claim to the province of Nova Scotia was to be left to the discussion of commissioners to be named for that purpose; and this last article, not being properly settled, was mainly the cause of another war.
A bill was introduced into Parliament by the minister, " For reducing into one act the laws relating to the navy;" by which the half-pay officers were to be rendered subject to martial law. The sea-officers presented a petition to the House of Commons, requesting to be heard by counsel; and although the minister mustered sufficient strength to reject the petition, he thought proper to relinquish this unconstitutional attempt. Amongst the many reductions that took place during this, and the early part of the ensuing year, was the total extinction of the regiments of marines, the officers of which were placed on half-pay. At this time the comparative rank between the navy and army was established; and an order was issued for an exact conformity of dress throughout the naval service.
The Earl of Halifax, who presided at the Board of Trade, formed a design for establishing a colony in Nova Scotia, and grants of land in that province were offered to every rank in his Majesty's land and sea forces, with an extension of privilege and property to those taking their families with them.
This project was so much approved of, that 4000 adventurers sailed from England under the protection of colonel Cornwallis, who landed in the harbour of Chebuctou on the 21st of June, in the neighbourhood of which they built a town that was named Halifax, in commemoration of their liberal and humane patron. The French were displeased with this assertion of our right; and by way of counterbalance, they attempted to form a settlement on the island of Tobago, in the West Indies. In consequence of a firm remonstrance to the court of Versailles, the measure was abandoned; yet they continued to assert their claim to St. Lucia, Tobago, and other neutral islands. In North America their encroachments were so offensive, that the british subjects bordering on the French settlements were loud in their complaints to the government. After repeated remonstrances by our ambassador at Paris, commissioners were appointed by each nation in 1750, to settle the limits of Acadia, or Nova Scotia. These functionaries met in Paris, and continued their conference until 1753, during which time the Indians bordering on the british dominions in North America, were instigated by the French to commit acts of violence on the inhabitants of our back settlements; and in 1752 the Spaniards resumed their practice of interrupting our navigation in the West Indies. In 1753 the French erected a chain of forts along the lakes of Erie and Ontario, so as to connect their settlements on the Mississippi with Canada and at length, having crossed Lake Champlain, they built a fort at Crown Point, in the province of New York. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1760. Wednesday 6th January. 422 Marines along with other Europeans and Native Troops finally Captured Pondicherry the largest French strong hold in India.

1760. Friday 15th February. The loss of HMS Ramillies.

1760. Thursday 28th February. Elliot and Thurot off the Isle of Man.

1760. Friday 28th March. HMS Penguin taken by the Malicieus and the Opale.

1760. Saturday 5th April. The Capture of Carical in the East Indies, involving Major Manson and 300 Marines.

1760. Friday 16th May. Swanton at Quebec.

1760. Destruction of Pontone and the Atalante.

1760. The loss of HMS Lowestoft.

1760. The Marines strength was 18,355 men, being more than one fourth of the naval force. In consequence of a representation from the Commandants of divisions, that more field officers were required for the better discipline of the service, three naval Captains were appointed Colonels of Marines, with forty shillings per day, and the only Marine Colonel General Patterson, was placed on retirement with £700 per annum, thus banishing all hopes of higher preferment than the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. This arrangement created such dissatisfaction in the Corps that a memorial, expressive of their deep sense of the injustice, in placing officers over them so perfectly incapable to command troops in the field, or conducting the details of military discipline on shore, was presented to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. In addition to this humiliating measure, the circumscribed establishment on the peace of 1763 produced so much discontent, that many officers, seeing their prospects thus destroyed, quit the Marines and entered the army, where some rose to a higher rank.

1760. Friday 4th July. Fire at Portsmouth Dockyard.

1760. Tuesday 8th July. HMS Byron in the Bay of Chaleur.

1760. Monday 8th September. The Capture of Montreal or the Fall of Montreal as it’s sometimes known, took place when the British occupied Montreal the largest remaining centre of French Canada effectively completing their Conquest of Canada. Under the overall direction of Jeffrey Amherst British forces converged on the settlement from three separate directions closing in on the outnumbered French garrison. The French military commander Francis de Gaston, Chevalier de Levis was resolved to make a last stand at Montreal despite the apparently overwhelming odds. However, he was over ruled by Pierre François de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil Cavagnal the French civilian Governor who persuaded Levis to surrender. Levis tried to negotiate a surrender with the Honours of War. Although the British refused to accept it, and the French were forced to make an unconditional surrender. As they had at Quebec, the British offered generous terms in regard to the French Canadians which were later to become enshrined by law in the Proclamation of 1763 and the Quebec Act.

1760. Thursday 16th October. HMS Borcas captured the Sirine.

1760. Saturday 18th October. HMS Lively captured the Valeur.

1760. December. The loss of HMS Cumberland.

1760 - 1832. John Herbert. Born London. Served in the Marines as a private. Convicted at Exeter Lent Assizes on Saturday 14th March 1785.
Landed Sydney Cove on Monday 26th January 1788.
At Sydney Cove Wednesday 2nd April 1788 married Deborah Ellam.
Debrah Ellam - place and date of trial at the Session of Chester held at Chester in the County of Chester on Monday 30th August 1784 before Richard Pepper and David Barrington, Justices.
Debrah Ellam, single woman, stealing clothing to the value of one pence and twelve shillings, the goods and chattels of one Elizabeth Jackson in the dwelling home of one Henry Byram. Guilty. Transferred beyond the seas for the term of seven years. Transport Prince of Wales.
On the Friday 5th December 1788 complained that John Herbert her husband had assaulted her - found that she had provoked him.
Complaint was considered trivial - she received 25 lashes and ordered to return to her husband. She had seven children. She died at Parramatta, Thursday 3rd June 1819 aged 52 years.
Herbert given a grant of 70 acres at Prospect Hill.
On the Thursday 21st October 1819 he married Ann Dudley, convict Transport Friendship.
Herbert owned several houses in Campbell Street, Parramatta.
Herbert died on Sunday 1st April 1832 - he was buried beside his first wife at St John's Parramatta.
For a man sentenced to death in 1765, Herbert prospered in the Colony of New South Wales.
Unfortunately, I am not in possession of Herbert's service in the Marines. So, this completes the picture of those four who were convicted of Highway robbery: (Sic)
Major J B Tiernan MBE AMM. United Service Institute Brisbane.

1761. Eighteen thousand three hundred and fifty-five Marines were again voted as the establishment for 1761.
A secret expedition was prepared early in this year, which was committed to the joint conduct of Major-General Hodgson and Commodore Keppel and was subsequently directed against the island of Belleisle.
Eleven battalions of Foot, four troops of the 16th Light Dragoons, under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne, a detachment of the Royal Artillery, and a corps of 1000 Marines formed into two battalions, commanded by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel John Mackenzie, amounting nearly to 10,000 men, composed the strength of the Army upon this service. The whole were escorted and spiritedly seconded by ten ships of the line, eight frigates, three bomb ketches, and two fire ships; which set sail upon the 29th of March from St. Helens but did not gain sight of their wished for object until the 6th of April. This force was afterwards augmented by troops and men of war.
In addition to the natural strength of this island, no means of defence had been neglected by the enemy, who, aware of the attack, had constructed works, and placed guns on every spot, that afforded a possibility of descent.
Upon the 7th the Fleet stood along the South end of Belleisle, with a view to reconnoitre its strength, and to ascertain a proper quarter for debarkation. Coming to anchor in the road of Palais on the noon of that day, the principal Officers of both services, accompanied by some of the Engineers, proceeded to the Northward, in order to finish their observations upon the general state of the coast. The final result convinced all, that great obstacles were to be surmounted everywhere, and that the sacrifice of many lives was unavoidable in attaining the first object of their views.
After mature deliberation, it was resolved to effect a landing early in the morning of the 8th of April, for which purpose the flat-bottomed boats were hoisted out, and the troops placed in them ready to advance towards Port Andro, on a signal being made. They were preceded by his Majesty's ships Dragon and Achilles, commanded by the Hon. Captains Harvey and Barrington, whose orders were to silence the battery, which protected the entrance into this Bay.
These gallant Officers soon accomplished the duty, and intimated that no opposition to the landing of our forces was to be dreaded from that point of defence.
The boats having proceeded under the immediate superintendance of Commodore Keppel, who had shifted his pennant from the Valiant into the Prince of Orange, were then ordered to row towards the shore, arranged in three divisions, under the direction of Captain Barton, of the Royal Navy. Notwithstanding a prodigious fire of musquetry, our brave Soldiers made good their landing, and evinced a series of valour that must have conquered anything within the power of man.
The French were intrenched to the chin on a steep hill, the base of which they had cut into a perpendicular form, which prevented our gallant fellows from ascending their works without scaling-ladders, of which there were unfortunately none. After a heavy loss, and a contest which did them honour, a retreat became the only alternative.
On this trying occasion, the distinguished courage and coolness of Generals Crawford and Carleton, were very highly conspicuous; the latter was wounded.
One boat landed sixty of Erskine's Grenadiers, under Captain Osborne, who were unobserved by the rest of our force, and not being supported, fell victims, excepting twenty, to very superior numbers, after the most noble resistance. Their brave leader was classed among the unfortunate. The fire from the ships was opened to cover the return of our troops, who sustained a loss of nearly 500 men.
A diversion was carrying on in another quarter during these operations, in order to aid them, by attracting the enemy's force from the real object of attack, towards Saucon. This was composed of the 96th and 97th Regiments, and the Marines; but nothing could avert the disaster.
A dreadful gale coming on after the return of the boats, occasioned the loss of many of them, which was felt extremely; and the transports were also very considerably damaged. After it ceased, the attention of the whole Fleet was turned to repair these accidents.
Having obtained some reinforcements, and after a second very minute review of the island, it was determined to make another descent at Fort D'Arsic, to be supported by two separate attacks, in order to distract the enemy, near St. Foy, and at Saucon.
The last, which was intended merely as a feint, was composed of the four troops of Light Dragoons under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgoyne; which being distributed amongst a number of transports, and escorted by a large Naval Force, appeared the most formidable of the whole. Ships of war were allotted to co-operate with the other two, headed by Major-General Crawford and Brigadier Lambert, in covering their debarkation and silencing the different batteries.
Early on the morning of the 22d of April, the men of war having accomplished this latter object, the troops were ordered by signal to advance, in two divisions, in close order, till abreast of their respective points of attack.
The enemy, suspecting that the principal impression would be directed against Fort D'Arsic, overlooked the defence of these stupendous rocks, which offered natural obstacles, sufficient to deter the most daring invader.
Brigadier Lambert's division to which the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie were attached, approached under this high coast, when it appeared to this gallant Officer, that a fit opportunity for enterprise presented itself. He accordingly moved onwards unperceived, and with a rapid resolution, Captain Paterson, at the head of the Grenadiers of the 19th Regiment, quickly supported by Captain Murray, with a company of Marines, landed and climbed the rocks. Soon afterwards other troops followed their intrepid example, when having reached the summit, the whole formed upon it.
The French were amazed at the attempt but pushed on a veteran Corps of 300 men to atone for their want of precaution.
Contiguous to the ground occupied by our troops, there was a wall, which suggested itself as an eligible post of defence. This enabled our inadequate numbers to oppose the enemy, until they were farther reinforced by Brigadier Lambert, at the head of the Grenadiers of the 30th, and the rest of the Marines under Colonel Mackenzie. The tables were now turned, when the Regiment of Bigorre was beat back to the rising ground from which it had advanced.
Captain Sir Thomas Stanhope, whose duty it was to co-operate with this brigade, had watched these spirited efforts with an anxious zeal. He instantly manned and armed all the boats of his squadron, which rowed ashore as a farther support, while the force that had proceeded against Fort D'Arsic, observing this unexpected success, also pushed on to unite with Brigadier Lambert. Thus strengthened, that active Officer allowed no interval, but moved against the enemy upon the hill, whom he drove to their main body, taking their field-pieces, and some prisoners.
Captain Paterson, of Beauclerck's regiment, Colonel Mackenzie and Captain Murray of the Marines, were wounded; all of whom were much distinguished during the whole course of this short, but sharp service, which did not exceed the space of two hours. About five in the evening the debarkation was completed, the Army was pushed upwards of three miles into the country and took post upon an eminence through the night.
The enemy, during the day, had withdrawn all their detachments from their extensive batteries on the coast, blown up their magazines, and united all their forces under the command of General de St. Croix.
On the morning of the 23d, the British Army was in motion against the town and citadel of Palais, while that of the French occasionally seeming determined to dispute our progress, at last retired without a conflict, into that strong fortress, and its dependant works.
Some days of boisterous weather prevented the landing of our battering cannon and other necessary stores, that were essential for commencing operations against Palais, of which General St. Croix availed himself, by constructing six different redoubts; all of which were to be carried before breaking ground in front of the town and citadel.
The English Commander also profited himself of this interval, by dispersing assurances of protection to the laws, religion, and property of the natives, who should submit themselves; which were not without their effect. A short time, however, enabled General Hodgson to employ more convincing arguments, by opening his batteries upon the 2d of May. The brave St. Croix answer to a summons was, that he would defend his charge to the last extremity.
The enemy attempted a sortie on the night of the 3d against our most advanced works, which they carried, killing a number of our troops, and making General Crawford and both his Aids-de-Camp prisoners. Following up this success, they advanced against the trenches, when a sharp action commenced that remained doubtful, until a party of Marines, under Captain Hepburn, arrived, who charged the enemy and forced them to retire with considerable loss.
In order to facilitate our approaches, the Engineers pronounced that it was absolutely necessary to carry one of the intervening redoubts. Accordingly, a detachment of 200 men composed of a part of Loudon's regiment, and Marines, under Captain Carruthers, of the latter corps, were warned, upon the evening of the 12th, for this duty. A heavy fire, of shot and shells, was kept up during the night upon that object, with a view to make some breach, and to harass the enemy. Soon after the dawn of day, those assailants advanced against the works with fixed bayonets, when, after a very spirited contest, they soon carried the redoubt, and maintained it.
Captain Carruthers, with a ready promptitude, observing the panic amongst the French, did not permit it to subside, but instantly pushed on against two others, which were successively evacuated by their defenders, who retreated with precipitation into the Citadel.
This party becoming reinforced by 370 of the 69th Regiment, under Major Nesbit, achieved the conquest of the whole of the French Redoubts, and with an impetuous persevering ardor entered the town of Palais, pell mell, with the flying enemy.
The gallantry exhibited by all who fought on this memorable day, very justly immortalized the military fame of every individual, which extended its honorable influence to those corps at large, from whom they were detached.
Very distinguished encomiums were bestowed by the enemy upon "Les Petites Grenadiers;" a title derived from the caps worn by the Marine Soldiers.
Thus, was every obstacle removed, which prevented the close investment of the Citadel of Palais; a fortress that had been planned and raised under the superintending genius of the celebrated Vauban.
During this period the fleet rendered very material services, by their stopping supplies from the Continent; and their vigilance during the subsequent continuance of the siege was highly meritorious.
The conduct of the French Commander reflected honour upon himself and the French arms. From the 16th of May until the 7th of June he persevered in maintaining his post against an unceasing fire from 44 heavy cannon, 50 mortars and howitzers, besides field pieces, which, in many places, ruined the works, killed numbers, and from which there was no safe retreat but within the casemates.
This interval afforded the display of many instances of bold intrepidity, amongst the individuals of the line and of my corps, from the many sallies which were attempted by the active St. Croix, during the course of it. One of these being aimed against a post occupied by Captain Wright, of Marines, having under him three Companies of his Corps, which was of peculiar importance, this brave Officer, notwithstanding orders were given to retreat from it, assumed a personal responsibility, and, well knowing its consequence in the future operations of the Army, determined to maintain it. He repulsed the enemy, and received the flattering sanction of Brigadier General Howe, who, in the course of duty, afterwards visited it, for has very resolute conduct.
Another conspicuous instance of this kind occurred in Lieutenant Lachlan Cuthbert, of the Army, who evinced the greatest personal courage, and though abandoned by his men, pointed and fired the guns of a battery at which he commanded. Being soon supported, the enemy were forced to retire with loss.
After an incessant cannonade, which had effected a large breach sufficiently practicable to encourage a storm, preparations for it were accordingly made; observing which, General St. Croix proposed to capitulate, after a loss of 922 men within the walls of the Citadel, upon the 7th of June.
In consequence of their gallant defence, honorable terms were granted to the garrison, which was immediately shipped for France.
During the whole of this service, so highly creditable to our Army, and to the corps of Marines, we have to recount 34 Officers, 30 Serjeants, 8 Drummers, and 710 Rank and File killed and wounded.
General Howe was amongst the latter, as well as Brigadier Carleton, already mentioned.
Much unanimity between the naval and land forces prevailed, and the nation had to look with equal gratitude, to both, for the happy issue.
Major General Crawford being appointed Governor, and everything arranged, the troops that could be spared were afterwards embarked for more distant duties.
The following orders were given out by the Commander in Chief to the Army, sometime after the complete surrender of Belleisle:
"General Hodgson has the greatest pleasure to acquaint the Officers and Soldiers under his command, with his Majesty's satisfaction in the spirit, patience, and cheerfulness with which they have sustained the fatigues of this siege."
Commodore Keppel in his public letter to the Right Honorable Mr. Pitt, says, respecting the corps of Marines, "Major General Hodgson by his constant approbation of the battalion of Marines landed from the ships, and put under his command, gives me the pleasing satisfaction of acquainting you of it, that his Majesty may be informed of the goodness and spirited behaviour of that corps."
During the summer of this year, the Fleet and Army, under Sir James Douglas, and Lord Rollo, reduced the island of Dominica, which had maintained the assumed name of neutral, but had evinced the most marked partiality for France; after a conference between these joint Commanders, and the principal Natives, who at first appeared much inclined to capitulate, the islanders, urged on by the artifices of Mons. Longprie, the Governor, seemed resolved to defend themselves.
The Ships soon moved close to the land, and, after a heavy cannonade, silenced all the batteries, when the troops were pushed ashore.
A successful and uninterrupted train of attack continued through the whole day of the 6th of June, with but little loss on our part, in which Lieutenant Colonel Melville, who led the grenadiers of the Army, was much distinguished for promptitude and spirit. The capture of the entire island, upon the 7th, was the effect of such active energies.
Nothing farther was achieved during this year, that falls properly under my review, in the light of conquests.
Numerous were the gallant single actions that were fought at sea. One of the most prominent for daring spirit, and steady perseverance occurred upon the 23d of January, between the Minerva, commanded by Captain Alexander Hood, (now Lord Bridport), of 32 guns, and the Warwick, formerly a British ship of 60, but with only 34 mounted.
Military exploits often derive their chief merit from the bold ideas in which they originate. Such an application may well be advanced on the present occasion, for the immense superiority of the enemy, must have been early apparent to a seaman's eye. Captain Hood was not intimidated at the view of a two decker, but continued the chase, until he got close alongside. The Frenchman soon sustained damage, which was succeeded by a much greater on the part of the Minerva, in the serious loss of her bowsprit and foremast.
These being quickly cleared away, this zealous Officer moved once more against the Warwick, and towards the close of day renewed the combat. His brave exertions were crowned with success and with honour; a share of which his modest recital, diffused amongst his Officers, his Seamen, and Marines.
Another instance endeared to their Country, Captains Faulkener and Logie, by a well fought engagement, which terminated in the capture of the Courageux of 74 guns. The Bellona and Brilliant putting into Lisbon to land the wounded, and to discharge their prisoners, these unfortunate men applied to the Consul of France for relief, but he would grant them none. The occasion called forth British humanity, and they were relieved by those who had conquered them.
It would not have been so with the Seamen of England, who kindly anticipates, and provides for the wants of those her valuable servants, in every port, and in every clime.
Our Commerce was also well protected, when we consider its vast extent in every quarter of the globe.
This year carried within it a happy event, by the espousal of our beloved Monarch to our most gracious Queen. It has fixed a long train of succession to his throne, in a numerous and amiable family, who yield to none of his Majesty's subjects in patriotism, and high talents for the mingled duties of the Cabinet, the Ocean, and the Camp.
France had shewn, apparently, a cordial wish for peace, but it appeared principally from a motive to distract our Councils, and to involve their Spanish Allies in the sad calamities of war. In both she succeeded, for the Country lost one of her most faithful and zealous servants in the Right Honourable Mr. Pitt, who resigned all his employments, and early in the following year we had to combat an additional foe.
At the close of 1761 the Field Officers upon the Marine Establishment were Lieutenant Colonels Theo. Drury, Richard Bendyshe, James Burleigh; Majors, Hector Boisrond, John Mackenzie, John Pincell Kempe, Samuel Boucher, Edward Rycaut, John Tufton Mason. There were also Majors by Brevet, John Campbell, Claud Hamilton, John Bell, Thomas Weightwick, Arthur Tooker Collins. (Taken from Chapter 24 ' An Historical review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1761. Thursday 1st January. The loss of HMS Newcastle and HMS Queenborough in the East Indies.

1761. Thursday 8th January. HMS Unicorn captured the Vestale (re-named HMS Flora)

1761. Wednesday 14th January. The Capture of Pondicherry.

1761. Friday 23rd January. HMS Richmond captured the Felicite.

1761. Friday 23rd January. Minerva took Warwick.

1761. Friday 30th January. HMS Venus and HMS Juno captured the Brune.

1761. Tuseday 10th February. The Mahe surrendered.

1761. Friday 13th March. HMS Vengeance captured the Entreprenant.

1761. Wednesday 1st April. HMS Isis captured the Oriflamme.

1761. April. ‘A British Amphibious Expedition’. The Southern Secretary of England, William Pitt, was the originator of the expedition against the French, island of Belle-lsle. He pushed ahead for an allout assault despite widespread doubt, and opposition against his decision, while there was talk of peace.
In 1756, after initial clashes in North America, Britain and France had formally gone to war; which was to last for seven years. The French began the war successfully by capturing Minorca a British island in the Mediterranean.
After this Britain gained the initiative at sea and began a series of naval descents on the French coast such as the Raid on Rochefort in 1757, and the Raid on Cherbourg, all pioneered by the Southern Secretary William Pitt.
While the practical success of these raids was limited, they did cause serious alarm throughout all of France and forced the French government to move large numbers of troops from Germany, to guard against further British raids.
From 1757, the British had launched a series of attacks on French colonies all around the globe, leading to many of them being captured.
Pitt suspended the descents late in 1758, following an unsuccessful landing, but remained open to the idea of further operations against other vulnerable parts of the French coast.
A French Attack on Britain
In 1759, France attempted to launch a major invasion of Britain, but following the naval defeats at Lagos and Quiberon Bay, and a near continuous British blockade of the French ports, this idea had to be abandoned, because of British Naval supremacy. For much of the remainder of the war the French fleets had to remain in harbour at anchor.
The Conquest of Canada in 1759-60, left Britain in control of a large area of French territory. Pitt anticipated that this would lead to a peace agreement, as many in Paris sought to bring to an end the costly war.
Pitt had planned to send an expedition to capture Mauritius, a major French naval base in the Indian Ocean. However, with the likelihood of peace fast approaching he wanted something more immediate battle of bell and tangible.
He wanted something which could be exchanged for captured British or German territory, rather than Mauritius, which would take a long time to capture and the news of its capture would take even longer; many months to reach Europe.
He was also aware of Spain's potential entry into the war, which would also make it prudent to keep ships closer to home to protect against a possible united invasion.
Pitt had decided to switch the focus of his expeditions to the French coast. The island of Belle-Isle was his first choice, located close to Lorient; it was the major naval centre of Brittany, and the main French staging post, of which offered command of the Bay of Biscay.
He now advocated that it should be seized and turned into a British military base which could then be used as a British staging point for further attacks on the French mainland.
Pitt had originally proposed an attack on Belle-Îsle in October 1760, but it was strongly opposed by the Duke of Newcastle and vetoed by King George II, on the grounds that more focus should be given to the ongoing campaign in Germany.
Pitt Revived the Project
Helped by the fact that the old King had died and had now been succeeded by his grandson. Both Lord Anson and Sir Edward Hawke, were opposed to such an expedition, but Pitt was not put off by the opposition of two of Britain's most respected admirals.
On 25th March 1761, George III, signed secret orders allowing the capture of Belle Isle, to be the target. The command of the army was to be given to General Studholme Hodgson while Admiral Augustus Keppel, already experienced in amphibious operations from his role in the Capture of Goree; he was to command the naval elements.
First Landing of Belle-Isle
The area around the city Le Palais on Belle Isle was expected to be well defended. The expedition was gathered quickly and was assembled at Plymouth and then sailed on 29th March 1761. It arrived off Belle Îsle, after being delayed by bad weather, on 6th April.
After an initial reconnaissance of the southern end of the island it was decided to try the area around Port Andro on the south of Belle Isle.
A force was landed under General Studholme Hodgson which attempted to make a landing. A feint was made to the north with two battalions of infantry and a contingent of ship's Royal Marines, in the hope of diverting attention from Hodgson.
Hodgson's forces encountered much heavier opposition than had been expected. The French were well-entrenched and their fire took a heavy toll on the British attackers.
Realising that they had lost any chance of surprise, and faced with little prospect of success, Hodgson abandoned the attempt and withdrew his troops back to the ships.
A violent storm then blew up wrecking many of the craft for landing, which were vital for the operation's purpose. The other expedition's commanders believed a further attempt was not practicable, without further reconnaissance.
They wrote home to Pitt suggesting that no assault was now possible, because of the damaged craft for landing the troops. Raising in their opinion the likelihood that the force should sail for home.
Dismay and Alarm
The immediate results of the attack resulted in dismay in both Paris and London. The French court were infuriated by the fact that Pitt had pressed ahead with the operation in spite of the ongoing peace talks, which they regarded as an act of bad faith.
In Britain the failure of the assault was met with much alarm by opponents of the expedition, but Pitt stressed it had not been approached in the correct manner and pushed ahead with a second attempt.
Troop transports carrying forces to take part in the attack on Martinique were diverted to join Keppel along with significant reinforcements. Pitt was determined to secure the island as a principal objective in the global war.
Second Landing
Augustus Keppel, the British naval commander, who was now reinforced, set about a second landing; which was planned by Keppel and Hodgson. After a lengthy examination of the island's defences it was decided that the best chance of success was another attack at Port Andro.
This time there would be two diversionary attacks first; they were planned to draw most of the attention away from the main effort. One would be in the west against Sauzon, and the other in the north in the region of St Foy.
Early On 22nd April, the attack against Sauzon, failed to make any impression against the well-entrenched French garrison. But the fighting continued with heavy casualties inflicted on the attackers.
Presuming all was going well, at mid-day General Studholme Hodgson, led the attack at Port Andro, this was met with equally heavy opposition as it had the last time and the assault was soon stalling.
Meanwhile the diversionary attack to the north led by Brigadier Hamilton Lambart was gaining a foothold, His troops had discovered that a stretch of coast close to St. Foy, was undefended by enemy troops.
The French had believed that the high cliffs were a strong enough defence against an enemy attack. Lambart had decided that they might be scaled and deployed a detachment of Royal Marines who successfully gained a position on top of the ridge.
There they beat off a counter-attack from approaching French troops, arriving from St. Hoy. Receiving support with more detachments and fire from Royal Navy ships close to the shore they were able to hold on.
The Attack on Port Andro Abandoned.
Realising his assault was failing, Hodgson, abandoned his attack and took his troops via boat around to assist Lambart. On arrival sensing success the British commanders poured in their reinforcements to secure the vital beachhead.
By nightfall the whole British force was ashore. According to a pre-arranged signal the French forces and inhabitants withdrew into the main fortification at Le Palais leaving the rest of the island to the invaders.
The British gained access to the island's defenceless ports allowing them to ship in fresh supplies; then began the besiege of Le Palais, which was to last six weeks.
The French commander on the island, the Chevalier Sainte Croix, hoped that he would be able to resist the British at Le Palais long enough for some relief to reach him from mainland Brittany.
The French Governor of Brittany, the Duc d'Aiguillon had gathered a force at Vannes with the intention of coming to the aid of Belle Isle, but British frigates kept a vigilant watch of the coast, and the British dominance of the surrounding seas made any chance of a crossing unlikely.
The French government moved fresh reinforcements to mainland Brittany, fearing that this would be the next target of the British.
Trapped Unable to Move
A French attempt to ready a small fleet by activating seven ships-of-the-line at Rochefort and eight at Brest was encountered by an even more vigorous blockade mounted by Keppel.
Then on 8th June, after more than a month's siege of Le Palais, Sainte Croix acknowledged he was unlikely to receive any rescue and he agreed to capitulate.
Sainte Croix was allowed, through convention, to march his men out through the breach with the honours of war and his force was then repatriated to nearby Lorient.
The initial French reaction to the island's fall was to tell the British they could keep it if they wanted but could expect no compensation if they handed it back.
It was soon realised that this was not a plausible stance, because the island could be used as a staging post for privateers and the Royal Navy.
Ultimately after two years of occupation the island was handed back to France in the wake of the Treaty of Paris 1763, and the ending of the seven years of war. Belle Isle was exchanged directly for the return of Minorca to Britain.
The Laurel Wreath on the Badge of the Royal Marines is believed to have been granted for gallantry at the Capture of Belle Isle. It is still worn today by every serving Royal Marine. .Later the Marines were allowed the honour of featuring a ‘Laurel Wreath’ around their Badge. (Author unknown)

Attack made by the British Fleet at Port André on the Island of Belle Isle (8th April 1761) Author  Short R. Dessinateur du modele, Smith, J. Graveur.

1761. Monday 6th April. Hodgson and commodore Keppel, consisting of twelve battalions of infantry, two battalions of marines, and a train of artillery, amounting to nearly 10,000 men, sailed from St. Helen's on the 29th of March, escorted by ten ships of the line, eight frigates, three bombs, and two fire-ships; and this fleet arrived in sight of Belleisle on the 6th of April. The island had been put into the best state of defence, batteries were erected at every position that afforded a practicable place for landing, and a strong garrison occupied the citadel, under the command of the chevalier de St. Croix. Early in the morning of the 7th, the fleet passed the south end of the island so near the shore, as to afford an opportunity of reconnoitring the coast and fix on a proper quarter for landing. The ships anchored at noon in the roads of Palais, and the principal officers of both services proceeded to the northward, to make further observations; but they found the enemy so extremely on the alert and well prepared at every point, that it was difficult to decide where a landing could be effected without great risk and sacrifice of lives. Early in the morning of the 8th, dispositions were made for debarking the troops; and the Dragon and Achilles, with two bombs, sailed round to the bay of Port Andeo at the southeast end of the island, followed by the commodore in the Prince of Orange, with the troops in the flat-bottomed boats.

A battery, which opened upon them from the point at the entrance, was soon silenced, and the boats pulled towards the shore in three divisions, conducted by captain Barton of the navy. The enemy was posted on the sides of a steep hill, the base of which was cut away to prevent the possibility of at- tempting the works without scaling-ladders. The troops made good their landing; but all their efforts to ascend the hill proving unavailing, a retreat was the only alternative.

On this occasion generals Crawford and Carleton were con- spicuous for the gallantry they displayed in leading their divisions to the attack, and the latter was wounded in the thigh. One of the boats landed at some distance from the rest, with a company of grenadiers under captain Erskine; who, from not being supported, was driven back with great loss, after a determined resistance, in which their gallant leader lost his life. The fire from the ships effectually covered the retreat of the troops; but the weather became so tempestuous, that the transports got foul of each other, and many boats were destroyed. The loss sustained in this attack amounted to nearly 500 in killed, wounded, and prisoners. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

During these operations, a diversion was made by sir Thomas Stanhope at Saucon, in order to draw the enemy's attention from the main attack. This detachment consisted of the 96th and 97th regiments, and the battalions of marines. As soon as the weather became moderated, the utmost diligence was used to repair the damages the fleet had sustained; and a reinforcement having arrived, it was determined to make another descent at Fort d' Arsic, under the direction of major-general Crawford. In order to second these operations, two separate attacks were to be made; the first by brigadier-general Lambert, near St. Foy, and the other at Saucon by the force which had recently arrived. Early on the morning of the 22nd, the ships of the line took their stations to cover the landing; and having silenced the batteries, the boats with the troops advanced in two divisions, in close order, until abreast of their respective points of attack. The enemy, supposing that Fort d' Arsic would be first attempted, did not adopt measures for the defence of the stupendous rocks, which offered such natural obstacles to the invaders. Brigadier Lambert's division, to which the battalions of marines under colonel Mackenzie were attached, advanced under this high coast, and captain Patterson at the head of the grenadiers of the 19th regiment, immediately supported by captain Murray with a company of marines, climbed these rocks unperceived by the enemy. Other troops soon followed their intrepid example ; and reaching the summit, they formed upon it, and were soon attacked by a regiment of infantry.Contiguous to the ground occupied by our men, there was a wall that offered an eligible post of defence ; whence the small force of the British, by keeping up a steady fire, checked the enemy, until they were reinforced by brigadier Lambert at the head of the grenadiers of the 30th regiment, and the remainder of the marines under colonel Mackenzie, who immediately attacked the enemy, and drove them back to the top of the hill, where they had some field-pieces. Captain Sir Thomas Stan- hope, perceiving the successful efforts of this detachment, in- stantly supported them with all the armed boats of his squadron: at the same time the division of troops designed to attack Fort d'Arsic, pushed on to unite with those under brigadier Lambert; who finding himself thus reinforced, moved up the hill, drove the enemy back upon their main body, and captured three field-pieces, with some prisoners.

Our loss did not exceed thirty men: captain Patteson of Beauclerc's regiment, colonel Mackenzie and captain Murray of the marines, were wounded. By five in the evening the troops were all on shore; and the army, after advancing three miles into the country, took post on an eminence during the night. In order to retard the march of the troops, the enemy broke up the roads, destroyed the bridges, and after withdrawing from the batteries along the coast, blew up their magazine. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Early on Thursday 23rd April. General Hodgson moved the army towards the town and citadel of Palais; and although the French had evinced an intention to dispute our progress, they fell back without further resistance, and shut themselves up in the redoubts and citadel. The weather being very unfavourable for landing the cannon, and the stores essential for the attack ol the place, general St. Croix availed himself of the delay by constructing six redoubts, which it would be necessary to possess before the approaches could be carried on against the fortress. On the 2d of May our batteries opened, and their effect was soon apparent. During the following night the enemy made a sortie with 400 men, carried one of our advanced works, and made general Crawford with his two aides-de-camp prisoners. Following up their success, they advanced against the trenches, which they attacked with much vigour; and the contest remained doubtful until the arrival of a party of marines under captain David Hepburn, who drove them with the bayonet, and forced them to retire with considerable loss. As it was found necessary to carry one of the enemy's redoubts which impeded the approaches, a heavy fire of shot and shells was kept up during the night; and on the morning of the 13th a detachment of 200 men, composed of Loudon's regiment and marines under captain Carruthers, advanced upon the enemy, and after a sharp contest again drove them with the bayonet. Observing the panic which ensued, captain Carruthers pushed forward and took possession of two other redoubts, which the French abandoned, and fled into the citadel. Major Nesbitt of the 69th regiment, having reinforced our detachment with 370 men, they were soon masters, of the whole of the redoubts, the enemy abandoning them on the approach of our troops.

In this attack, major Nesbitt and nine men were wounded, and four killed. The enemy suffered severely in killed and wounded, and 100 men were taken prisoners. Following up these successes, general Hodgson made a lodgment in the town, and compelled the enemy to withdraw into the citadel, from which all communication was cut off from the continent by the exertions of the squadron: the place was now so closely invested, that there was no longer a doubt of the surrender of the garrison. Nevertheless, M. de St. Croix resolved to defend the place until the last, and his conduct throughout, reflected the highest honour upon himself and the french arms. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Tuseday 7th April - Monday 8th June. Among the surgeons attending the military wounded and dying at the Battle of Belle lsle was the soon to be famous John Hunter who made several medical discoveries including the treatment of battle shock by not attempting any treatment until the victim had been allowed some time to recover. He also attempted to instigate a system of non-treatment for minor bullet and shrapnel injuries and so laid the foundations for modern day treatments for such trauma injuries. Mentioned in 'Brother Surgeons' by Garet Rogers and 'The Knife Man' by Wendy Moore.

1761. Thurssday 16th April. The batteries were completed, and the citadel played upon by the unremitting discharge of 40 mortars, 10 howitzers, 1 thirty-two-pounders, 20 twenty-four-pounders, and 10 twelve-pounders; besides field-pieces to clear the enemy's work by ricochet firing.

From this period until the 7th of June the approaches made rapid progress, and a breach having been reported practicable, preparations were making to storm, when M. de St. Croix proposed to capitulate. Terms were agreed upon, and on the 8th the citadel was taken possession of by the british troops: the garrison marched out with the honours of war and were conveyed to the nearest port in France. When the place was first invested, their strength amounted to 2600 men, but it was now reduced to 1678; by which it appears their loss was 922 men. The british army consisted of 13,000 men, and of that number 1000 were marines.

The loss sustained, between the 22nd of April and the 7th of June, was 13 officers and 300 rank and file killed; 21 officers and 480 wounded: among the latter, brigadier-general Howe. During the siege there were many instances of intrepidity and courage deserving of notice: — Captain Wright, having under him three companies of marines, held a post of great consequence, from which he received orders to retreat; but this gallant officer, knowing the importance of maintaining his position, took upon himself the responsibility of remaining, and by resolutely holding his ground he repulsed the enemy. Another instance of the kind is recited of lieutenant Lachlan Cuthbert, of the army, who had charge of a battery, and though abandoned by his men, continued firing the guns until supported; and he then compelled the enemy to retire with considerable loss. The following orders were issued some time after the surrender of the island: " General Hodgson has the greatest pleasure to acquaint the officers and soldiers under his command with his Majesty's satisfaction in the spirit, patience, and cheerfulness with which they have sustained the fatigues of this siege." Commodore Keppel, in his public letter to the right-honourable Mr. Pitt, says, "Major General Hodgson, by his constant approbation of the battalion of marines landed from the ships and put under his command, gives me the pleasing satisfaction of acquainting you of it, that his Majesty may be informed of the goodness and spirited behaviour of that corps." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. At this period the marines wore caps similar to those of the fusileer regiments; and from that circumstance the French, in describing the troops whose valour had been most conspicuous, designated the battalions of marines " les petits grenadiers." Their gallant conduct elicited the most flattering encomiums from both commanders-in-chief; and the british government, to commemorate their distinguished services during these operations, authorized the corps to adopt the proud emblem which now encircles the globe emblazoned on the colours of the royal marines." (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Thursday 4th June. The Capture of Dominica.

1761. Thursday 4th June. A squadron of four ships of the line, under the command of commodore sir James Douglas, sailed from Basseterre, Guadaloupe, on the 4th of June, having a division of troops on board, commanded by Lord Rollo. They arrived at Roseau, the capital of Dominica, on the 6th, and finding the inha- bitants opposed to their landing, the ships anchored and silenced the batteries. The troops then landed under cover of the fire of the squadron, and formed in excellent order on the beach, while a detachment moved forward and took possession of the town. Lieutenant-Colonel Melvill, at the head of the grenadiers, seized a flanking battery, which the enemy abandoned on his approach; and following up his success, that gallant officer led the troops in driving the enemy from all their positions. The governor, M. Longprie, with the second in command, were made prisoners, and the island submitted on the following day. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1761. Friday 5th June. Holmes captured St. Anne.

1761. Monday 8th June. After more than a month's siege of Le Palais, Sainte Croix acknowledged he was unlikely to receive any rescue and he agreed to capitulate. Sainte Croix was allowed, through the British lines, to march his men out through the breach with the honours of war. His men were then repatriated to nearby Lorient. The British occupied the island for two years before returning it to France during 1763 following the Treaty of Paris.

1761. Monday 15th June. Chatham (Uniform). Captain Davidson, First Lieutenant Davis and 2nd Lieutenant Davidson to appear in their uniform Fuzees, Sashes, Corselets and Boots. The rest of the Officers in their Uniforms with White Stockings.

1761. July. Parker destroyed fortifications at Aix.

1761. Thursday 16th July. HMS Thunderer and HMS Thetis took Achelle and Bouffon.

1761. Friday 7th August. Lord Anson in Royal Charlotte yacht hoisted the Unicn flag.

1761. Thursday 13th August. HMS Bellona captured the Coutageux.

1761. Tuesday 20th October. According to the Annual Register. A young woman dressed in men’s clothes was impressed at Plymouth, and sent to Captain Toby in the town. On arrival she was committed to Prison, but not liking confinement, she disclosed her sex and was discharged. She gives the following account of herself. “That her name was Hanna Witney that she was born in Ireland, had been on board different ships upwards of five years, and would not have disclosed herself is she had been allowed her liberty.

1761. Tuesday 20th October. Female Marines. Many believe that Hannah Snell was the only female to join our Corps, this was far from true.
According to the “Annual Register,” October 20th, 1761:- “A young woman dressed in men’s clothes was impressed at Plymouth, and sent to Captain Toby in this town.  On arrival she was committed to prison, but not liking confinement, she disclosed her sex and was discharged.  She gives the following account of herself :- that her name was Hannah Witney, that she was born in Ireland, had been a Marine on board different ships for upwards of five years, and would not have disclosed herself if she had been allowed her liberty.”

Jane Meace, another lady who attempted to enlist as a Marine in 1762, was not so fortunate as Hannah Snell in evading discovery of her sex as will be seen by the following account published in “Lloyd’s Evening Post and British Chronicle,” of 1st December 1972 :- “Uttoxeter, Nov 25.- On Thursday 12th, in the evening, a young girl, in men’s clothes came to a recruiting party of Marines at the ‘Plume of Feathers’ and enlisted; she wanted the whole bounty-money in hand, but being in want of clothing and other necessaries, they give her only one shilling till morning, but had the bowl of punch in, and the point of war beat; the party lay that night in one bed with her; and in the morning, one of the men laying hold of her coat over the breasts, to see how it fitted, her sex ws discovered.  She enlisted by the name of John Meace, but her proper name is Jane Meace, and is well known in this country.”
This lady may very well have heard of Hannah Snell and wished to emulate her military and naval performances, but from the fact that she was so anxious to get the bounty paid over to her at once, it is just as probable that she intended to make off with it at the first opportunity, and had no intention of actually serving.

A still earlier case was the  following taken from an old Liverpool record :-
May 20th 1757 :- “A young person, five feet high, aged about nineteen, who entered in January last on board the Resolution privateer, Captain Barber, under the name of Arthur Douglas, proceeded with the ship from London to this port, went aloft to furl the sails, etc., when called upon, was frequently mustered amongst the Marines at the time they exercised the small arms, and in short executed the office of a landsman in all shapes with alacrity, was on Saturday last discovered to  be a woman by one of her mess-mates.  ‘Tis to be said that he found out her sex on the passage, and that she, to prevent a discovery, then promised to permit him to keep her company when they arrived here; but as soon as they came into port refused his addresses.  The officers in general give her a very modest character, and say by her behaviour that she must have had a genteel education.  She has changed her clothes, but will not satisfy any of them with her name or quality; only that she left home on account of a breach of promise of her lover.  ‘Tis remarkable that during their passage down, on the appearance of a sail, she was eager to be fighting, and no ways affected with fear of sea sickness.” (Sic)

1761. HMS Albany captured the Faisan.

1761. HMS Blonde took a large French ship.

1761. The coppering of ships bottoms was first introducrd.

1761. The Loss of Faisan (re-named Pheasant), along with all hands.

1762. The corps was augmented to 19,061 men. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Monday 4th January War was declared against Spain, which was reciprocal on the part of that Power on the 18th and realized the acute forebodings of Mr. Pitt.
A treaty framed for consolidating the interests and ambitious views of the House of Bourbon, and evidently levelled against the existence of our Empire, accelerated this event. So accustomed had the Nation been to victory, however, that it beheld this mighty Family Compact without dismay.
The public energies kept pace with the imperious occasion, and 70,000 Seamen, including 19,061 Marines, comprised in 135 companies, formed the naval establishment of the year.
A plan for the reduction of Martinico, digested by the late Minister, was now carried into effect by the forces from North America, who had finished a successful career upon that Continent, by four battalions drawn from Belleisle, with strong detachments of Seamen and Marines from the Fleet.
Sixteen sail of the line, and many ships of an inferior rate, composed the escort which set sail from Barbadoes on the 5th of January, and anchored in St. Anne's Bay on the 8th. The batteries here were soon silenced by the ships, when Rear-Admiral Rodney detached a squadron, with two brigades, to the Bay of Petite Ance, having orders to debark and take post there, under the direction of Generals Haviland and Grant; they were afterwards reinforced by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, with a Corps of Light Infantry.
Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, proceeded against the Grande Ance, landed a few Seamen and all his Marines, who, by a combined attack, carried the battery, and occupied it, till relieved by a body of 800 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel Melville.
After destroying the works in St. Anne's Bay, the Admiral and General Monckton, seeing the difficulties of extending their operations from that quarter, followed to leeward, and reconnoitring the coast, resolved upon landing the whole forces between Point Negro and the Cas de Pilote. A squadron having cannonaded the line of batteries, secured this object, when the Army was disembarked upon the evening and morning of the 16th and 17th of January.
Nine hundred Marines, formed into two battalions, were united with the troops attached to the Brigade of General Rufane, and had an active share in the subsequent duties allotted to all.
The whole encamped on the heights above the Case de Navires, from which the General employed detachments to throw up such works as were necessary for covering the passage of the troops over some intervening gullies, between them and the enemy on Morne Tartenson.
The disposition of attack being made, Brigadier Grant began it with the French advanced posts, at dawn on the morning of the 24th, while Brigadier Rufane advanced against their redoubts along the sea coast upon the right, seconded by 1000 Seamen in flat-bottomed boats, keeping pace with it.
Lord Rollo's Brigade supported the Grenadiers, and General Walsh with his, the Corps of Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, who was ordered to make a circuit, with a view to flank or get behind the enemy. This essentially contributed to the success of the day, as that body gained their left, and continued to incommode it, while the Grenadiers were carrying everything before them.
Brigadier Rufane performed his part with rapid and impetuous success, being aided most spiritedly by the Seamen.
The final result of the day was gaining Morne Tartenson, other subordinate works having many cannon, and driving the fugitive enemy across a deep ravine, into the town of Fort Royal and Morne Garnier.
General Haviland, with his Brigade, and two Battalions of Highlanders, with a few Light Infantry, under Major Leland, were directed to effect a passage over this gully, considerably to the left, and cut off a detached force of the French from their main body. Insurmountable difficulties, however, prevented this well-designed combination; but they did not check their reaching in time to support the Light Infantry, under Colonel Scott, in a very important post which they had gained opposite to Morne Garnier; while an upper plantation of consequence was occupied by Walsh's brigade, and the Grenadiers. The space between these two was filled by the Marines.
Batteries were opened on the 25th against the Citadel of Fort Royal, which being much annoyed by the guns from Morne Garnier, it was judged expedient to attack it on the left, where the Light Infantry and Haviland's brigade were. Here cannon were opened against it, in order to harass the enemy, and to ensure the future passage of the ravine.
An attempt of the French on the evening of the 27th, signalized this British outpost, which drove them back, not only across the gully, but followed them and gained possession of their batteries, where they established themselves; having been gallantly seconded by the brigades of Walsh and Grant. Before nine at night the enemy had abandoned this strong ground, and so precipitate was their retreat, that they left behind them some serviceable ordnance and ammunition, which were felt by the Citadel early next morning.
General Monckton, finding his batteries on Morne Tartenson at too great a distance to produce material effect, resolved to push on to Morne Capuchin, little more than 400 yards from the Citadel.
Observing this meditated essay, the enemy beat the chamade on the evening of the 3d of February, and terms were signed on the 4th.
The testimonies of the Commanders in Chief to the respective Corps were strong and animated. As usual, the services of the Seamen were arduous in transporting cannon, and fearless amidst dangers.
Monsieur De La Touche, the Governor General, who had fallen back upon St. Pierre, with an intent of holding out, soon after surrendered, and the extensive dependencies of that valuable island, very early availed themselves of the benign and faithful tenders of British protection.
The final consent of La Touche was much hastened by the detaching Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, to the harbour of La Trinité, where he landed some Seamen and his Marines, who maintained their ground, and convinced the enemy how unavailing would be their farther obstinacy.
This conquest, which added so much to the lustre of our arms, was obtained at the expence of 7 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 86 rank and file killed, and 32 Officers, 20 Serjeants, and 337 rank and file wounded.
The enemy experienced a loss of nearly 1000 men.
St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, fell soon after, under our dominion, and added to the commercial wealth of the Nation.
Solid were the results that accrued from the repeated triumphs of our Fleets and Armies, during this active year. The Revenue was improved, while the individual became enriched by the conquered territory, and the spoils of our enemies.
The rupture with Spain suggested immediate enterprize against her distant and wealthy Colonies. In this plan, no little or inferior views controuled our Councils, which boldly directed our force at once, against the vitals, and the strong hold of her South American Empire.
Lord Anson having submitted his ideas upon the accomplishment of this great object, they were readily embraced upon the present occasion, and adopted throughout.
The Fleet and Army which were destined to execute these designs, were committed to Admiral Pococke, and the Earl of Albemarle, who sailed from Portsmouth on the 5th day of March. They took only a small force from England, as they were to be joined by those troops who had achieved the conquest of the French Caribbee Islands, to be reinforced by auxiliaries from Jamaica and North America; which, with the Marines of the Fleet that were subsequently landed, constituted an Army little short of 15,000 men.
Admiral Pococke reached Martinique on the 26th of April, where everything was arranged, fascines made, the troops brigaded, and 500 Negroes collected to perform the rough parts of these laborious duties that were before them.
On the 6th of May the whole put to sea, and, on their passage to leeward, were successively joined by the squadrons under Captain Harvey and Sir James Douglas.
It was now that the superior talents and solicitous zeal of Admiral Pococke appeared conspicuous. From the very advanced season of the year no time could be sacrificed in fulfilling his instructions, as dilatory measures might have proved ruinous, from the setting in of the rains. Two alternatives were before him a tedious and circuitous navigation round the Island of Cuba, or a dangerous passage through the Old Straits of Bahama, hitherto avoided by single ships, and at no period of the world explored by so large a Fleet. The latter he chose, and it was crowned with success.
On the 6th of June the Admiral brought to about five leagues to the Eastward of the Havannah, to issue instructions; when having confided the superintendance of disembarking the troops to Commodore Keppel, he bore away for the mouth of the harbour.
The Marines were ordered into the boats early on the morning of the 7th, as a feint, while the whole Army, under the Earl of Albemarle, landed without opposition between the rivers Boca Nao and Coximar, the latter of which was also passed, after Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, had silenced a castle, that commanded it.
Having a large garrison, headed by the most gallant Officers, the enemy, though but recently apprised of this expedition, prepared for the most vigorous defence.
Lord Albemarle, after some skirmishing in his progress, having intimated, on the 10th, to the Admiral, his purpose of attacking the Cavannos, situated on the east side of the harbour, and commanding part of the Moro Fort, as well as the whole of the north east of the City, with the strong works in that vicinity, Captain Knight, in the Belleisle, was ordered against the Castle of Chorera, to facilitate the enterprize, while the Marines were embarked in boats to attract the enemy's attention towards the Havannah quarter.
This service was ably performed by Colonel Carleton, on the noon of the 11th, at the head of the Grenadiers and Light Infantry.
The Spaniards were not only driven into the Moro, but they also abandoned the Castle of Chorera; which allowed our immediately breaking ground on the advantageous site of the Cavannos. Never were greater obstacles encountered and overcome, than through the whole series of this siege. The Seamen were highly active in landing the cannon, manning the batteries, and supplying the Army with water, on a spot that yielded not a drop. Much harmony prevailed throughout these fatigues between the services. On the 13th, 800 Marines were landed, formed into two Battalions, under Majors Campbell and Collins, and attached to the command of Colonel and Adjutant General William Howe, upon the Chorera side.
Owing to the thinness of soil upon the Cavannos it was not until the 29th of June that our batteries could open against the Moro.
In order to obtain a superiority of fire on shore, Captain Harvey, in the Dragon, having under him two other ships, volunteered to place them against that Castle, which he did, in the most gallant stile, upon the morning of the 1st of July. By this diversion the object was gained, but with the loss of Captain Coostrey of the Cambridge, and 161 killed and wounded.
The labour of many days was destroyed by a fire that broke out from the dryness of the fascines, and the cannonade kept up, upon the 2d, which was not extinguished until the night of the 5th.
Such an unfortunate casualty depressed, but did not conquer the spirits of our men, who were additionally exposed to the most extreme fatigue, a scanty supply of water, and unwholesome provisions. They had also to encounter an enemy in Don Velasco, worthy of his important trust.
Fortunately, Sir James Douglas arrived from Jamaica with some reinforcements, which were soon followed by others from North America.
It falls not within my scope to enter minutely into the protracted events of this siege, which was carried on and sustained by both sides, with unexampled perseverance, and steady valour.
About one o'clock in the afternoon of the 30th of July, by the explosion of one of our advanced mines, a practicable breach for one file in front was effected, which was soon noticed, and assaulted by our troops, at the head of which was Lieutenant Forbes, of the Royal Scotch. Many of the Spanish Soldiers were within the casemates, and little anticipated so bold an attempt, but they were soon under arms, and encouraged to their duty by their brave Chiefs Don Velasco, and the Marquis Gonzales. Both these Gentlemen fell on the occasion; the former surviving only for a short time, the effects of a mortal wound. The Moro was soon carried, which led to the final conquest of the Havannah, and its dependencies upon the 13th of August. Twelve sail of the line, and a large treasure, were its immediate fruits.
Although nothing peculiarly brilliant fell to the lot of the corps of Marines co-operating in the fatigues of this arduous campaign, still their zeal and discipline kept pace with the other classes of his Majesty's servants, and justly entitled them to a share of that gratitude, bestowed in general terms to all, by their Leaders and their Country.
A predatory attempt against Newfoundland, by a squadron that stole out of Brest, under Mons. Ternay, having on board two regiments, was the only offensive operation on the part of the French during the year 1762.
This Officer might have tried his fortune in a manner far more suitable to the interests and dignity of his Country by aiming a blow at our East, West India, and North American convoys, protected by a very inferior force to his, instead of prosecuting a relentless fury against the insignificant garrison of St. John, and the tackle and stages of our poor, but industrious fishermen.
Captain (afterwards Vice Admiral) Joshua Rowley, in the Superbe of 74 guns, the Gosport of 44, Captain Jervis, (now Earl St.
Vincent), and the Danae of 38, Captain Henry Martin, having charge of these valuable fleets, were chaced by Mons. Ternay, on the 11th of May, having under him two line of battleships, two heavy frigates, and a bomb-ketch. The steady countenance of Commodore Rowley, who formed into order of battle, convinced the Frenchman that he must wade through a bloody and perhaps a successless conflict, before he could reach his object. The precarious issue induced Mons. Ternay to be off, and to pursue his course for less dangerous game.
As might have been expected, the garrison of St. John, with a number of contiguous posts in no state to make resistance fell without a contest on the 25th of June. Captain (afterwards Lord), Greaves who was then at Placentia, on the South East part of the island, landed his Marines from the Antelope and prepared for defence; at the same time, he apprized our Commanders at Halifax and New York of his situation, and solicited immediate support.
Lord Colville soon joined him, when, after disembarking a number of Marines as a farther reinforcement, with his very inferior squadron, he went out to meet the enemy on the 22d of August and proceeded off St. John's to give him battle.
The French having adopted a system of plunder and destruction along the coast, wherever they could with impunity, his Lordship detached an Officer and 30 Marines to the Island of Boys, which spot, that party had the honour to defend for his Majesty. During this period the works at St. John's had been much strengthened.
In consequence of the invasion and intelligence of it reaching North America, a force was detached under Lieutenant Colonel Amherst, which reached the coast of Newfoundland upon the 11th of September.
After a train of sharp and active services, on the part of the Army, in which the Navy co-operated, St. John's was recovered upon the 18th, and the whole island was freed from those freebooters, who, in turn, became prisoners.
A friendly fog which had covered Mons. Ternay's departure from France, was also auspicious in his escape from that harbour. His conduct through the whole of this expedition was marked alike by cautious timidity, in the sight of his enemies, as by oppressive inhumanity over those he had conquered.
The acute observations, and active talents of Sir William Draper, not only laid the foundation, but were highly conducive towards the success of one of the boldest designs, that was ever patronised by a British Ministry. That Officer, after the most approved good conduct, during the siege of Madrass, had leave to retire to Canton in China, on account of extreme bad health. It was here that his enquiries commenced about the state of the Spanish Philippine Islands, and he had complete intelligence both as to their commercial importance, and military defence. This he treasured up for his Country, against the day of emergency, by whom he was amply recompenced for such early zeal, by his suggestions being eagerly embraced, and he employed to execute them.
A disclosure of such a nature, however, would not have been received, but spurned at, by our Cabinet during a period of tranquillity with Spain. The whole continued dormant within the breast of Sir William Draper, till hostilities were inevitable, when he was dispatched in the Argo, for the East Indies, with the most liberal powers to carry this object into effect.
Arriving towards the close of June, he lost not a moment in arranging everything for the expedition against Manilla. The whole set sail on the 1st of August, consisting of a mixed force of nearly 1330 men. As so small a number could only look for success in the unprepared state of the enemy, hitherto confident in their security, and in the promptest measures, a ship of war was detached into the entrance of the Chinese Sea, in order to stop all
communication of our project.
The Fleet reached Malacca on the 27th of August, where they watered, finished a number of gabions for the future operations of the Army, and finally anchored in Manilla Bay on the 23d of Sept.
Admiral Cornish had appointed 550 Seamen, and 300 Marines, to co-operate with the Land Forces, which were formed into separate battalions.
After an ineffectual summons sent to the town, and the coast reconnoitred, no time was to be lost in keeping up that surprise which had apparently struck the enemy.
A proper spot, two miles to the southward of Manilla, having been selected for the debarkation, the 79th Regiment, all the Marines, and the Artillery, with some field pieces, and one howitzer, were formed into three divisions, under the sterns of three frigates, which were ordered to cover the landing.
Captains Parker, Kempenfelt, and Brereton, of the Royal Navy, were entrusted with the conduct of each of them, who discharged the duty with much ability.
Numbers of the Spanish Indians having assembled to dispute our descent, the ships of war opened their fire, which compelled them to retire. A violent surf dashed many of the boats to pieces, and injured the musquets, but the troops established themselves at a village named Malata, little more than a mile from the enemy's works, during the night of the 24th.
On the 25th a detachment was advanced to occupy a fort which was abandoned, called Polverista, and Major Monson was pushed forward to take possession of Hermita Church, a small distance from the City, of much local consequence, both as to natural strength, and as a shelter from the heavy rains that had already set in. The 79th Regiment was farther ordered to reinforce this post.
Much praise was due to the Seamen for their unparalleled exertions in landing the remaining troops, cannon, and stores, amidst a most dreadful surf, and the heaviest rains.
The Marines were left at the first posts, the Malata and the Polverista, with a view to secure the retreat of the advanced forces, if necessary; to preserve a mutual communication with the ships, and to guard the stores and heavy artillery. "They," says Sir William Draper, "from the good conduct and example of their Officers, behaved very well, and were of great use upon all occasions."
Considering the strength of Manilla, and the numbers employed against it, no regular siege could be undertaken, or could an observance of the systematic rules of approach be followed. The Spaniards were extremely languid in every effort of defence, while our united forces evinced the most undaunted spirit and unshaken perseverance, during a series of attacks from the native Indians, and of laborious toils amidst winds and rain.
After having made a practicable breach, it was resolved to storm the place upon the 6th of October, and it was executed with that bold ardour which is the native birth-right of Englishmen.
Were my limits to allow, with pleasure would I particularize such exertions, and the gallant actors in them. I can only say, that through the whole the Soldier and Sailor felt no jealousy but that of being foremost in danger and in discipline.
Humanity mingled with policy, influenced the Commanders in Chief to avert from the City the calamity of promiscuous plunder, by a pecuniary compromise for its protection. The laws of war sanctioned this vengeance, from its having fallen by storm. The conquerors here, became ennobled by compassion, and they stipulated to save the property of unoffending individuals, while they at the same time consulted their Country's honour and her interests.
To the eternal disgrace of the Spanish Nation, this generous compact continues unfulfilled.
The Port of Cavite, with the other dependencies of Manilla, were included in the capitulation, and Captain Champion, with 100 Marines, and some Seapoys, were detached as a garrison to the former.
Our total loss upon this brilliant service was 4 Officers, 1 Serjeant, and 29 Privates killed; 1 Lieutenant drowned; and 6 Officers, 3 Serjeants, and 102 rank and file wounded. Among the first were 5 Marines, and the latter, Lieutenant Spearing, besides 6 Privates.
The East India Company, in consequence of the aids they had afforded, was entitled to one third of the settled ransom, which was four millions of dollars; and the acquired conquest was given up to its servants in trust for his Majesty.
Such united harmony existed between the naval and land services, that they agreed to share their fortunes mutually, afloat and ashore.
From the intelligence gained at Manilla, the Admiral detached a force to intercept the annual galleon. The Panther and Argo overtook the ship which had sailed from that place, on the 1st of August, much to their surprize, instead of the one that had been expected there. Nearly three millions of dollars were on board the Sanctissima Trinidad, which were defended with much obstinacy, but she was at last compelled to strike.
Both Commanders, upon the Manilla expedition, very meritedly received the public thanks of their Country, and the honorable marks of a Sovereign's gratitude.
Immense captures were made at sea, and repeated were the occasions which displayed the British naval character during this year, so fertile in momentous events.
Amongst these may be reckoned the Hermione, worth one million sterling, the treasure of which enriched the crews of two sloops of war and was carried in proud triumph through the streets of London, the very hour in which the Heir Apparent to the British Throne was ushered into the world. A Marine shared upwards of 500 l. from this capture.
The enemy, discomfited in every quarter, were not ashamed to own their weakness, and they were the first to sue for peace.
A few short months had alienated or destroyed a great portion of the Spanish Navy, had given a deep wound to their Commerce, which would have been most sensibly felt under a continuance of hostilities, and had convinced Europe and the World, that the resources of Britain could only be estimated amidst accumulating dangers, and that her native spirit could only be known amidst increasing difficulties.
During the whole of this memorable war, the Marine Soldier not only shared in the everlasting glory of our Fleets, but carried with him, through all the mingled destinies of his profession, a steady discipline, combined with a well-regulated valour. Excepting the drawn battle off Minorca, not a naval action was fought in which he did not bear a part, and there were but few of our widely extended conquests that do not, in their detail, recognize his name.
The preliminaries of a peace, which are not my business to discuss, upon the 3d of November, and ratified in February of the following year, closed the military services of the Marine Corps for a long period, until they were again drawn forth into action by an enlightened patron, who had marked their conduct, and who resolved to avail himself of their animated zeal and spirit, upon the earliest emergency that his Country required them. (Taken from Chapter 25 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1762. Wednesday 6th January. HMS Venus captured the Boulogne.

1762. Friday 8th January. The Unicorn of 32 guns, captain Hunt, when cruising off the Penmanks, captured the Vestale of 32 guns, after an action of two hours, in which she had 5 killed and 10 wounded; among the latter, captain Hunt, mortally. Captain Bois Bertelot, of the Vestale, was also mortally wounded. First-lieutenant Charles Shearer, and second-lieutenant Thomas Phillips, were on board the Unicorn. The Seahorse of 20 guns, captain James Smith, when off the Start, sustained a very spirited action on the 10th of January with the french frigate Aigrette of 34 guns, which lasted an hour and a half within pistol-shot. The Seahorse had 1 1 killed, and 38 wounded. On the Unicorn making her appearance, the french ship made sail and escaped. Lieutenant of marines, Evan Cameron, was on board the Seahorse. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Sunday 24th January. The Richmond 32 guns, captain Elphinstone fell in with the french frigate Felicite of 32 guns, captain Donnel, off the Hague, and brought her to action. Both ships took the ground and continued to engage until the enemy fled from their quarters and escaped to the shore. The Felicite had nearly 100 in killed and wounded\ ; among the former, her captain. The Richmond, 3 killed, 13 wounded. The Felicite was destroyed on the following day. The officers of marines were first-lieutenant William Spann, and second lieutenant John McCulloch.

On the 23rd of January, the Minerva of 32 guns, captain Alexander Hood, when off Cape Penas, captured the french sixty-gun ship Warwick, (having only 34 mounted,) captain Le Verger de Belais, after a gallant action of four hours. The Minerva lost her foremast and bowsprit, and her loss amounted to 14 men killed, and 34 wounded. The enemy had her fore and rnain-top masts shot away, and lost 14 men killed, and 32 wounded. Shortly after the action, the other masts of the Minerva went by the board. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Saturday 30th January. The Venus 36 guns, captain Harrison, and Juno 32, captain Philips, captured the french frigate Brune, of 36 guns. The Venus was engaged with the enemy's ship upwards of two hours, and had 4 men killed, and 18 wounded. On the Juno coming up and firing a few guns, the Brune struck her colours; having 19 killed, and 39 wounded. Lieutenant John Evins of the marines, was serving on board the Venus. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Tuesday 16th February. The Capture of the Redoubts on Morne Tortenson (Port Royal) Martinique, from the French. Britain captured the island during the ‘Seven Years War’, holding it from 1762 to 1763. The Marines of the expedition had previously landed and with the aid of a few seamen captured a fort at Grand Ance, and held it till relieved by a Line Battalion, landing again with the rest of the Army in Cas de Navires Bay. The Marines formed in two battalions of 450 men each, took part in three days of fighting which resulted in the capture of the Redoubts, on Morne Tortenson, Mone Garnier, and the attack on the Citadel of Port Royal. On the fall of this place the Marines of the fleet, with 500 seamen were landed, and the whole Island of Martinique submitted to the British Crown.

Following Britain's Victory in the war there was a strong possibility the island would be annexed by them. However, the sugar trade made the island so valuable to the Royal French Government that at the Treaty of Paris signed during 1763, which ended the ‘Seven Years War’, they gave up all of Canada in order to regain Martinique as well as the neighbouring island of Guadeloupe.

1762. Tuesday 7th March. HMS Milford captured the Gloire.

1762. Saturday 13th March, the Vengeance of 26 guns, (nine and four-pounders,) captain Nightingale, after an action of five hours, captured the french 40-gun frigate Entreprenant, mounting 26 guns, (twelve and nine-pounders,) with a loss of 5 killed and 24 wounded. Second-lieutenant David Coutts was" serving on board the Vengeance. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. May. The loss of HMS Hussar.

1762. Friday 21st May. HMS Active and HMS Favorite capture the Hermoine Spanish treasure ship was taken off Cadiz by the 28 gun frigate and 18 gun sloop Favourite. The ships net proceeds of its cargo were valued at £519,705 -1s - 6d, the prize to each Private Marine amounted to £484.

1762. Wednesday 2nd June. HMS Alarm and HMS Echo took the Thitis and the Phenix.

1762. Monday 7th June - 13th August. The Siege and Capture of Havana was a military action that took place during the ‘Seven Years War’. When British forces besieged and captured the city. At the time it was an important Spanish naval base in the Caribbean. Its capture dealt a serious blow to the Spanish navy located in that area. Havana was subsequently returned to Spain under the 1763 Treaty of Paris that ended the war between them. The Marines were placed in the boats and made to look like they were going to land 4 miles to the westward of the city, while the remainder of the army effected its disembarkation without opposition between The Rivers Boca Nao and Coximar some way to the East. Being checked at the latter river by a castle at its mouth, the army halted while the Dragon stood in and silence its guns in about an hour, after which her Marines went on shore and took possession of it. On the evening of the 10th the Marines were in the boats again while the Belleisle, Cerberus, Bonetta, Mercury, and Lurcher bombarded the castle of Chorea at the entrance to the river of the name on the East side of the city. The Castle and adjoining batteries were taken on the 11th, and some of the Marines landed for its security.

During this time the Marines who were about 800 strong, and were formed into two Battalions and placed under the Command of Majors Campbell and Collins. On the 15th June they were landed and encamped near Chorea under the command of Colonel the Hon. William Howe. The main attack was directed against the Morro Castle, the Citadel of Havannah which occupied a high and steep rock on the East side of the entrance to the harbour. For a long time it defied all the effort of the besiegers while disease decimated the ranks. On the 5th and 6th July it was found necessary to draw on the Marines for reinforcements, and during these two days 400 of them were transferred in the front of Morro. A portion of them were employed in the mining operations which were very difficult to carry out on account of an immense ditch cut in the solid rock,80 feet deep and 40 wide. However, on the 20th July the miners totally uncovered and managed to cross the ditch by a narrow ridge of rock which had been left to cover it towards the sea, and soon buried themselves in the wall. On the 30th the mines were sprung, breaching the wall and partially filling in the ditch, and the British stormers soon made themselves masters of the Citadel. Its fall was very shortly followed by that of Havannah itself, and the Marines, who it is reported, had proved very serviceable, were re-embarked. Much booty fell to the victors including a great deal of gold and silver pieces which arrival in London was conducted to the Tower in Eleven wagons, each guarded by 4 Marines and surmounted by a Union Jack flying above a Spanish Ensign. Each Private soldier’s prize money amounted to £4 1s. 8d. while the total amount was valued at £368 11s. 6d.

1762. Saturday 24th July. The loss of HMS Chesterfield.

1762. Friday 13th August. Havana capitulated.

1762. Friday 13th August. The Bellona 74 guns, captain Robert Faulknor, and the Brilliant 36 guns, captain Loggie, off Vigo, sustained an action with the french ships Courageux of 74 guns, captain D. Lambert, and the Malicieuse and Hermione of 32 guns. After a contest, which lasted from twenty-five minutes past six until seven in the morning, the Courageux surendered, with the loss of 200 killed, her captain mortally, and 110 wounded. The frigates made their escape as soon as they saw the fate of their commodore; but they had both been sharply engaged with the Brilliant, which ship had 5 men killed, and 16 wounded. Captain James Sabine, and first-lieutenant Nathaniel English, were serving on board the Bellona, whose loss amounted to no more than 6 men killed, and 25 wounded.

The prospect of a war with Spain roused the british nation to make vigorous preparations; and the Parliament in November 1761, voted for the following year 70,000 seamen, including 19,061 marines, comprised in 135 companies. The failure of the expedition against Martinique in 1759, did not discourage the minister from making a further attempt for the reduction of that colony, which still furnished a consi- derable resource to the declining commerce of France. The plan for prosecuting this important conquest had been laid down by Mr. Pitt, and the succeeding administration maintained the same project. Eleven battalions having been ordered from New York, they sailed for Barbadoes the end of October 1761, under convoy of a squadron commanded by captain Darby, of the Devonshire; and in December, rear-admiral Rodney, with several ships, united with this force. On the 14th four battalions arrived from Belieisle under brigadier Rufane, and on the 24th the troops, commanded by general Monckton and Lord Rollo, arrived in Carlisle bay. The armaent now consisted of 14,000 land forces and a fleet of 16 ships of the line, with several frigates and 4 bombs. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. Wednesday 1st September. HMS Lion captured the Zephyre.

1762. Sunday 2nd September. Aeolus destroyed the St. Joseph.

1762. Wednesday 15th September. The Battle of Signal Hill was the last battle of the North American theatre of the ‘Seven Years War’. The British commanded by Lieutenant Colonel William Amherst forced the French to surrender St. John's, which they had seized earlier that year in a surprise attack. During 1762 France and Britain had been fighting for eight years, and both were now contemplating a peace agreement. Britain's long blockade of the French coast had forced the French economy into a decline and had prevented the French navy from going to the aid of France's colonies around the globe, leading to a large number being captured. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1762. September. Dianna and Chester with Dutch frigate.

1762. The Corps strength at that time was 19,061 men.

1762. Tuseday 5th October. The Capture Manila in the Philippines from the Spanish. A small Military expedition under the Command of Colonel Sir William Draper was transported in a squadron under Admiral Cornish that anchored in Malilla Bay on the 23rd September. The Admiral contributed 500 seamen and 270 (some say 300) Marines to the landing force. After sending in an ineffectual summons to the town, and reconnoitring the coast, no time was lost in commencing operations. The ideal spot, was located two miles to the south of Manilla. It having been pre-selected for the debarkation of the 79th Regiment of Marines and the Artillery .Along with a howitzer and a few fields’ pieces that were placed in the boats which were formed in 3 divisions, under the sterns of 3 frigates which had been detailed to cover the landing. A numbers of Spanish Indians had assembled on the shores to dispute our landing, the men of war opened fire, which compelled them to retire. In spite of a violent surf which dashed many of the boats to pieces, and wet and damaged the muskets, the troops effected their landing. During the night of the 24th they succeeded in establishing themselves in a village called Malata, little more than a mile from the enemy’s works. The day following they pushed forward to occupy Fort Polverista which had been abandoned by the enemy. While Major Monsoon along with the Marines advanced and took possession of the Hermita Church which was close to the city and of considerable strategical importance. Moreover the rainy season having set in, it was necessary to get under protective cover. This point was further reinforced by the 79th Regiment. The Marines garrisoned Forts Polverista and that at Malata which protected the line of communications with the squadron and to guard the stores and heavy Artillery. The Port of Cavite with other dependencies of Manilla were included in the Capitulation, and Captain Champion with 100 Marines and a party of Sepoys were sent as garrison to the former. The total loss was 4 Officers, 2 Sergeant and 25 Privates killed, 1 Lieutenant drowned. 6 Officers, 3 Sergeants and 102 Rank and file were wounded. Among the first were 5 Marines, while Lieutenant Spearing and 6 Private Marines were wounded during these operations. Captain Richard Bishop of the Marines distinguished himself by his bravery and professionalism that Sir William Draper appointed him Governor of the Town of Cavite.

1762. Saturday 23rd October. The Brune took the Oiscau.

1762. Sunday 31st October. The Panther and Argo took the Saintissima Trinidada.

1762. Jane Mace was another lady who attempted to enlist for a Marine. However, she was not as fortunate as Hannah Snell in evading discovery of her sex. Its reported that a lady wearing men’s clothes went to a recruiting party at the ‘Plume and Feathers’ public house and enlisted, she wanted the whole bounty money in hand, but being in want of clothing and other necessaries, they would give her only one shilling till morning, but had a few more drinks and they all ended up in bed. Awaking the next morning she was seen without wearing top clothes. Her correct name was Jane Meace and was well known in the area.

1762. Terpsichore took the Marquise de Marigny.

1762. The loss of HMS Raisonnable.

1762. The loss of HMS Temple and HMS Marlborough.

1762. Forvey took the Ventura.

1762. There were 135 companies of Marines, which were drastically reduced to 70 companies after the peace in 1763.  Reaching 146 companies in 1782, by 1784 the establishment of the Marine force had again been quickly reduced.  These companies served at sea and on land in the Seven Years War 1755-1763 and the American Revolution 1775-1783, sometimes as individual companies and sometimes as ad hoc battalions.  In 1791 an invalid establishment was created and officers allowed to retire from active service. Whenever the Royal Marines serve with the army, they take precedence in seniority after the 49th Regiment of Foot.  Royal Marine seniority is only calculated from its formation in 1755 and not by any previous service of the disbanded Marine Regiments.
When Great Britain found itself at war again on 1 February 1793, it meant that for the next twenty-three years, the Royal Marines were in action around the globe.

1763. The era of peace was marked, as usual, by a general reduction of his Majesty's servants.
In the course of the year 1763, a very considerable and impolitic diminution took place in the effective force of Marines; but as it is a narrow system, which experience, and their acknowledged utility have subverted, at the period I now write, any discussion upon its erroneous principle would be superfluous and unbecoming.
As I have already noticed that the Field Officers of my Corps are peculiarly calculated for maintaining discipline and good order throughout, it is a matter of surprize that the establishment should have been so very low at this time, and that their situations should have been more generally considered as posts of sinecure than of active duty.
The meritorious services of the Marine Corps, during the late brilliant contest, well entitled it to some solid_ marks of public recompence, as well as of public applause.
With this view, and striking home to the national gratitude, as yet unallayed by time, the following proposals for increasing the number of established Marine Field Officers were ushered in to the Board of Admiralty in 1763:
"Proposals for increasing the number of established Marine Field Officers from six to fifteen, at a very inconsiderable additional expence to the public. The Field Officers to have Companies, and to serve on their present pay until six Companies become vacant; those Companies to be given to the six senior Field Officers; the nine junior Field Officers have Companies already. The fifteen senior First Lieutenants to have Brevets as Captains, or to be appointed Captain Lieutenants, and to do all duties as Captains on their present pay.
"This plan will cause no present additional expence, and but a very trifling one after the whole is completed, as will appear from the following scheme:
1763
Present Establishment.                 Proposed Establishment.
PER DIEM.                                ...PER DIEM.
3 Lieut. Colonels       £2-11-0       3 Colonels              £3-12-0
3 Majors                    £2-5-0         6 Lieut. Colonels    £5-2-0
9 Brevet Captains     £4-10-0       6 Majors                  £4-10-0
...................................-------                                         --------
.....................Total    £9-6-0                          Total      £13-4-0
................................=======                                   ========
................................Difference               ..................  £3-18-0
Deducted pay of six Captains fewer on the proposed establishment, £3-0-0
Additional expence when the establishment is completed £0-18-0
The above would have been a moderate number of Field Officers to regulate the divisional duties, and to superintend the discipline of 70 Companies, consisting of 4287 men; to which the corps was reduced by a legislative vote at the close of 1763. Whether from dissent as to the expediency, or a non-compliance with the object of these suggestions, is immaterial, but they were unnoticed, although their propriety and justice did not escape the discriminating and liberal mind of Earl Sandwich, whose distinguished talents introduced him to the naval councils of his Country, and whose elevated rank in them, enabled him to control those necessary reforms at a subsequent era.
A commendable but limited policy, in providing for the discharged servants of the state, prevailed at the close of this war, by holding out the inducements of land in the ceded province of Canada, to such Officers, Sailors, and Soldiers only who had aided in its subjection.
When we contemplate the connection that exists, in the events of war, how much local conquests are often promoted by the use of extraordinary energies in quarters distant from the scene of good fortune, like the judicious diversions and stratagems of an active Officer, to promote his real designs, no principle ought to restrain such national grants to the partial few who have been the happy agents of success.
It is an old axiom that America was subdued in Germany. (Taken from Chapter 26 'An Historical review of the Royal Marines Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1763. The peace establishment reduced the Marines to 4,287 men, at which it continued until 1771, when colonels of marines were appointed commandants of divisions. In this year, the marines discharged from the service obtained the right of following their trade in any town in the kingdom, except the universities.
The earl of Sandwich succeeded to the office of first lord of the Admiralty, and his ready attention to the memorials of the marines (Appendix 4), by reviving their hopes of promotion, restored that spirit of discipline which characterized the battalions sent by his lordship to America, in 1776, when the establishment amounted to 10,129 men.

1777, 11,829
1778, 17,389
1779, 18,779
1780, 20,308
1781, 21,305
1782, 25,291
1783, 25,291 (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Saturday 8th January. A division of the fleet silenced the batteries in St. Anne's bay, and part of the army landed ; but finding it impossible to reach Fort Royal from this spot, it was determined to remove the ships with the army to St. Lucie, on the opposite side of the island, thence march across the isthmus to Gross Point, so as to be able to reach Pigeon Island, and thus enable the ships to anchor on the east side of Fort Royal, and assail the citadel ; but from the difficulty that presented itself in transporting cannon and stores, the plan was relinquished. It was, however, determined to attempt the reduction of Pigeon Island from the east side; and the squadron having silenced the batteries, two brigades of foot under generals Haviland and Grant, and a corps of light infantry commanded by lieutenant-colonel Scott, landed at Ance d'Arlet, and marched to the heights opposite Pigeon Island. On the 10th, captain Harvey in the Dragon proceeded against Grand Ance, and having silenced the battery, landed a few seamen with all his marines, who carried the fort, and held it until relieved by a battalion under lieutenant-colonel Melville. After destroying the works in St. Anne's bay, the commanders of the expedition, finding it difficult to extend the operations in that quarter, proceeded to Ance d'Arlet, and, uniting with brigadier-general Haviland, they directed their course to the bay of Fort Royal, where the fleet came to an anchor. Early in the morning of the 16th, the ships moved to their respective stations, and having silenced the batteries, the troops pushed for the shore, and made good their landing in Cas de Navieres bay. Early on the 17th, the remainder of the army disembarked, together with the marines, who were formed into two battalions of 450 men each and attached to the brigade of general Rufane. The army encamped upon the heights above Le Cas des Navieres, and detachments were employed in throwing up works for protecting the passage of the troops through the intervening ravines, in their advance upon the entrenchments at Morne Tortenson. . (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Monday 24th January. At day-break, the troops moved forward under cover of the batteries, the grenadiers under brigadier-general Grant taking the lead; whilst brigadier Rufane on the right, with his brigade and the marines, were ordered to attack the redoubts along the sea-coast, supported by 1000 seamen in flatbottomed boats. Lord Rollo's brigade supported the grenadiers, and general Walsh, with his force, assisted the movements of lieutenant-colonel Scott with the light infantry in his endeavour to get round the flank of the enemy, which he effected, whilst the grenadiers drove them from post to post until they arrived upon their left flank, and the enemy was finally driven from their position. By nine o'clock our troops were in possession of the several redoubts on Morne Tortenson, the enemy retiring in great confusion to Morne Gamier, a still higher hill, and separated from Morne Tortenson by a deep ravine, which post was strongly fortified, and considered to be of great importance. General Haviland, with his brigade and two battalions of Highlanders, with some light infantry under major Leland, were directed to make a passage through the ravine, and cut off a detached corps of the French. They soon drove the enemy, and the light infantry possessed themselves of a post opposite to Morne Gamier; while the division of grenadiers and Walsh's brigade kept possession of an upper plantation, and the marines, which general Monckton had taken from brigadier Rufane, were posted to cover the road between the two plantations. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Tuesday 25thJanuary. The batteries on Morne Tortenson opened against the citadel of Fort Royal; and the tire from Morne Gamier was so annoying, that it became expedient to attack this post. On the 27th the enemy, in force, moved out under cover of their batteries, and attacked the two corps of light infantry and Haviland's brigade; but they were received with firmness, and repulsed. The ardour of the british troops led them to pursue the enemy across the ravine, and seize their batteries, where they took post, and were presently reinforced by the brigade of general Walsh and the division of grenadiers under brigadier Grant. Before nine that night, the light infantry under major Leland were in possession of Morne Gamier, which completely commanded the citadel. On the 30th of January, the batteries on Morne Tortenson were opened upon the citadel; but finding that the distance was too great, it became necessary to possess Morne Capuchin, which was within four hundred yards of the place. Whilst preparations were making to carry this into effect, the french garrison proposed to capitulate, and terms having been agreed upon for the conveyance of the troops to France, the garrison, consisting of 800 men, marched out with the honours of war on the morning of the 5th of February. The governor-general, M. de la Touche, had fallen back upon St. Pierre, with an intention of holding out, but he soon surrendered; and captain Harvey having landed the marines from the squadron, with 500 seamen, in the har- bour of Trinite, the whole island submitted to the british crown. This conquest, which added so much lustre to our arms, was obtained at the expense of 7 officers, 3 Serjeants, and 86 rank and file killed; and 32 officers, 20 Serjeants, and 337 rank and file wounded; while the loss of the enemy exceeded 1000 men. The islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, fell soon after the surrender of Martinique, and by these acquisitions the colonies of Antigua, St. Christopher's, and Nevis were secured from any hostile intention of the enemy. Great Britain thus became quietly possessed of that chain of islands, extending from the eastern point of Hispaniola, almost to the continent of South America.

An expedition, consisting of five ships of the line and fifty transports, under admiral Pocock, for the reduction of the island of Cuba, sailed from Spithead on the 5th of March, and arrived at Barbadoes on the 20th of April, whence it proceeded to Martinique, and on the 26th anchored in the bay of Cas de Navieres. The army, after receiving reinforcements, was divided into five brigades, and the necessary arrangements being completed, the expedition took its departure on the 6th of May. Between that period and the 23rd, it was joined by the squadrons of captains Harvey and sir James Douglas; and on the 27th the fleet, now amounting to 200 sail, bore away for the old straits of Bahama, and arrived off the Havanna on the 6th of June. At this time the garrison of the Havanna consisted of 4610 regular troops, 9000 sailors and marines of the twelve ships of the line in the harbour, with 14,000 militia and people of colour, forming a total of 20,610 men.

The army having effected a landing about six miles to the eastward of the Moro without opposition, moved towards the Havanna; but a considerable force showing a disposition to dispute the passage of the Coximar river, the fort was silenced by the fire of the Dragon, and the troops passed unmolested. During this time sir George Pocock made a feint with the marines on the Havanna side, in order to divert the enemy's attention. On the 10th the Belleisle, captain Knight, was ordered against the Chorera castle; and on the following day colonel Carleton carried the redoubt which defended the Cavannos. On the 13th, colonel Home, with 300 light infantry, and two battalions of marines under majors Campbell and Collins, landed at the Chorera, to secure a footing and engage the enemy's attention on that side.

Owing to the thinness of the soil upon the Cavannos, the approaches against the Moro went on so slowly, that it was not until the 29th that our batteries could open upon the Moro and the shipping. In order to lessen the fire on the land side, the admiral ordered captain Harvey, with the Dragon, Cambridge, and Marlborough, to attack the Moro castle. On the 13th of July they took their stations, and the cannonade was kept up without intermission from eight in the morning until two in the afternoon. The Cambridge was so much cut up, that it became necessary to order her to withdraw: her captain, William Goostrey, and 23 men were killed, and 95 wounded. The Dragon was soon rendered incapable of keeping her station: her loss amounted to 16 killed, and 37 wounded; and the Marlborough had 2 killed, and 8 wounded. The Moro, from its elevated situation on a steep rock, had great advantage over the ships, and they also suffered from the galling fire of the Punta, as well as the other batteries. Although this bold attempt had little effect on the fortifications, it nevertheless diverted the enemy's attention from our operations on the land side; but as soon as the cannonade ceased on board the ships, the enemy returned our fire with increased vigour. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Saturday 26th March. Lord Hood was appointed Commander of the Chatham division of Marines.

1763. April. Marine Soldiers obtained the right of following their trades in any town of Great Britain (except those having Universities) after their discharge from the service.

1763. April. Marine Soldiers obtained the right of following their trades in any town of Great Britain (except those having Universities) after their discharge from the service. This remains the same.
It is to be observed, for the guidance of legal heirs to prize-money, which may be due to any deceased Marine Soldier, that if they do not exhibit their claims within three years after notice has been given by the Agent or Agents, of its being in course of payment, such goes into the funds of Greenwich Hospital. This shews the absolute necessity of every family or kindred maintaining a constant correspondence with their distant military friends, and as the life of a Soldier is ever precarious, he should not fail to report, by letter, the circumstantial particulars of each fortunate capture at sea, in which he may have an interest, in order that his legal or designed heirs may meet with little difficulty in tracing out where his property lays, in the event of death. As the Country wisely permits the Marine, in common with all the subordinate servants of his Majesty, an economical communication with his dear and remote friends, by the abolition of every postage excepting the payment of one penny, no occasion should be lost of availing himself of this valuable privilege. From this item being lodged with each letter into the office from whence it is dispatched, I am afraid, however, it often happens, when on the eve of putting to sea, that those poor fellows, in the hurry of the occasion, entrust their money and their secrets to unprincipled watermen, who may be tempted to pocket the one, and destroy the other without a chance of detection. Were the receivers of each letter obliged to pay this little impost, correspondence might be more regular, such frauds prevented, and the revenue continue unaltered. (Taken from the Appendix 'An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1763. Saturday 2nd July. Our batteries renewed the attack with great success, but they were somewhat impeded by a fire break- ing out, occasioned by the dryness of the fascines; nevertheless, before the evening the enemy's batteries had suffered so considerably, as to be only capable of making a return from two guns. On the 3rd the fire broke out afresh, and continued until the 5th, destroying in a few hours what the labours of five or six hundred men had produced during the seventeen days. This misfortune was severely felt, for the hardships of the siege were grown almost insupportable: sickness and fatigue had reduced the army to half its original number; and no less than 5000 soldiers and 3000 seamen were incapable of duty. The scarcity of provisions and water aggravated all their other sufferings, but the timely arrival of sir James Douglas on the 12th, with reinforcements from Jamaica, and brigadier- general Burton on the 28th, with the first division of troops from North America, re-animated the gallant fellows who had endured so much privation and fatigue. On the 30th of July, about two o'clock in the afternoon, two mines were sprung, and a breach made in the bastion, which being deemed practicable, the troops, led by lieutenant Charles Forbes of the Royals, ascended to the assault with the greatest resolution, and soon drove the enemy from every part of the ramparts. The Spanish governor, don Louis de Velasco, exerted himself to the last in defending the fortress, and in his endeavours to rally his men he was mortally wounded. The loss of the enemy amounted to 130 killed; 400 threw down their arms and were made prisoners. The marquis Gonzales, second in command in the Moro, was killed in his gallant though ineffectual efforts to defend his post.

The possession of this fort, after a hard struggle of forty-four days, gave great satisfaction to the troops, who had so cheerfully borne the fatigues of this protracted siege, and whose labours did not relax until the capitulation of the enemy on the 12th. The fortifications were mounted with 250 iron, and 104 brass ordnance, besides 12 mortars. Exclusive of the three ships of the line sunk at the entrance of the harbour, there were nine in an effective state, and two on the stocks.

In the distribution of prize-money for the capture of the Havanna, the commander-in-chief received £122,697. 10s. 6d.  next in command, £24,539. 10s. \d.; major-gen., £68 16. 10s. 6d. field-officer, £564. 14s. 6d; captain, £184. 4s. Id.; subaltern, £116. 3s.  whilst the private soldier had only £4. Is. 8c? Total amount, £368,092. lis. 6d.

A squadron, under M. de Ternay, of two ships of the line and two frigates conveying 1500 infantry, which sailed from Brest in the month of April to make an attempt on our settle- ment at Newfoundland, reached their destination on the 24th of June. The troops were landed in the bay of Bulls, and having summoned the officer commanding Fort William, the chief defence of St. John's, its feeble garrison surrendered. A detachment was sent to take possession of Trinity and the island of Carbonera, but their conquest extended no further; for captain Graves, who was then at Placentia, in the Antelope, imraernediately landed his marines, at the same time apprizing the commanders at New York and Halifax of his situation and requesting their support.

Lord Colville soon arrived with some ships from Halifax, and after disembarking his marines, as a further reinforcement, he sailed in search of M. de Ternay; but previously sent an officer and thirty marines from the Syren, to the island of Boys, which prevented it from falling into the enemy's hands. During this period, the works of St. John's had been much strengthened by the exertions of the french garrison, who took the precaution of laying a boom across the entrance of the harbour, to prevent any ship of force entering it. As soon as the intelligence of the French being in possession of St. John's reached America, general Amherst detached a force, which arrived on the coast of Newfoundland on the 11th of September, and landed in two battalions, under the direction of lieutenant-colonel Amherst, who, after several days skirmishing with the out-posts of the enemy, invested St. John's on the 16th; on which day the dense fog that prevailed enabled M. de Ternay, with his squadron, to steal out of the harbour unobserved. On the 17th, colonel Amherst opened a mortar battery against the fort, and on the 18th the garrison of St. John's capitulated.

The expedition against the Philippine Islands, suggested by colonel William Draper, was one of the boldest and most important of our successes during the war. The Spaniards in this colony, confiding in their remote distance from Europe, persuaded themselves that no attack would ever be deemed practicable; and lulled by this security, they entirely neglected keeping up a regular military force for their own protection.

The Philippines, or Manillas, form a principal division of that immense Indian archipelago, which consists of above twelve hundred islands, extending from the nineteenth degree of north latitude, to the shores of New Guinea and the great southern continent. The Philippines, which form the northern-most cluster of these islands, are some of the largest and richest in the world and were most happily situated for commercial intercourse with Asia and America; receiving European goods by the way of the Cape of Good Hope, and connecting the traffic of China, Japan, and the Spice Islands with that of Europe and America. The principal island is Manilla, or Luconia, which is three hundred miles in length, and ninety in breadth. The capital is Manilla, having a spacious harbour on the south-east of the island, where the galleons used to arrive annually, and sail for Acapulco in America, with treasure and valuable merchandise. On the declaration of the war with Spain, colonel Draper was despatched to India in the Argo frigate, with instructions to take command of the land forces to be employed against Manilla, having rank of brigadier-general, and he arrived at Madras in the latter part of June.

The troops consisted of the 79th regiment, a company of artillery, 600 sepoys, and about 300 other native troops; to which were added 700 seamen, with 19 officers and 319 rank and file of marines, forming a total of 2330 men. The squadron under vice-admiral Cornish, consisting of eight ships of the line and three frigates, with two large transports conveying this force, sailed on the 12th of August, arrived at Malacca on the 19th, quitted that place on the 27th, and arrived at Manilla harbour on the 23rd of September. After an ineffectual summons, preparations were made for the debarkation of the troops; and about six in the evening of the 24th the boats, in three divisions under the direction of captains Parker, Kempenfelt, and Brereton, pulled for the shore, covered by the fire of the frigates, which dispersed the enemy that had assembled on the beach. The violence of the surf destroyed many of the boats, and damaged the ammunition, but no lives were lost; and the troops, having formed upon the beach, moved forward and took possession of the village of Malata, distant about a mile from the enemy's works.

On the 25th a detachment occupied the fort of Pulverista, which the Spaniards had abandoned; whilst colonel Monson pushed forward with 200 men, and possessed himself of the church of Hermita, situated near the city. This post was of much consequence, both from its strength and the shelter it afforded from the heavy rains that had already set in, and the 79th regiment, under major Moore, was therefore ordered to reinforce it. The seamen were indefatigable in their exertions in landing the stores and artillery through the dangerous surf, in which lieutenant Hardwick was unfortunately drowned.

The marines were left at the Malata, in the neighbourhood of the Pulveiista, preserving a communication with the advanced forces; at the same time, whilst securing a retreat, they protected the stores and artillery, and, to use the words of colonel Draper, " the men, from the good conduct and example of their officers, behaved very well, and were of great use upon all occasions." The battalion of seamen was stationed between the 79th regiment and the marines; a detachment advancing within three hundred yards of the town, who maintained themselves in the church of St. J ago. On the 26th of September the Spaniards made a sally from the garrison; and 400 men under chevalier de la Fayette, having with them two field-pieces, with which they occupied a church on the right of the British, then commenced a cannonade upon their flank; but colonel Monson with the picquets, reinforced by a small party of seamen, attacked them so sharply that they were driven back into the town, and their retreat was so precipitate that they left one of their guns on the glacis. A summons was sent to the governor; but he returned a spirited answer, expressive of his determination to defend his trust as became him. Had the valour of the garrison corresponded with the declaration of their leader, the town would have had nothing to apprehend from an enemy, whose operations, from their inferiority of numbers, were confined to one corner of the place, leaving two-thirds of it open to all manner of supplies. The front attacked was 74 enemy's sortie repulsed. Defended by the bastions of St. Diego and St. Andrew, with a ravelin which covered the royal gate; and there was a wet ditch, covered way, and glacis. These bastions were in good order, mounting a great number of brass cannon; but the ravelin was not armed, and the covered way out of repair; the ditch did not extend round the bastion of St. Diego, and the glacis was much too low.

By great exertions three batteries were raised, which opened on the town with some effect; and on the 29th the Elizabeth and Falmouth took positions as near as the depth of water would permit, to second the operations of the army by enfilading the enemy's front.

On the 1st of October the weather grew so tempestuous, that the whole squadron was in great danger, and all communi- cation was cut off with the army; but notwithstanding the heavy rains, the troops and seamen continued their exertions so effectually in completing the battery for the twenty-four pounders and a mortar, that all the guns were mounted by the 2nd. On the 3rd a fire was opened upon the left face of St. Diego's bastion with such effect, that in a few hours the twelve pieces of cannon on it were silenced, and the enemy compelled to retire. The Spaniards, finding that their fortifications were no longer tenable, projected a sortie, and before day-light on the 4th a 1000 Indians, armed with bows and arrows, and lances, attacked the cantonment of the seamen with great fury; but they were met with such determined firmness, that on the arrival of a reinforcement of the 79th regiment, the enemy was driven back with the loss of 300 men. A second attack was made by another body of Indians, supported by a strong detachment of the Spanish garrison, who attacked the church of St. Jago and drove the sepoys; but the European troops maintained their post with great firmness, and at length defeated the assailants. This was the enemy's last effort: only 1800 of the Indians continued their assistance to the besieged, the remainder returning to their homes. Our batteries kept up their fire with renewed spirit, which was but weakly retained from three or four embrasures in the curtain, and before night these defences were in ruins.

A little after day-break on the 6th, the different corps had taken their stations for storming the place, and under cover of our artillery they rushed on to the assalt. Lieutenant Russell of the 79th, with 60 volunteers, led the way, supported by the grenadiers of that regiment. Next to the pioneers came the battalion of seamen, sustained by two grand divisions of the 79th regiment, and the troops of the East India Company formed the rear. Thus disposed, the assailants, to the number of 2000 men, mounted the breach with great rapidity; the enemy giving way, and offering no opposition until they arrived at the gate of the town, where a resistance was made by 100 men, who were all put to the sword. The governor, with his officers, retired to the citadel, but were glad to surrender at discretion, as that place was incapable of defence. The port of Cavite, and the other dependencies of Manilla, were surrendered to the British, and captain Champion, with 100 marines and as many sepoys, was ordered to take possession of the citadel.

Throughout the whole of these operations the greatest cordiality prevailed between the two services, and no conjunct expedition was ever conducted with more resolution and professional skill, than the conquest of the Philippine islands. The loss sustained during the siege was less than could have been expected from the nature of the service. It amounted to one naval officer, and three of the army killed; one Company's officer drowned; 13 seamen and marines, 75 soldiers killed, and 6 wounded 1 officer of the navy, 3 officers of the troops, 20 sailors or marines, and 87 soldiers wounded: lieutenant Spearing of the marines among the latter. Commodore Siddeman, in attempting to enter the river in his barge on the morning after the capitulation of Manilla, was unfortunately drowned, with five of his people.

Admiral Cornish created a baronet of Great Britain, and the thanks of Parliament were voted to those officers and their subordinates who were concerned in the conquest of Manilla.

On the 21st of May, the Active and Favourite sloops, cruising off Cadiz, captured the Spanish treasure-ship Hermione, from Lima, with a cargo which, with the value of the ship, amounted to £544,648. Is. 6d; the share of the treasure gave the cap- tains each £65,053. 13s. 9cL; lieutenants, £39,014. 2s. 3d.; and a private marine, £484. 2s. 5d.

On the 29th of August, the Eolus of 32 guns, captain Hotham, chased two ships into Aviles bay, near Cape Penas, and on the 2nd of September stood in to attack them. On rounding the point, the largest ship, mounting 32 guns, opened her fire, supported by a battery of three guns, situated on an eminence within the point. At 3 p.m., the iEolus anchored with a spring on her cable, and directing her fire both on the ship and battery, soon drove them from their guns: the crew, taking to their boats, abandoned the ship, which having ran aground, was destroyed. The battery continuing to annoy the frigate, lieutenant Campbell with his party of marines landed, drove out the enemy and spiked the guns. The other ship having removed higher up the bay in shoal water, captain Hotham stood out from the anchorage without sustaining any loss.

We have not space to relate the various naval exploits of 1762, in the course of which year the British captured upwards of one hundred and twenty considerable prizes, and this success gave frequent occasions for the display of our professional superiority. Since Spain had undertaken this fatal war, she had lost twelve ships of the line, besides frigates. Eighteen of the line and thirty-six frigates were captured from the French, and fourteen ships of the line and thirteen frigates destroyed. On the other hand, two british frigates were captured by the French, and three destroyed by the enemy; whilst thirteen sail of the line, with fourteen frigates, were accidentally lost; but no english ship of the line fell into the enemy's hands. During this memorable war, the marines took part in every exploit of honour and danger, and they served in every naval action, except the drawn battle of Minorca. On all occasions their discipline and firmness was a subject of the highest commendation, and they never failed to maintain a subordination worthy of imitation.

The preliminaries' of peace, which were signed on the 3rd of November, and ratified in February of the following year, closed the services of the marines for a long period; and a very considerable reduction took place, for in 1763 only 16,000 men were voted for the sea service, including 4287 marines. This circumscribed establishment produced so much discontent in the corps, that it gave rise to numerous memorials to the Board of Admiralty; but those remonstrances met with so little success, that many officers were induced to quit the service and enter the army, where some obtained the highest rank.

In 1770 affairs of a very serious aspect called the attention of the british government to the disturbed state of her american colonies, in consequence of a real or pretended right on the part of Great Britain to impose internal taxes. The stamp-act was so exceedingly unpopular, that its repeal was absolutely necessary to appease the people; and the tax on tea imported into America was so obnoxious, that every means of opposition to the measure was resorted to.

In October, ships laden with tea having arrived at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charlestown, and Rhode Island, conveying altogether 2200 chests, the people assembled at different places to concert measures that would prevent the importation, and to compel the consignees, at the risk of their lives and property, to relinquish their employments. In these assemblies, resolutions were passed derogatory to the legislative power of Great Britain; and on the 18th of December a number of armed men, under the disguise of Mohawk Indians, boarded the ships, and threw their valuable cargoes into the sea; but at New York the tea was landed under the protection of the men-of-war. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1763. Colonels of Marines received forty shillings per day.

1763. By this time all of France’s allies in Europe had either made a separate peace deal with Prussia or had been defeated. In addition, Spanish attempts to aid France in the Americas had failed, and France also suffered defeats against British forces in India.

1763. Because of the peace the establishment the Marines were reduce to a force of 4,287 men.

1763. It is to be observed, for the guidance of legal heirs to prize-money, which may be due to any deceased Marine Soldier, that if they do not exhibit their claims within three years after notice has been given by the Agent or Agents, of its being in course of payment, such goes into the funds of Greenwich Hospital. This shews the absolute necessity of every family or kindred maintaining a constant correspondence with their distant military friends, and as the life of a Soldier is ever precarious, he should not fail to report, by letter, the circumstantial particulars of each fortunate capture at sea, in which he may have an interest, in order that his legal or designed heirs may meet with little difficulty in tracing out where his property lays, in the event of death.

1763. As the Country wisely permits the Marine, in common with all the subordinate servants of his Majesty, an economical communication with his dear and remote friends, by the abolition of every postage excepting the payment of one penny, no occasion should be lost of availing himself of this valuable privilege. From this item being lodged with each letter into the office from whence it is dispatched, I am afraid, however, it often happens, when on the eve of putting to sea, that those poor fellows, in the hurry of the occasion, entrust their money and their secrets to unprincipled watermen, who may be tempted to pocket the one, and destroy the other without a chance of detection. Were the receivers of each letter obliged to pay this little impost, correspondence might be more regular, such frauds prevented, and the revenue continue unaltered.

1763. All enquiries concerning the situation or destinies of distant relatives serving in the Royal Marines when embarked on board of ship, should be preferred to the Navy Board, Somerset Place, London, and through its present Secretary, (R. A. Nelson,) or whoever may succeed him, as the returns of ships are transmitted to that office, in which the Marines are included. In order to identify the Soldier, about whom an enquiry is made it is necessary to hand, at the same time, the number of his divisional company, as well as that of his allotment ticket, if he has granted one. Successful reference may also be had to the division, where he is attached, by addressing a letter, "On his Majesty's service," to the Adjutant of it; always remarking the number of his Company.

1763. Any Marine dying on board intestate upon information of his decease reaching his friends, he who is entitled to his effects must give in a petition to the Inspector of Wills, (J. Bedingfield, Esq.) Somerset Place, London, or whoever may be his successor, stating the name of such Marine, to what part of the King's dominions he belonged, the name of the ship or ships in which he served, the applicant's own name, at full length, his relation to, or connexion with the defunct, what other kindred the deceased may have alive to the best of the petitioner's knowledge, and where resident. This must be certified by two respectable housekeepers of the parish, town, or place where the applicant dwells, who must aver that they believe such account to be true, which is also to be attested by the Minister and Church Wardens, that those subscribing witnesses live in the parish, and are of honest repute. Upon a petition and a certificate, executed agreeable to such prescribed forms, being transmitted to the Inspector of Wills, he will enquire into the truth of all, and when satisfied that no will of the deceased remains with him, he will send or deliver to the claimants an abstract of his petition, with a note or ticket signed by himself and subjoined, marked by his stamp, representing that such statement of the claimant appears just, and that the person so petitioning may have letters of administration to the deceased, provided he is otherwise entitled by law, which will be addressed to a Proctor in Doctor's Commons, that letters may pass in favour of the applicant, while the original petition and certificate are preserved on the records of the Treasurer of the Navy and kept by him, and the letters of administration must be lodged and registered in the same manner as the probates of wills, with the Inspector, who must give a cheque signed and stamped by him, or his representative, to the Administrators or their Attorneys, which will be sufficient for either to demand payment of all sums due to them on account of the deceased. Proctors are liable to a penalty of 500l. if aiding to procure probates or letters of administration to empower any to receive pay, prize-money, &c. for service in the fleet, without having first obtained a certificate from the Inspector of Wills and powers of Attorney, and they will, moreover, be incapacitated from acting in any Ecclesiastical Court of Great Britain or Ireland.

1763. Non-Commissioned Officers and Private Marines should be cautious to execute latter wills and powers exactly conformable to the prescribed rules, for if not attended to, they will be of no effect, besides the testator or executor being subject to a penalty.

The stated fees of Proctors are as follow, and with them I shall close an Appendix, which, I humbly trust, will prove of general benefit. Every remark which it contains is alike applicable in pursuing the interests of the heirs of Seamen as well as of Marines.

1764. The genius of discovery, and commerce, began to supersede that of war in 1764 and many ensuing years.
Circumstances, however, very early occurred within the North American Provinces, which developed the genuine spirit of the people, and afforded the presage of future broils.
Gratitude to a Mother Country, who had delivered those Colonists from the terrors of a hostile and restless neighbour, had scarcely cooled throughout that Continent, when the example of New England, long famed for a bias to republican principles, began to evince an opposition to the laws of a parent, by whom they had been so long protected, and under which they continued to flourish.
Happy had it been for Britain, if, at this period of lurking danger, her councils had been guided by a purer consistency, and a more elevated dignity; but a fatal irritation, succeeded by concession, were but injudicious means to subdue, or to appease a spirit that began to cherish the ideas of future emancipation.
Political discussions fall not within my pro ince, but as being introductory to that issue which compels an appeal to the sword. The events of 1765, led to the American rebellion, and as but very few incidents appear at all connected with my subject, my review, upon this interval of time being uninteresting, must of course be concise.
The Marine Soldier was naturally a companion in these dangers and hardships which marked the progress of those scientific characters, who were employed by an enlightened Country, in fixing the intercourse between man and man, in exploring regions hitherto unknown, and in extending the dominions and the commerce of their native island.
Sometimes, indeed, he was obliged reluctantly to draw the trigger against the uncivilized savage, but it was his duty, and only in self-defence.
It was not until the year 1771 that the Corps of Marines felt the fostering influence of a patron and a friend.
Earl Sandwich, placed at the head of the Admiralty, was now enabled to realize a system he had long entertained in his thoughts; he beheld us orphans, and he adopted us as his children.
From him originated the Colonels Commandant of Divisions, and many of these interior regulations, which, for their economy and wisdom, do honour to the establishment.
His Lordship, by a Memorial to the Throne, soon after his accession to power, obtained an order of Council to enlarge the number of Field Officers.
These happy reforms held out a hope to the veteran, from which he had till now been precluded, that of being at the head of a Division.
By a train of considerate attentions, the Corps was placed on a respectable footing, its discipline became much improved, and his Lordship soon saw those objects of his tender care, surpassed by no troops in the world, for subordination, intrepidity, and cool valour.
Nothing farther which attaches to my detail appears on the face of public events, until Britain again unsheathed the sword, to assert the rights of supremacy over her North American Colonies. (Taken from Chapter 27 ' An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1764. From the era of 1764, we may date the fatal American rebellion, and those revolutionary principles which have long continued, and what still menace the quiet and independence of Europe, and the World.
Political topics, from that period, were predominant amongst the Colonists, and all who know how easy it is to sway popular prejudices, will readily allow it is as little difficult to give them action.
Grievances, whether real or imaginary, which is not my business to decide, unceasingly agitated the public mind, weaned by degrees every filial affection, and from their tedious speculative existence, they implanted within the breasts of many, the lurking sentiments of jealous rancour. Such in their progress became principles, and those men, very early, either filled the Armies of North America, or guided her Councils.
A public character, much respected for his private as well as military virtues, was placed at Boston. General Gage, from a long residence upon the Continent, was well qualified to allay the general ferment; but it was too deeply rooted, and the duty he owed his King, was soon necessarily paramount to every other consideration.
In the year 1774 an assemblage of troops, under that Officer, gave umbrage not only to the Bostonians, but to their surrounding neighbours, and the placing of a guard at the Neck, which is the narrow isthmus that joins the Peninsula to the Continent, afforded an additional cause of suspicion.
At this time, and from a very trifling circumstance, a spirit of military union, and also of hostility, was peculiarly apparent among the New Englanders. A report, very industriously propagated, and seemingly with a view to probe the general feelings, gained ground, that the British had occupied the Neck, had cut off all communication with the Continent, in order to compel the inhabitants of Boston into the unlimited assent of every measure.
This being spread abroad, the adjacent country assembled, intimated to the people within the town their readiness to assist them; but that if they should sacrifice their liberties, such an inglorious compact would extend no farther.
They moreover avowed their intentions of combining together in what manner and form they chose for mutual security.
Everything foreboding hostile events, General Gage fortified the Neck at Boston, and as precautionary steps he also seized upon the provincial arsenal at Cambridge, and the powder lodged in the magazines of Charlestown.
These measures were sufficient to rouse the popular indignation, in no want of inflammatory materials; but although they might not have been political, they were still, however, expedient, under existing circumstances.
To ascertain the views and opinions of so many provinces, different in their manners, and in some respects opposite in their interests, a general Congress was held at Philadelphia, on the 5th of September 1774, by deputies from the whole. Their proceedings were marked by moderation, but by firmness.
The terms of conciliation arising from them having been rejected by the mother country, his Majesty communicated a message, recommending the augmentation of his forces, by sea and land.
The union which pervaded America, sufficiently proves how widely popular had been the resolves of their deputies. These were almost everywhere the political creed of the Colonies, and the crowd.
Things arrived at such a crisis early in 1775, that the die could not be long suspended. A trivial affair, upon the 26th of February, shewed by what a slender thread the tranquillity of the Empire hung, and although it was not accompanied by any act of hostility, still it tended to ground a mutual antipathy between the Soldier and the Native.
General Gage having learned that some brass guns had been collected in the town of Salem, sent a detachment in order to bring them to Boston. Landing at Marblehead, they continued their march towards the place of destination, but not finding the cannon, which had been removed, they penetrated farther into the country in quest of them.
In the course of their route there was a draw-bridge, which the numerous populace on the other side had taken up, on purpose to stop the passage of the troops. An order from the Commanding Officer to let it down was disobeyed, who attempted to seize on a boat, in order to get possession of the bridge. A scuffle ensued, but nothing occurred which could be denominated sanguinary force.
This was owing to the address of a neighbouring Clergyman, who, while he consulted the feelings of an Officer in prosecuting his instructions, also expostulated with him who headed the detachment, upon the endless and calamitous results if blood was spilt.
Appealing to the people also, he invoked them to concede their point, which, for a short time, delayed the awful quarrel.
This party returned without success, but without mischief.
A body of Marines was at Boston, under Major Pitcairne, whose personal destiny it was to be employed in the first hostile act, which eventually involved the separation of Britain and America.
At the town of Concord, where the provincial Congress was held, a quantity of military stores having been collected, the Commander in Chief ordered the Grenadiers and Light Infantry of the Army, under Lieut. Col. Smith, and Major Pitcairne, to destroy them.
They embarked during the night of the 18th of April, and proceeding up Charles River, landed at Phipp's Farm, from whence they advanced, with silent rapidity, towards Concord. The country, however, was alarmed before the dawn of day, and on the arrival of the British at Lexington, the Militia of that town was assembled, under arms, at five in the morning.
An English Officer, in the van, called out, "Disperse, you rebels;" when our soldiery, firing a few partial shots, a general discharge followed, by which some were both killed and wounded. A mutual recrimination upon the score of first aggression, was afterwards agitated, which, instead of staying, only tended to stimulate the spirit of war.
Colonel Smith having pushed forward some Companies of Light Infantry, before his arrival at Concord, in order to secure two bridges, by which the Provincials might carry off the stores, another body of Militia that appeared on a hill in their route, retired at the approach of the British troops, across one of them, who soon after possessed themselves of both.
The main body were, in the meantime, employed in destroying every military article within the town.
The American Militia, observing some conflagration of houses in Concord, immediately returned to one of the bridges they had recently passed, when the Light Infantry occupied the side of the river towards that place. On the approach of the Provincials the former fired, which was soon returned.
After a skirmish, the English detachment fell back, with the loss of some killed and wounded, besides one Lieutenant and a few other prisoners.
About this time the whole country was in one state of alarm, which compelled an immediate retreat to Lexington. This was effected under the disagreeable circumstances of a hot day, and an incessant fire from the hourly collecting numbers in the rear of the troops, and from houses, walls, and every hidden place of defence, in their front and flanks.
Lord Percy had most judiciously been detached from Boston very early in the morning of the 19th, with a reinforcement of sixteen Companies, and a body of Marines. This force arrived at Lexington just in time to afford a respite to Colonel Smith's detachment, now much harassed by fatigue and overpowered by very superior numbers.
Having two field pieces, they kept the rebels in awe, until the British resumed their march towards Boston. Major Pitcairne's horse was twice wounded very severely, and he made some narrow escapes during these tumultuous attacks.
Lord Percy, who had advanced to Lexington, by the way of Cambridge, with a penetration and foresight that reflected high honour upon his military talents, determined upon returning to Boston by a different route. The numerous hordes of Americans who had collected on the expected line of his retrograde march, were by this foiled in their hopes of blood, as his Lordship most judiciously turned off towards Charlestown, where he was not looked for, and gained the heights of Bunker's Hill, whither they durst not follow him. To this happy manœuvre the whole detachment owed its salvation, and Boston also may acknowledge his Lordship as its preserver at that early and important crisis.
Throughout the whole of this toilsome service, our loss was by no means equal to the seeming dangers, being only 65 killed, 2 Lieutenants and 20 men taken prisoners, and Colonel Smith, besides some other Officers, and about 174 wounded. Thus, was the fatal torch lighted, and it never was extinguished but with American independence.
The whole Country was now roused to arms, and General Gage, with his little army, became invested, within the works of Boston.
Earl Sandwich, who presided at the Board of Admiralty, sensible of the high state of discipline, to which the corps of Marines had reached, pushed them early into the American War. Their conduct upon every duty, reflected credit upon his Lordship's discernment.
In addition to those under Major Pitcairne, who were attached to Lord Percy's Brigade, a farther reinforcement arrived at Boston in the month of May, commanded by Major Short.
It is a tribute justly due to those Officers who so very gallantly supported their Country's honour, and their own, to detail their names, and battalions, agreeably to the arrangement issued in public orders, at Boston, upon the 20th of May.
Battalion orders,
"The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed a reinforcement of Marines to serve under Major Pitcairne, in General Gage's Army, consisting of the following number: 2 Majors, 10 Captains, 27 Subalterns, 2 Adjutants, 1 Surgeon, 2 Surgeon's Mates, 28 Serjeants, 25 Corporals, 20 Drummers, 600 Privates.
"The Commanding Officer finds it necessary, for the good of the service, to form the whole under his command, into two Battalions.
Officers in 1st Battalion.         Officers in 2nd Battalion.
GRENADIERS                    .
Thos. Avarne, Capt.                  Geo. Logan, Capt.
Wm. Finney, 1st Lieut.             Alex. Brisbane, 1st Lieut.
Geo. Vevers, 1st Lieut.             Francis Gardner, 1st Lieut.
1st COMPANY.                       1st COMPANY.
Stawel Chudleigh, Capt.            Hon. John Maitland, Capt.
Rich. Shea, 1st Lieut.                 Jesse Adair, 1st Lieut.
Hewes, 1st Lieut.                       Roland Carter, 1st Lieut.
2nd COMPANY.                        2nd COMPANY.
Stephen Ellis, Capt.                   Chas. Chandless, Capt.
James Robertson, 1st Lieut.       Fenton Griffiths, 1st Lieut.
P. D. Robertson, 2d Lieut.         Henry D'Oyley, 2d Lieut.
3rd COMPANY.                        3rd COMPANY.
Thos. Lindsay, Capt.                 Thos. Groves, Capt.
Wm. Lycett, 1st Lieut.              John Hadden, 1st Lieut.
David Collins, 2d Lieut.            Titus Conyers, 1st Lieut.
4th COMPANY.                       4th COMPANY.
Wm. Forster, Capt.                   Samuel Davys, Capt.
Wm. Graham, 1st Lieut.           Walter Nugent, 1st Lieut.
Isaac Potter, 2d Lieut.               Robt. Carey, 2d. Lieut.
5th COMPANY.                       5th COMPANY.
Robt. Ross, Capt.                        Edw. Henvill, Capt.
Chas. Steward, 1st Lieut.           Thos. Biggs, 1st Lieut.
Onas Mathews, 1st Lieut.           James Lewis, 2d Lieut.
6th COMPANY.                        6th COMPANY.
Wm. Sabine, Capt.                     Geo. Elliott, Capt.
B. M'Donald, 2d Lieut.              Alex. M'Donald, 1st Lieut.
Henry Tantum, 2d Lieut.            John France, 1st Lieut.
7th COMPANY.                       7th COMPANY.
J. H. Branson, Capt.                    Arthur Walker, Capt.
Wm. Creswell, 1st Lieut.             James Anderson, 1st Lieut.
Thos. Trollope, 2d Lieut.             Robt. Moore, 2d Lieut.
8th COMPANY.                       8th COMPANY.
John Perceval, Capt.                 John M'Fie, Capt.
Aaron Eustace, 1st Lieut.          Sir John Dalston, Bart. 1st Lieut.
Thos. Woodcock, 2d Lieut.        Francis Dogherty, 1st Lieut.
LIGHT INFANTRY.               LIGHT INFANTRY.
Wm. Souter, Capt.                          Arch. Campbell, Capt.
Wm. Pitcairne, 1st Lieut.                John Dyer, 2d Lieut.
Philip Howe, 2d Lieut.                    N. Harris Nicholas, 2d Lieut.
1st Lieut. John Waller, Adjutant.    1st Lieut. John Fielding, Adjut.
1st Lieut. J. Pitcairne, Qr. Master.  Thos. Smith, Quarter Master.
Captain David Johnston, Superintendant Adjutant, and Deputy Paymaster to the 2d Battalion. Hill, Surgeon to the 2d Battalion, Wm. Tervant, Surgeon's Mate, Silver, Surgeon's Mate.
Thus, united with the Army in garrison at Boston, these Battalions continued to contribute their proportion to its incidental duties; in discharging which, they received the uniform commendation of their superiors, for their regularity, discipline, and subordination. In the Battalion_ orders, of the 3d of June, the following regulations for the payment of Companies were notified.
"The Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having directed, by their letter to Major Pitcairne of the 2d of March last, that the Captains of Marines commanding Companies on shore at Boston, should pay their Companies in the same manner as practised by the Land Forces, the Captains or commanding Officers of Companies, will receive from Captain Johnstone, Deputy Paymaster, one month's subsistence for the non-commissioned Officers and private men of their respective Companies, deducting £0 1s. 5½d. per week each, for provisions and the usual stoppages as directed by the Admiralty, viz.
For one Serjeant per week               £0-0-2
For one Corporal or Drummer     .    £0-0-1½
For one Private Man                         £0-0-1
Dollars to be taken at                        £0-4-8
"Captains are to give the Deputy Paymaster compleat monthly Pay Rolls; accounting for the subsistence distributed to their Companies and specifying every particular casualty that has happened in each Company during the preceding month, and to commence this day." A few trivial affairs occurred in the Bay of Boston, which only tended to excite a mutual irritation, and led to no important consequences. Many resolutions and measures were adopted by the
Colonists, that aimed at the dissolution of every united tie, and even at independance.
General Gage, also, issued a Proclamation in his Majesty's name, extending the offers of pardon to all who should return to their allegiance, excepting Messrs. Samuel Adams and John Hancock. Little hope of reconciliation being entertained, both sides began to prepare in right earnest, for hostilities.
The rebels wishing to anticipate the Royal troops, in the possession of Charlestown, hitherto unoccupied by either, pushed a large body of men, on the evening of the 16th of
June, to erect works upon Bunker's Hill. During the night they raised entrenchments, and a breast work, with a strong redoubt, sufficiently formidable to excite the jealousy of General Gage. A heavy fire opened upon their working parties early on the morning of the 17th of June, who, however, persevered in their labours with much firmness.
It appearing highly necessary to dislodge the Americans from so very important a post, the Commander in Chief, at noon, detached ten Companies of Grenadiers, an equal number of Light Infantry, with the 5th, 38th, 43d, and 52d regiments, under Major Gen. Howe and Brigadier Pigot, with that view, which being embarked, landed and formed on the Peninsula, without opposition, under cover of the ships of war.
The position of the rebels was strong indeed. A small but well contrived redoubt, besides some other works full of soldiers, and defended with cannon, as well as numbers of rifle men placed in the houses of Charlestown, covered their right flank; their centre and left were protected by a breast work, partly gun proof, which reached from the redoubt, to the Medford River.
Major General Howe, upon examining this powerful state of defence, and observing fresh columns pouring in to the enemy's works, solicited a reinforcement, which soon joined him, consisting of some Companies of Grenadiers and Light Infantry, the 47th regiment, and the first battalion of Marines.
Having been formed in two lines, they advanced with slow but steady steps to the conflict. Majors Pitcairne, Tupper, and Short, led my corps upon this distinguished day.
The roar of cannon and howitzers, on the part of the British, occasionally halting to yield them effect, marked their progress towards the rebel works. Not a shot was returned by the enemy, until our troops had nearly reached their entrenchments, when a tremendous and destructive fire was opened, which, it must be confessed, somewhat staggered our men. The awful occasion exhibited General Howe most conspicuously for the valuable resources of coolness and reflection amidst danger. It also afforded an opportunity of signalizing the discipline and intrepidity of the Battalion of Marines, which dealt destruction and carnage around them.
Brigadier General Pigot, who was destined to attack the redoubt and lines, that covered the American right flank, was likewise exposed to a hot fire from the houses in Charlestown. His loss was severe, but his exertions were animated, and displayed the most brilliant courage, as well as talents.
General Clinton, who had crossed from Boston during the action, attached to himself the merit of rallying the troops, whom he led against the rebel works with fixed bayonets, and with that daring impetuosity which so strongly characterizes the British Soldier.
They soon forced them, and drove the Provincials across the neck of Charlestown, who were also much harassed by the cannon of his Majesty's ship Glasgow, in their retreat.
The Glory of the Army, upon this day, was great, but it was dearly earned. Their total loss amounted to 1 Lieutenant Colonel, 2 Majors, 7 Captains, and 9 Subalterns of the land forces and Marines killed; besides 70, of different descriptions in both, wounded. Two hundred and seven Non-commissioned and rank and file also fell, and 828 were wounded.
Amongst the slain was Major Pitcairne, of the Marines, whose death was alike deplored by his Corps and his Country. Major Short also left behind him a reputation sufficiently worthy of deep regret.
The Marine Battalion sustained fully more than its proportional share of casualties, and its gallant conduct upon the 17th of June, demands, from the whole of our Establishment, its commemorative and indelible gratitude, when each of us casts an eye upon that laurel which now encircles his button, and reflects that it was purchased by their valour.
The following appeared in the General Orders of the 19th of June 1775:
"The Commander in Chief returns his most grateful thanks to Major-General Howe, for the extraordinary exertion of his military abilities on the 17th instant. He returns his thanks also to Major-General Clinton, and Brigadier Pigot, for the share they took in the success of the day, as well as to Lieutenant-Colonels Nesbitt, Abercromby, Gunning, and Clarke; Majors Butler, Williams, Bruce, Tupper, Spenlove, Small, and Mitchel, and the rest of the Officers and Soldiers, who, by remarkable efforts of courage and gallantry, overcame every disadvantage, and drove the rebels from the redoubt and strong holds on the heights of Charlestown, and gained a complete victory."
By the return of Major Tupper to Europe, and the fatal events of the 17th of June, the command of the Marines soon after devolved upon Major (now Lieutenant-General) Souter.
Bunker's Hill was fortified, and our troops retained the Peninsula, which rendered their duties very severe. The Americans prevented every supply from the interior, and compelled our Army to subsist upon salt, and indifferent provisions. Cut off from the Continent, their sufferings were great, when sickness became prevalent.
The Provincials having constructed works upon a hill opposite Bunker's, completed the blockade of the Peninsula, which they gradually extended close to the fortifications on Boston Neck.
Some predatory enterprizes were attempted by them, by no means deficient in spirit or success. In one of these they burnt the light-house at the entrance of the harbour, communicating with it by some whale boats from which they carried off, or killed, the whole of a small detachment of Marines, who protected the carpenters in erecting a new one. Thus, matters continued for some time, and the situation of a brave Army, cooped up and unable to act, was rendered both distressing and degrading.
In the orders of the 27th of September, the Royal thanks were tendered to the forces, for their intrepid conduct upon the 17th of June, in the following terms:
"The King has been pleased to order the Commander in Chief, to express his Majesty's thanks, both to the Officers and Soldiers, for the resolution and gallantry with which they attacked and defeated the rebels on the 17th of June last, who had every advantage of numbers and situation; and more especially expressed to the Generals Howe and Clinton, and to Brigadier General Pigot, the sense his Majesty entertains of the spirit, resolution, and conduct by which they distinguished themselves, to their honour, upon that day."
The Battalion Orders of that day, also contained the annexed communications:
The King has been pleased to make the following promotions in his Marine Forces, serving in North America:
Captain William Souter, Major             vice Short, killed.
Capt. Lieut. Francis Lindsay, Capt.       Campbell, ditto.
Robert Ross, Capt.            Ellis, ditto.
David Johnson, Capt.        Souter, promoted.
1st Lieut. Jesse Adair, Capt. Lieut.        Lindsay, ditto.
Sir John Dalston, Ditto          Walker, returned home.
Sir John Hadden, Ditto          Ross, promoted.
Wm. Pitcairne, Ditto              Johnstone, ditto.
2d Lieut.  James Lewis, 1st Lieut.       Shea, killed.
Robert Moore, Ditto             Finnie, ditto.
Thos. Woodcock, Ditto        Gardener, ditto.
Isaac Polder, Ditto                Adair, promoted.
Robert Carey, Ditto              Dalston, ditto.
Ronald M'Donald, Ditto        Hadden, ditto.
Philip Howe, Ditto
Henry Tantum, Ditto              Pitcairne, ditto.
David Collins, Ditto              Spencer, dead.
Volunteer Samuel Davys Bowman       Lewis, promoted."
In consequence of these new arrangements a change took place, in the 2d Battalion, which became commanded by the undermentioned Officers:
1st COMPANY. Captain M'Fie,
1st Lieut. Griffiths.
2d COMPANY. Captain Henvill,
1st Lieut. Lewis,
2d Lieut. Hale.
3d COMPANY. Captain Elliott,
1st Lieut. France,
2d Lieut. Walker.
4th COMPANY. Captain Dalston,
1st Lieut. Moore.
5th COMPANY. Captain Stretch,
1st Lieut. Nugent,
2d Lieut. D'Oyley.
6th COMPANY. Captain Davys,
1st Lieut. Carey,
2d Lieut. Bowman.
7th COMPANY. Captain Adair,
1st Lieut. Carter,
2d Lieut. Ellis.
8th COMPANY. Captain Groves,
1st Lieut. Dogherty,
2d Lieut. F. Lewis.
GRENADIERS. Captain Logan,
1st Lieut. Brisbane,
2d Lieut. Ragg.
LIGHT INFANTRY. Captain Pitcairne,
2d. Lieut. Dyer,
2d. Lieut. Nicholas.
It was farther intimated upon the same day, "That in consequence of the application of Major Pitcairne to have the same allowance for paying the Companies of the 1st and 2d Battalions of Marines, serving on shore in North America, as the Army have, and that the Captains should be answerable for the debts, &c.
"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, ever ready to give every reasonable mark of their indulgence, were pleased to consent that each Captain, commanding a Company, should be allowed after the rate of 1s. per day; being equal to the pay of two men per Company, during their continuance on shore, as is practised in the Army; and the Deputy Paymaster is authorized to issue the same.
"The Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty have been pleased to approve Major Pitcairne's appointing Mr. Smith Quarter-Master to the 2d Battalion of Marines."
General Washington having been appointed to command the Armies of America, he, in company with Major General Lee, reached the camp before Boston, in order to animate them in the general pursuit of continental independence.
Their military spirit had arrived at such a height, that the younger branches of Quaker families at Philadelphia, waiving their principles, associated themselves in arms.
Boston continued to be blockaded during the year, with but little variety.
The rebels did not confine their hostile views to this object alone. A number of partizan adventurers sprung up, whose rapid motions and unknown existence under Colonels Easton, and Ethan Allen, were the means of achieving some conquests of much importance to their infant cause. Their intermediate object was to seize upon the passes on the great lakes, which command the intercourse between Canada and the British Colonies, until their Government, (for so I now call it,) was enabled to advance a force sufficiently adequate to conquer that Province. This they effected by surprizing the garrisons of Ticonderoga and Crown Point.
The American Congress, with the notes of conciliation and peace ever sounding within the walls of their House, had taken early pains to interest the Canadians in the destinies of their neighbours, by inflammatory addresses, and by artful and apposite inferences drawn from the immortal writings of Montesquieu, their Countryman, suited to their prejudices and their political feelings. Having thus placed the train to a deep design, those wily Continentals trusted to time in accomplishing its intended effects.
America soon availed herself of that enthusiasm which pervaded her Citizens, to turn it to a purpose. Already had she disseminated her doctrines over Canada, which she was determined to follow up with her arms. Generals Montgomery and Schuyler headed the troops which were destined to invade that Colony, who found many of the natives either wavering or friendly to the infatuating name of Liberty.
After a series of successes in the capture of Forts Chamblee and St. John's, the defeat of General Carleton, at Longueil, and the surrender of Montreal, all in the Upper Province, the only hope that remained of preserving Canada for the British Crown, centered in the town of Quebec.
Within the defenceless walls of Montreal, was that brave and valuable Officer, General Carleton, now Lord Dorchester. Feeling the weight of his duties, and also conscious of his own importance, at so perilous a crisis, he resolved upon escaping from its impending surrender, which would have deprived his Country of his services. The impulse was patriotically great, and the event was happy. Committing himself, in the night, to a boat, with muffled paddles, he escaped the vigilance of the rebel guards, and reached the seat of his Government. Here he arrived in the hour of danger.
A co-operating expedition, under Mr. Arnold, against the Lower Province of Canada, unequalled in military annals, for the originality of plan, and boldness of execution, had threatened the Capital, in the absence of its Governor. Without a distinct object of reference, it would be useless attempting to delineate the progressive advances of these daring invaders, from New England.
It is enough to say, that a body of Soldiers, ultimately formidable, with their arms and other necessaries, traversed a path, in many places hitherto untrodden by human steps, of upwards
170 miles, interspersed with thickets, precipices, and swamps, and often obliged to carry, on their shoulders, the numerous bateaux attached to their little Army. Such were their sufferings, that many returned, but those, whom constancy supported in following their Chief up to the walls of Quebec, merit the highest encomiums which can be rendered to man for undaunted perseverance and steady idelity.
We may often derive the most impressive examples from our enemy, and they ought never to be rejected. A British Soldier only needs the recital of any deed, in order to rival it.
Self-interest obtained what patriotism and natural duty could not stimulate in the souls of the inhabitants within the town of Quebec. For some time, discord, and even disaffection were prevalent, both of which fiendly passions were absorbed in the venal virtue of defending their property, now threatened by the approach of General Arnold and his magic troops. All united in the cause of their King, and some Sailors and Marines, were landed from the ships in the river, to second their energies. Feeling himself unequal to a siege or a storm, Arnold fell back, and awaited the cast of better fortune.
It was soon after this that General Carleton arrived, who quickly adopted those measures which were worthy of himself and the imperious emergency.
One company of the 7th regiment, might be termed the only regular force under his command, his chief strength being in M'Lean's newly raised corps of Scotch Emigrants, and the associated bodies of English and French Volunteers.
To these a valuable addition was given of all the Marines belonging to the ships of war, and upwards of 400 Seamen, who had claims to a great share of merit for their steadiness and spirit through the whole train of this defensive service.
The works had scarcely been repaired, in the best manner that was possible, when General Montgomery, united to Arnold, having subdued, with little difficulty, the other fortresses of Canada, appeared in the sanguine and immediate hope of consummating his glory by also carrying its Capital.
His personal zeal, and the endurance of his troops during the bitter frosts of winter, were only equalled by a similar vigour in their comparative opponents.
Temporizing measures being but ill adapted for the season, or the occasion, and little suited to the intrepid genius of Montgomery, he followed its dictates, which were to rest the issue upon a general assault.
It was the last day of the year 1775, and the last of his life, that this brave man, ambitious of fame, and true to the interests he had espoused, advanced against Quebec, in four divisions, to execute his daring purpose; reserving to himself the chief post of honour and of danger, which was directed against the Lower Town at Aunce de Mere, while another, almost equally bold, was allotted to
Arnold and his hardy followers, which was aimed at another part named "the Saut au Matelot." The two others were devoted to puzzle the garrison by false attempts upon their very extensive lines, and to succour where necessary.
Under cover of a snow storm, the whole moved towards the towns. The British were alarmed, and at their stations. Montgomery had to encounter many natural difficulties, but success for a while attended him. Having gained the first barrier, he pushed on to the second, from which issued forth a tremendous fire of grape shot and musquetry, which closed his days, and the hopes of his detachment; who, strange to say, under the conduct of _A Campbell, retreated without making one effort to avenge his fall.
Soldiers who have been conspicuous for discipline, will most assuredly be ever distinguished by courage when it is called forth.
Those faithful fellows who had accompanied Arnold through the desert, without a murmur, followed him to battle and through all its reverses with an unsurpassed bravery.
They, too, were early deprived of their leader, by a shot which shattered his leg; when he was carried from the field.
But this did not appal them. The garrison, now freed from their distracted duties, levelled their united force against this impetuous detachment, who had advanced too far to retreat with safety, and which became endangered by accumulating difficulties on every side. Their dilemma did not escape the keen eye of the Governor, who pushed a considerable force in their rear. Upwards of three hours did they withstand the unequal combat, when they were at last compelled to surrender prisoners of war.
That tribute which justice stretches forth to an enemy must reflect its rays upon those who have had the honour to contend with them.
I cannot superadd a higher testimony to the British General and his Garrison, than by thus appreciating the foe whom they had to encounter. It yields me a proud retrospect that the corps of Marines had their proportion of desert in defending Quebec, and by it, maintaining this remnant of America to our Empire.
United by the feelings of sympathy, I would remark the spirit of Mr. Vivion, then Purser, I believe, of a small sloop, and now of his Majesty's ship Robust, who most patriotically stepped into the ranks, and served as a private during the whole siege. He too produced a son who yielded not to his father in honourable deeds, whose subsequent fall in the cause of his country and in bravely advancing the glory of his corps, was sensibly deplored by my brethren, and by me.
General Carleton sealed and ennobled his gallant defence, by acts of humanity and mercy to the vanquished. A cool prudence in not hazarding his acquired success to the contingencies of fortune, enabled him to preserve the fruits of it for the solid interests of his King.
The besiegers retired, but he did not follow them; after which, all their attention was devoted to the interception of supplies for Quebec.
Arnold, who now succeeded to the command of the rebels, evinced that resolute mind and ready expediency by which his conduct had been hitherto marked.
During the course of this year may be noticed the active duties of some small parties of Marines, in supporting the legal authority of Lord Dunmore in the Province of Virginia, which had not yet disavowed its allegiance. The spirit of rebellion beginning to shew itself, the Governor, after having sent off his family, entrusted his personal safety to the detachment from his Majesty's sloop Fowey, who fortified his house at Williamsburgh, planted artillery, and from which he issued all his proclamations, and, as long as was prudent, continued to exercise in it, his official functions. It was at last judged proper, under this escort of Marines, to proceed on board the Fowey, from whence his Lordship still corresponded with the Province.
The political discussions that ensued, are foreign to my review. His Lordship's military exertions to reclaim or to conquer the disaffected, were fatal in their issue, from being impotent in the means. By the combined attack, however, of a few ships of war, and two parties of Sailors and Marines which were disembarked, the town of Norfolk, first in rank for commercial wealth, was set on fire and reduced to ashes, upon the New Year's Day of 1776.
Many other hostile measures against the sea coasts of America, and her different interior Provinces, spread widely the calamities of war and the mutual desire of retaliation.
Amongst the augmentation to his Majesty's forces, 6665 Marines were voted for the year 1776; being an additional number of 2378.
FOOTNOTE:
[1] Charlestown is separated from Boston by Charles River; a distance little more than that which divides London and the Borough, between which there is also a similar connexion. Bunker's Hill is situated just within the neck of land that joins the Peninsula of Charlestown to the Continent. (Taken from Chapter 28 'An Historical Review of the Royal marines Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

The sufferings of the troops in cantonments at Boston were uncommonly great, from the want of fuel and other supplies, while these of the regiments and Marines upon Bunker's Hill, exposed in tents to all the storms of winter, and necessarily for ever on the alert, in the vicinity of a superior enemy, were proportionally still more severe. Military enterprize, however, fell asleep on both sides, and it did not awaken but with the return of spring. A dread of famine floating in the minds of many, superadded to their temporary evils.
During these existing hardships, a detachment of Marines, under the escort of an armed ship, was sent to Savannah, in Georgia, with a view to procure provisions, either by purchase or by force.
The Militia assembled to oppose their landing, and after some unpleasant discussions, erected batteries along the shores of the river so named. Proceeding to extremities, a short contest ensued, which terminated in burning seven vessels deeply laden, and the loss of a few lives; after which the party returned to Boston.
A few arrivals from Europe tended to alleviate the wants of the garrison, who often beheld the humiliating sight of the triumphs of little rebel privateers, in capturing their most important aids, without our ships of war having in their power either to retaliate or to prevent them.
Some Parliamentary decrees, which left but little hope of the renewal of friendship, having reached America, its Congress strongly urged General Washington to push the siege of Boston with vigour, in order that their forces might be enabled to oppose those dangers, which they anticipated in other quarters of the Continent.
Accordingly, a cannonade and bombardment began from Phipp's Farm on the evening of the 2d of March, that continued during some successive nights, and, on the morning of the 5th, another battery from the heights of Dorchester Point, on the other side of the town, which had been constructed with unexampled secrecy and dispatch, also opened. These fired some houses and occasioned other losses.
General Howe felt indignant in being thus cooped up.
His communication with the other part of his Army, at Boston Neck, becoming endangered, and foreseeing that the rebels would still extend their works to those heights which command the town and harbour, he resolved upon dislodging them from such as they held.
Hazardous was the attempt, and it was only prevented by an intervening storm on the night of the 5th of March, when the troops destined for the attack were on the eve of embarkation. All who know how to appreciate the military character of that gallant officer, will readily sympathize with him in his feelings upon so degrading an occasion, when his high talents could avail nothing, and the energies of as fine a body as ever entered the field were stayed by the hand of prudence. Thus situated, he lamented in common with the meanest Soldier, a total suspension of their services.
An instant alternative of engaging a very superior Army strongly entrenched, or evacuating the place, became hourly more and more imperiously urgent. The former expedient held out but little hope of surmounting their difficulties, in balance with many disastrous consequences in the event of defeat; while the latter let loose an inactive corps against a more vulnerable, or in co-operation with a more loyal Province of America.
This the Commander in Chief adopted, but it teemed with many obstacles and dangers, calculated to try the strongest soul.
He had not the safety of his Army alone to consider, in this retreat, but the lives and property of numerous followers, whose allegiance to their King no misfortunes could subdue.
The duty was sacred, and it was discharged with that humane care which characterizes our nation, and him who performed it.
Upon the 17th of March the rear-guard of the British troops embarked without molestation, when General Washington marched in proud triumph into the town of Boston.
The Army reached Halifax, after some delays, early in April, but it was now diminished, by hardships, to about 9000 effective men.
The battalions of Marines were landed, and did duty under the command of Major Tupper [2], in garrison there, with much credit to themselves and their corps. These testimonials, which were the honorable results of their uniform good conduct, more usefully fall under a future detail.
In the early part of 1776, General Arnold continued the blockade of Quebec, under the greatest pressures, while its garrison, cut off from every supply, and exposed to many bitter privations, was equally conspicuous for a resolute firmness.
Some attempts to burn the British ships of war in the harbour, in order to favour an escalade of the town during the existing confusion, worthy of the inventive resources of Arnold, were made, but they were counteracted by the vigilance and spirit of General Carleton. Small Pox, dreaded, by the Americans, as the most fatal plague, began to make its appearance, and dispirited their troops.
Discipline and good order were soon supplanted by imaginary fears, and the precautionary cares of all to ward off that contaminating evil. Murmurs succeeded, which, as must ever be the case, paralyzed every noble effort.
By the indefatigible zeal and activity of that highly respected name, Sir Charles Douglas, his Majesty's ship Isis, with two frigates, having penetrated the ice, hove in sight, and reached Quebec on the 5th of May. The situation of the enemy's investing force was now critical. Having landed the few troops brought from Europe, these ships also disembarked their Marines, with which, in addition to those of the garrison, the General instantly advanced against the American camp.
A very precipitate fight ensued, which ended in a trifling carnage, taking some prisoners, and all the rebel artillery and stores. Many of their sick and wounded took refuge in the woods, or concealed themselves in the hamlets, towards whom General Carleton extended, not only the generous tender of oblivion, but of protection. This benevolent act which proceeded from the instantaneous impulse of his own breast, casts a bright lustre upon the military virtues of that great man, and is alone sufficient to immortalize his character.
Having been afterwards reinforced, a train of successful operation, extraneous from my subject, soon took place, which expelled the rebels from the Province.
Thus, a second time, were the partial efforts of the Marine corps exerted most usefully upon Canadian ground.
A naval and military expedition, against the Southern Colonies, having sailed from England, they did not reach the first object of their instructions until the beginning of June. The squadron under Sir Peter Parker, after passing the bar, moved against a newly raised Fort on the South West point of Sullivan's island, which was deemed the key to Charlestown, while the Army, under Sir Henry Clinton, advancing against it by land, and crossing a supposed shallow creek on the North Eastern extremity, was to make a combined attack.
Upon the noon of the 28th of June, the ships took their stations, and commenced a furious cannonade, which was returned with equal spirit and much effect from the fort.
Erroneous intelligence, as to the depth of water, it appears, prevented General Clinton from approaching, as well as the very formidable state of the provincial redoubts at the end of Sullivan's island.
After one of the hottest conflicts that almost ever occurred, in which the cool valour of British Seamen was eminently conspicuous, the squadron withdrew with the loss of a frigate, and upwards of 200 Seamen and Marines killed and wounded.
Captains Morris and Scott, of the Bristol and Experiment, were both considered as mortally wounded, after extraordinary displays of personal courage. Commodore Sir Peter Parker approved himself a brave man upon this trying service.
During the summer of 1776, the Congress of America, unwilling to attach to itself the responsibility of an arbitrary declaration of independance, published a circular address to every Colony, in order to ascertain their general sentiments, upon so eventful a topic.
The 4th of July must long stand as a memorable day on our political epochs, as having been marked by their formal renunciation of allegiance to the British Crown.
General Howe continued at Halifax upwards of two months waiting farther reinforcements, which was but ill-suited to his disposition, or his military opinions. Wearied out, he at last put to sea, under the escort of Lord Shuldham's fleet, and arrived at Sandy-hook at the close of June. After gaining information of the strength of New York and Long Islands, he judged it most advisable to occupy Staten Island, where he landed without opposition, and was soon joined by a number of loyalists.
It was a considerable time before the different reinforcements from England reached Halifax, which immediately proceeded to join the main Army, and enabled General Howe to undertake duties more extensive in their aim, and more congenial to his wishes.
Upon that range of continental services which followed, I am precluded from remark, as the battalions of my corps were restrained from much active participation in them, by their having been allotted for the defence of Nova Scotia.
A Parliamentary Vote of 10,129 Marines passed in November, which involved an augmentation of many companies to the Establishment for the service of 1777.
FOOTNOTE:
[2] An error occurred under the details of 1775, which mentions, that in consequence of the casualties of Bunker's Hill, and the return of Major Tupper to Europe, the command of the Marines devolved on Major Souter, instead of suppressing entirely the departure of Major Tupper, which did not happen till sometime after their arrival at Halifax. The command at Boston was in Major Tupper after Major Pitcairne's fall. (Taken from Chapter 29 ' An Historical Review of the Royal marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

Lord Howe, who had arrived in America during the last year as Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Naval Forces, was united with his brother in a civil, as well as a military commission. Exerting the conciliatory influence of the former, they proclaimed to the deluded, these tenders of forgiveness which emanated from their power. The term "guilty," however, was not understood by the Americans, who, from the era of general independance, qualified every individual action as proceeding under the sanction of a Free Government. of course, these well-meant offers produced but little effect.
After many battles and skirmishes between the contending parties, in which British valour was ever conspicuous, and the resources of General Washington uniformly great, Long Island, New York, and Rhode Island, were subjected to the Royal dominion, and the Jerseys over run by our forces. They in turn, however, met with reverses, which must always be expected in war. To follow all those movements is not within my range.
General Howe having used every means of the most consummate Officer to bring the enemy to a decisive battle, was as often eluded by caution.
He accordingly aimed a blow at another quarter, and with this view embarked a very powerful force, headed by himself. This eventually proved against Philadelphia, which fell, after several conflicts of the most brilliant kind, but particularly that of Brandy-wine.
Soon after, having gained that place, the rebels moved the Delaware frigate of 32 guns, a number of gallies, gondolas, and other armed vessels, to incommode the construction of the different batteries that were carrying on for the protection of the town. That ship anchored within 500 yards, but the tide falling she grounded, when the British troops brought their field pieces against her, which compelled her to strike. Captain, now General Averne, a gallant Officer, and one of the worthiest of men, at the head of his company, immediately took possession of her. The Grenadiers of both the Marine Battalions had been incorporated with those of the Army, previous to leaving Halifax, had hitherto been united in their duties, and formed a part of that force, which, under Lord Cornwallis, entered Philadelphia.
Lord Howe, upon learning these successes, judged it proper to move his fleet and the transports, to concur in any future operations, and to give the supplies of which the Army stood in need, by means of the river Delaware. The progress of such a number of shipping through so dangerous a navigation, was highly difficult, but it was carried on under his Lordship's immediate auspices, and with superior ability as well as skill. Owing to the numerous batteries constructed by the rebels, the passage to Philadelphia could not be attempted, which obliged the whole fleet to anchor from Reedy Island to Newcastle, along the Pennsylvania shore. Independent of the most formidable works, they had sunk within the reach of their guns, machines of the strongest kind, similar to chevaux de frize_, as pointing in every direction, and those headed with iron.
No attempt, however, could be made to remove them, until their batteries were gained on both shores of the river.
At the urgency of Captain, now Sir Andrew Snape Hammond, who had reached the Delaware before Lord Howe, the Provincials were driven from Billing's Fort, where they were raising works, and preparing obstacles against the passage of the squadron. Captain Hammond was peculiarly active in removing every hindrance, though opposed by the enemy's Marine force.
As the supplies of the Army depended upon an intercourse with the fleet, it became incumbent to carry Mud Fort Island, properly so called, from its having been an accumulated mass of mud and sand, a flat marshy spot, near to the junction of the river Schuylkill.
It was necessary also to attack Red Bank, on the opposite shore of New Jersey, where the enemy had constructed a very strong redoubt, filled with heavy artillery.
In co-operation with a powerful fire against Mud Fort, from some guns planted on the Western, or Pennsylvania side, an attack upon it and the rebel craft was resolved on. For this service, the Augusta, of 64 guns, and Merlin sloop were allotted.
Owing to the navigation of the Channel being altered by the sunken obstacles which everywhere presented in deep water, both ran aground, as the bed of the river was also affected by them. This did not restrain Captain Reynolds, now Lord Ducie, from maintaining a heavy cannonade against the American works and vessels, or from successfully combating the effects of some fire-ships that approached for his destruction.
The Augusta, either from a red hot shot, or her own wadding, was, after a warm contest, in flames, which suspended every hostile effort, and turned the attention of most to their own preservation.
Amidst the awful conflagration, and an incessant discharge from the rebels, Captain Reynolds retained his intrinsic coolness. After each had consulted his own safety, and no hope remained of stifling the flames, he continued alone, alternately took off his coat, waistcoat, and stock, placed them on the gangway, and committed himself to the deep. Heaven interposed at this perilous moment, and preserved a life, which was subsequently marked by the most gallant deeds, and is still prolonged to justify the goodness of Providence, by the display of every virtue that can adorn human nature. Captain, at present Major General Barclay, of Marines, was a companion in this trying scene, and was much distinguished for his steady conduct. The Merlin was also destroyed.
This fatal attempt by sea, was alike disastrous on the part of the Army. A well-concerted and bold attack upon Red Bank, by a large Corps of Hessians, terminated in repulse and a heavy loss.
Unfortunate as was the issue of both, still each department well merited a sprig of the laurel.
From the importance of the object, the views of our Commanders were renewed against these strong posts. The exertions of the Officers and Seamen of the Fleet were great, and toilsome in transporting cannon and stores to a small morassy spot, named Province Island, which would effectually disturb the enemy. Having opened fire from it, and a fair breeze springing up, a well-digested plan of naval attack was carried into effect.
Proceeding by different channels, the ships were brought against various points of Mud Fort, and other branches of defence, upon the 15th of November, when, after a long destructive cannonade, the rebels deserted it in the night. Captain Cornwallis, in the Isis, shewed much judgment and spirit upon this occasion.
A detachment from the Army having been also directed against Red Bank, the Americans hastily withdrew, after partly destroying the works, but leaving their artillery and stores. They also set fire to many of their vessels on the river.
Thus, was a way, in some degree, opened for supplies to the troops in Philadelphia.
General Washington, who had followed the Royal Army, remained in its vicinity, but constantly resisted every effort in bringing him to a general action.
The unhappy issue of the expedition under Lieutenant General Burgoyne, previous to this era, threw a general damp, and accelerated the decision of France in entering the list against us. By apparent and occasional concessions, that insidious Power observed a temporizing system, until she had attained the means of following up her hostile views. So suspicious were her designs, however, that considerable armaments continued to be carried on in our ports.
During this period of national despondency, the towns of Liverpool and Manchester nobly stepped forth in aid of their Country. Each tendered 1000 men, which was accepted, and their patriotic example was diffused throughout the land.
Involved in a civil contest, the natural energies of Britain were paralyzed by the floating hopes of reconciliation, and an enfeebling compassion towards her American fellow-subjects.
An unhappy faction continued also to oppose our ill-guided councils, at this awful crisis, from which the rebels derived a fatal, but animating spirit. No true Englishman can throw an eye upon the transactions of that momentous era, without the most poignant reflections for his suffering country.
Long may the sad precedent, and its baneful results, be stamped on every heart! May the imperious obligations of fidelity to our King, and general union amidst public danger, be coeval with the age at which every Briton is taught his duties to his God! (Taken from Chapter 30 ' An Hisorical Review of the Royal Marine Corps' by Alexander Gillespie)

1764. Tuesday 3rd July. HMS Dolphin and HMS Tamar sailed on a voyage of Distcovery.

1764. Tuesday 23rd October. The Battle of Buxar was fought between the forces under the command of the British East India Company led by Hector Munro, and the combined army of Mir Qasim the Nawab of Bengal: the Nawab of Awadh and the Mughal King Shah Alam II. The battle took place within the territory of Bengal, and the town of Buxar was located on the banks of the river Ganges, about 130km west of Patna. The British troops engaged in the fighting numbered 7,072 comprising of 857 British, 5,297 Indian Sepoys and 918 Indian Cavalry, and 30 cannons. The alliance army's numbers were estimated to be over 40,000men and 140 cannons. It was a decisive victory for the British East India Company that had a casualty list of 1,847 killed or wounded, while the enemy had 10,000 killed or wounded and 6,000 captured and taken prisoner.

1764. Monday 29th October. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers ordered to have Uniform Frocks lapelled with White Cloth with a Deaths Head Button. Waistcoats White with Plain Buttons. Frocks to have a stand up Cape (Collar). Breeches to be of leather and Hats plain with Gilt Buttons and Double Gold Loop. Officers were to agree on a Shoulder Knot.

1764. November. The Nabobs were defeated at Cutwa (Katwa) in West Bengal India.

1764. A Board of General Officers recommended that the Grenadiers should lay aside their swords, as that weapon had never been used during the ‘Seven Years War’. Since that period the arms of the infantry soldier have been limited to the musket and bayonet.

1765. Friday 5th April. The Marines underwent another name change and their roll within the navy. Their new title was changed to His Majesty's Marine Forces and they became the Marine Infantry for the Royal Navy. The Corps was finally established as an integral part of the Royal Naval. After which the Marine force consisted of fifty companies that were split into three Divisions. Each division's headquarters were based in Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth, all under the Admiralty's control. In which they took part in many landings and battles all over the world.

1765. Thursday 29th August. Plymouth (Uniform). At an inspection by the Duke of Gloucester, Officers were ordered to wear their Laced Uniforms, Coats, Waistcoat and Hat, White Breeches and Boots. The men to have on Spatter-dashes and their Caps, Tops perfectly clean and well dressed.

1766 - 1769. The First Anglo Mysore War was fought in India between the Sultanate of Mysore and the British East India Company.

1766. Thursday 27th March. RM Sergeants had the privilege of wearing scarlet sashes. While Corporals were awarded and allowed to wear chevrons on Wednesday 2nd September 1807 in lieu of the 'Knots' worn on their shoulders.

1766. Wednesday 9th July. HMS Dolphin and HMS Tamar returned from trip around the world.

1766. Sunday 20th July. Plymouth (Uniform). The men were ordered to wear White Stockings and Short Spatterdash tops.

1766. August. HMS Dolphin and HMS Swallow on a voyage of discovery.

1767. Twenty companies were added to the Corps, making 110 companies, and the total number of established at 11,419 men.

1767. Monday 12th January. The Royal Marines Band was formed at Plymouth (3rd Grand Division).

1767. Monday 25th May. Plymouth (Uniforms). The Officers to make Uniform Frocks with White Lapels, and Cuffs, the White of the lapels to be each a full three inches depth. The Cuff to be close and round, with four buttons and four button holes. The same number of holes to be on the Pocket of the Coat and Waistcoat. On the hip and Side Plates four Buttons. A White turned down Collar, the waistcoat and Breeches White Cloth. The lining of the Coat and waistcoat, White Shaloon. A plain double gilt Button of the same pattern as may be seen at the Adjutants Office. Each officer’s Coat of the Battalion to have a Gold Fringe Epaulet on the right shoulder and the Grenadier Officers to have one on each shoulder.

1767. Friday 25th December. The Derby Mercury Newspaper. Wednesday Evening a barbarous murder was committed on a Marine belonging to the Squadron in this Garrison. Another Marine came to the Poor Man's Quarters about six in the evening and decoyed him out, telling him that he knew of some smuggled goods upon South-Sea Common, about a Mile from this Place, near the Sea Side, and that it would be worth his while to go with him to seize them.
The next morning the Man was found murdered in the above mentioned Place. His. head beat to pieces the Scalp almost tore off, stabbed in several parts of the Face and eyes, supposed with a Bayonet. The Man came home on the MONTREAL, and had received Money due to him. He had a Silver Watch, Silver Buckles and five or six guineas in his Pocket, when he left his quarters; his Pockets
when he was found were turned inside out and the Marine that took him out had not been heard of since.
The Deceased was a lusty strong Man, and 'tis supposed the Murder was not committed by one Man, as there is appearance of the Deceased having made great resistance. A Publican and his wife are taken upon suspicion of the Murder. It is supposed the Body was thrown into the seas, which carried it to the Beach where it was found.

1768. Friday 1st January. The Derby Mercury, extract of a letter from Portsmouth Monday 21st December. The Coroner having sat on the body of the murdered Marine mentioned in my last, brought in their verdict "WILFUL MURDER", and supposed by the Grenadier that took him out Of his quarters the evening the Murder was perpetrated. The Grenadier was taken the Evening following. He prevaricated greatly on his exam­ination and denies the fact, but from the Strongest Circumstances everybody believes him to be the Murderer. A little time will discover, we hope, more of the. barbarous Affair.

1768. Friday 25th March. Portsmouth. Yesterday the battalion of Marines returned to this quarter from the neighbouring towns, where they were detached for a week on account of the election. From one or two instances of bad behaviour among them at Portsmouth, entirely owing to bad quarters, the country was much alarmed, and testified uneasy apprehensions on their arrival; but their anxiety and fears were soon removed by the steady and good behaviour of the men in every quarter. It is a pleasing circumstance, that among 500 soldiers, not one complaint was exhibited, during the time they were out, against a single man. No one can be surprised at any irregularity they may commit at Portsmouth, when two thirds of the houses they are quartered at are filled with bad women, whose way of life and principles may corrupt the unwary men. They have been useful people, yet there is not a corps in his Majesty's service on so bad an establishment as the marines; nor do any soldiers in the service undergo the hard duty they do in this time of peace.
Extract from 'The London Chronicle' (Thursday 31st March to Saturday 2nd April 1768) (sic)

1768. Tuesday 26th April. A few days ago a quarrel arose between a number of the Shipwrights in our Dock Yard and Marines then on Duty there, which had like to have proved of bad consequence: it was as follows: Several of the Shipwrights had according to Custom, got ready their Bundles of Chips in order to carry them away at the ringing of the Bell, but which the Marines found means to convey into the Guard House; this so enraged the Shipwrights that they armed themselves with Axes and other offensive weapons, and marched up to the Marines to demand their Property, but the Soldiers refused giving it up; on which both Parties prepared for an engagement, the Marines drawing up in line with their Muskets and Bayonets fixed and the Shipwrights in like manner with their Axes etc. but happily the superior officers of the Yard interfering, prevented the dreadful consequences, by obliging the Soldiers to restore the Chips, several reprimanding them, and strictly forbidding them forever interfering with the Shipwrights any more.
'Chips’ referred to in the above article, are the discarded and left-over chippings and other off cuts of wood produced during the construction and repair of RN ships.

1768. The Corps was further increased to 140 companies, amounting to 14,845 men.

1768. May. HMS Dolphin returned from voyage of discovery.

1768. June. A small Royal Marine detachment consisting of 9 Marines, 1 Drummer, 1Corporal, under the command of Sergeant John Edgecotabe R.N., drummed out of Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth (still a R.M. Barracks) and marched down to Plymouth Hoe to the Barbican to join H.M.S. Endeavour (under Captain. Cook) . On the 26th August 1768 she sailed for the South Seas, and the Royal Marines began a 3 year commission. on the 9th November 1769, just east of the tarananui River the Marines landed for the first time in New Zealand; by Mercury Bay on that same day they presented Arms as the Union Flag was hoisted, the first link in the chain between the Royal Marines and New Zealand was welded. Other detachments followed with Captain Cook; when Cook fell in Hawaii, four Royal Marines fighting off his attackers died with him.
The Royal Marine Detachments of the Resolution and Discovery did their duty in New Zealand waters, and later in the New Zealand Wars P.M. Detachments of no less than 17 ships saw service both afloat and ashore; either as Gunners (Royal Marine Artillery) or as Infantry (Royal Marine Light Infantry). Then came the Fencibles (the Soldier settlers) amongst whom were a large number of time-expired Marines. In 1920 with the formation of the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy, light Cruisers came onto the New Zealand Station. these ships carried detachments of Royal Marines, both the Light Cruisers ISIS Dunedin and 1Q45 Diomede and five detachments - while on station, ISIS Achilles three detachments, HMS Leander two detachments, HMNZS Gambia one detachment; last but not least WINES Bellona with two detachments. The lot in 1946 made up in the main by Royal Marines who had served in 11)45 Achilles and Leander during the War and had not had the chance of seeing the country they had bayed. In 1949 these Royal Marines were sad and-sorry to leave when their tour of duty was up and the relief detachment arrived in Wellington in the liner Atlantis, under the command of Capt. P. R. Lankester P.M., who had previously served in the Achilles.
The last detachment (1949 to l951) carried out their duties in the traditional manner of the Corps, the 3 years passed too quickly. At the Royal Show in Epson Show Grounds, Auckland in 1951 they said farewell to New Zealand by Beating the Retreat; their bearing and drill were the delight to thousands who watched them. Many ex Royal Marines from all over New Zealand were there, deeply touched as their serving comrades executed the Royal Marine Corps traditional ceremony, in pouring rain, flashing lighting and rolling thunder. The last link was welded, for the chain could never be broken. The Royal Marine Band would see to that, for they continued to serve in New Zealand for another nine years. As would the Royal Marine Assoc., but above all the many New Zealand families whose very beginning were with those who truly served under two flags, with equal allegiance to both.
A further link with New Zealand is that of the Royal Marine Light Infantry Colours. These were one of the first colours of an Imperial force to be laid up in New Zealand: at St Mary's Church, New Plymouth. (Sic)
A son of New Zealand, General Sir John Westall, born in Napier, became the commandant General of the Royal Marines, 1951-53.

1768. Friday 3rd June. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers ordered to wear their Frocks with Skirts turned back, short Spatterdashes and hair queued. The men to wear White Breeches and Short Spatterdashes, their New Hats and their hair plaited and turned inside their Hats.

1768. Saturday 11th June. The Band was ordered to wear white breeches and stockings with black buckled garters at Guard Mounting. The first dated reference to a Marine Band at Portsmouth (The 2nd Grand Division) although it is believed that a band was formed there in 1765.

1768. July. HMS Endeavour sailed on a voyage of discovery.

1768. Friday 26th August. Captain Cook and his ship HMS Endeavour left Plymouth carrying 94 men and 18 months of provisions. Cook had been chosen to lead an expedition to the South Seas to observe the Transit of Venus and to secretly search for the unknown Great Southern Continent (terra Australis incognita 1768 – 1771). HMS Endeavour travelled via Madeira (September), Rio de Janiero (November-December) and Tierra del Fuego (January 1769) to Tahiti.

The Marine detachment joined HMS Endeavour at Plymouth Tuesday16th August 1768.
Edgcumbe. John Sergeant.
Truslove. John Corporal.
Rossiter. Thomas Drummer.
Judge. William Private.
Paul. Henry Private.
Bremer. Michael Private.
Preston. Daniel Private.
Wilshire. William Private.
Greenslade. William Private.
Gibson. Samuel Private.
Dunster. Thomas Private.
Webb. Clement Private.
Bowles. John Private.

1768. Wednesday 6th October. Mail Arrangements Chatham Division. Conformable to the orders of 1758, the Orderly Sergeant is to bring all letters from the Post Office that are directed to the Officers of the Division. The C. O's letters to be carried to his quarters and the rest delivered to the Orderly Room, where they will be given to those who the officers choose to send for them, or otherwise delivered by the sergeants and corporals of the respective squads at the officers' quarters, with their orders.

1769. Friday 17th March. Chatham (Uniform). No Military compliments to be paid by the Marine Guards or Centinels when on duty to any officer of the Land Force or Marines, unless such officers are dressed in Scarlet with swords, nor to any officers of H.M. Fleet unless they are dressed in Blue with swords.

1769. March. HMS Swallow returned from a voyage of discovery.

1769. Monday 15th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers ordered to wear their White Coats without and lace or embroidery, Hats with New Pattern Lace two Epaulets with no distinctions of rank. Gorgets when ordered.

1769. Friday 17th March. Chatham Orders. No Military Compliments to be paid by the Marine Guards or Sentinels when on duty to any Officer of the Land Forces or Marines unless such Officers are dressed in Scarlet with swords; nor to any Officer of H.M. Fleet unless they are dressed in Blue with Swords.

1769. June. A French ship made to Salute in the Downs.

1769. Tuesday 12th September. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers to get New Uniform Gorgets (Silver).

1769. Sunday 1st October. Plymouth (Uniform). Men to wear Red Breeches and Long Spatterdashes to mount a Guard in.

1769. - 1770. The Marines served in Australia and New Zealand over a longer period than any other British military unit.

1770. The afternoon of Sunday 29th April. A small detachment of 13 Marines landed with Captain Cook at Botany Bay in New South Wales Australia. There have always been stories that spoke of a Marine being first out of the boat as it beached, to hold it steady. However, it was Isaac Smith, who became the first European to set foot on Eastern Australian soil. As the ship's boat touched the shore, Cook is reputed to have said "Jump out, Isaac". Isaac Smith was a very young man at the time, but a month later on Wednesday 23rd May 1770, he was promoted to midshipman following James Magra's suspension on suspicion of having assaulted Captain Cook's clerk.

1770. July. Fire at Portsmouth Dockyard.

1770. While in the Americas, affairs of a very serious aspect caught the attention of the British government to the disturbed state of her American colonies, in consequence of a real or pretended right on the part of Great Britain to impose internal taxes. The stamp act was so exceedingly unpopular, that its repeal was absolutely necessary to appease the people, and the tax on tea imported into America was so obnoxious, that every means of opposition was resorted to help get it abolished.

1770. October. Ships laden with tea having arrived at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charlestown, and Rhode Island, conveying altogether 2200 chests, the people assembled at different places to concert measures that would prevent the importation, and to compel the consignees, at the risk of their lives and property, to relinquish their employments. In these assemblies, resolutions were passed derogatory to the legislative power of Great Britain, and on the Wednesday18th December a number of armed men, under the disguise of Mohawk Indians, boarded the ships, and threw their valuable cargoes into the sea, but at New York the tea was landed under the protection of the men of war.

1770. The Marine who founded Hobart by P. Ceducher JP.
David Collins was the eldest son of Major-General Arthur Tooker Collins, who commanded the Plymouth Division of the Marines from 1783 to 1791. He was born to Harriett Caroline Collins (nee Frazer) of Pack, King's County, Ireland on the 3rd of March 1756. At that time the family were living in Cross St, at the corner of Great Kirby St, London. Educated first in London, then when his father was appointed to command at Plymouth, he completed his studies at Exeter School, under the Reverend John Marshall. In 1770, aged 14, he enlisted in the Marine Corps as an Ensign and on the 20st February 1771 was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 21st Company. In 1772 he was in charge of the Marine guard aboard the frigate HMS Southampton sent to Denmark to escort home Queen CarolineMatilda after her divorce. He was promoted to First Lieutenant on the 25th January 1755, and in the June took part in the Battle of Bunkers Hill. He assisted in the evacuation of the loyalists from Boston to Nova Scotia in 1776 and it was here he met and married his wife, Maria Stuart Proctor, the daughter of Captain Charles Proctor at Halifax on the 13th June, 1777. He returned to England and was serving at Chatham in 1779 as the Adjutant, when on the 28th August he was promoted to Captain Lieutenant. From February 1781 to January 1783 he served aboard HMS HMS Courageux in the Channel Squadron, taking part in the relief of Gibraltar in 1782 under Admiral Lord Howe. On the 3rd January 1783, he was placed on half pay like so many other Naval & Marine officers due to the peace signed on the 5th of the month. For the next three years he lived with his wife at Rochester. He volunteered for service with the battalion being formed for the colony to be established in NSW, and on the 24th October 1786 was commissioned as deputy Judge-Advocate both to the colony and the Marine Battalion. He sailed with the fleet in May 1787, and on arrival in 745W was appointed as President of both the Civil & Military courts, virtually the head of the judicial system in the new colony. When Andrew Miller retired as the secretary to-Governor Arthur Phillips in June 1788, he was appointed to the office, and in consequence became the most powerful man in the colony after the Governor and remained so for the next eight years. Captain John Hunter who succeeded Phillips as Governor would not give his consent to Collins return to England as "whose absence would be so heavily felt by the public service". When the main body of the Marine battalion left for England in December of 1791, Collins pay as Deputy Judge Advocate to the Battalion ceased, and his half pay was stopped as he continued to hold D civil appointment. When he did return to England in July 1797, he was imforined that because of his long absence from the Corps he could only re-enter for active service as a Captain. This pitiful offer he rejected, but partial compensation for his poor treatment was made by his being granted a Brevet Coloiselcy in the Army and finally promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on the half pay list of the Corps. In 1798 he published a book 'An Account of the English Colony in New South Wales' on the first ten years in the colony. A work of patience and care which has proven so valuable to historians, even today, containing as it does a dictionary of many NSW aboriginal and maori words and phrases of the period, and the progress made in all fields. In 1802 he received a commission as "Lieutenant Governor of a Settlement or Settlements to be formed on the Southern Coast of New South Wales to the northward of Basses Straights", This was to be the settlement of Port Arthur, now the Port of Melbourne. He sailed from England in April 1803 aboard HMS Calcutta and landed at Port Phillip Bay On the 9th Of October. He found the site selected to unsuitable for a settlement and abandoned it on the 30th of January 1804, sailing in the Ocean transport for Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania), where arriving at Risdon Cove on the 16th February, he moved across the river to Sullivan's Cove, where the city stands today. On the 19th February, David Collins laid the first stone of what is now the City of Hobart. With only convict labour, scant supplies from Sydney, on which he was totally dependent, young inexperienced administrators he managed to rule with good sense and understanding, helped towards the end by the settlers who came from Norfolk Island in 1807, many of them former Marines of the First Fleet. In 1809 William Bligh (of Bounty Fame) was the Governor of NSW during the period now referred to as the "Rum Rebellion", and on his being forcibly disposesed, he landed at Hobart intending to use it as a base against Paterson and the usurpers of his government in Sydney. Collins being as he was totally dependent on NSW for his supplies objected, and was denounced by Bligh to the British Government. Maguarie on his arrival, knowing only Bligh's side replaced Collins with Colonel Foreaux, although he remained on friendly terms with him. On the 24th March 1810, after a short illness David Collins died and on the 28th was buried in St David Church, Hobart, leaving his wife Maria almost penniless. His young successor Lieutenant Lord generously showed the public feeling at his loss by running up an account for the funeral of over £500, an amount which Macquarie, although he disallowed it himself recommended the British Government to pay. Maria Collins received a pension of £36 per annum, being that given to a Captains widow (his substantive rank). Despite numerous petition on her behalf in recognition of his immense contribution to the founding of the colonies in both NSW and Tasmania it was not until 1815 was it increased, and then to only £126 p.a. Of children, his only legitimate child a daughter did not survive. He also had 2 children by Nancy (Ann) Yates (Yeats) a convict woman. A daughter Marianne Letitia was born on the 13th September 1790 and a son George born in 1793. Both were known to have visited him in Hobart in 1805. He also had 2 other children by Margaret Eddington at Hobart, both being baptised on the 14th of January 1810, shortly before his death. Collins Street, Melbourne, often called the finest street In Australia, and Collins Street Hobart, were both named for this distinguished Royal Marine pioneer.(P. Ceducher JP.)

1770 - 1780. The Marines uniform of the day. (Taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI.)

1771. Thursday 7th of March, his Majesty sent a message to Parliament requiring immediate measures for securing the execution of the laws, and just dependence of the colonies upon the crown of Great Britain. The Minister at the same time introduced a bill to take away from Boston the privilege of a party as a punishment for their refractory conduct, reinforcements were sent there, and General Gage was appointed governor of the colony. This restriction on of the inhabitants of Boston raised a spirit of rebellion throughout the continent of America, all were agreed in resisting the collection of any internal tax not imposed by their own assemblies, and to suspend all commercial intercourse with the mother country until their grievances were fully redressed. Deputies were soon afterwards appointed from each province to attend a general congress at Philadelphia, which assembled on Tuesday 6th September 1774. Among their first resolutions was to acknowledged their dependence, but insisted on their privileges, consenting to those acts of the British legislature which regulated their external commerce, yet insisting, that according to the English constitution, the people had a right to participate in their legislative council, and as the colonies, from various causes, could not be represented in the British Parliament. They were entitled to a free and exclusive legislation in their respective provincial assemblies, in all cases of taxation and internal policy. They recommended to the several provinces the establishment of a national militia, and to raise money for paying those who should bravely hazard their lives in defence of the privileges of America.

1771. When Colonels of Marines were appointed Commandants of divisions the Marines discharged from the service obtained the right of following their trade in any town in the kingdom, except the universities. The Earl of Sandwich succeeded to the office of first Lord of the Admiralty, and his ready attention to the memorials of the Marines, by reviving their hopes of promotion, and restored that spirit of discipline which characterised the battalions sent by his Lordship to America.
Edgcumbe. John. 2nd Lieutenant. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Hamilton. John. Sergeant. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Beard. Robert. Corporal. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Brotherson. Philip. Drummer. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Scott. James. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Commena. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Baldy. Richard. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Phillips. John. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Carpenter. Richard. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Tow. William. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Harper. John. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Wedgeborough. William. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Twitty. Charles. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Taylor. Francis. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Duttall. John. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Monk. William. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
McVicar, Archibald. Private. Joined Sheerness 29th May 1772.
Gibson. Samuel. Corporal. Joined Plymouth 9th July 1772.
Taylor. Isaac. Private. Joined Plymouth 9th July 1772.

1771. Monday 13th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Grenadiers hats to have no lace but to be cocked with white looping with two white tassels on the right side.

1771. Friday 7th June. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers to wear their coats hooked back, to have black gaiters, white stocks or cravats, and their hair queued.

1771. Monday 22nd July. An old Recruiting Advertisement. Sergeant Calbet RM. was sent recruiting to Birmingham for the Royal Marines. The following is the advertisement which notified his activities: ‑
He That Works Hard Is Sure to be Poor.
After six Days hard Labour comes Sunday - you rest.
And no sooner peeps Monday but you are quite shy of Cash.
Therefore, to made Life easy, and fill your Pockets with Money, Sergeant Calbet will learn any young Man a Profession (Without Fee or Reward) by which the Learner will be sure to earn a Guinea and a Crown the very first Hour. He will also introduce you to His Majesty's First Division of Marines, which is always quartered at Chatham, only thirty miles from London, to which Place Pleasure-Boats carry Passengers for Six-pence each. When you arrive at Chatham, you are immediately provided with Cloths, free Quarters in a Public-house, where you will be sure to meet with merry Fellows, a kind Landlady, and a rousing Fire: do nothing but on a fine day dance to the softest Music, feed on Dainties, drink the best Liquors and Play at "Why won't you" with the prettiest Girls, saying "Chatham forever." and "God save the King".
He teaches no Militia Men or Apprentice.

1772. Wednesday 11th March. Plymouth (Uniform). Waist belts are ordered to be altered to cross belts.

1772. Sunday 5th April. HMS Resolution and HMS Adventure sailed on a voyage of discovery.

1772. Sunday 17th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Surgeons are ordered to wear red coats with a red cape (Collar), and lapels, Marine uniform buttons, white waistcoats, white breeches, with black buckled garters, when on duty, uniform hats and swords.

1772. Saturday 30th May. Plymouth (Uniform). Officers to wear their coats long waisted with short shirts in the present Military Fashion, white stocks and black ribbands round the neck, their hair queued, hats laced and cocked smartly with silver cord, band and Tassels. Their garters are to be made of black satin, three quarters of an inch wide, and lined with white linen.

1772. July – 1775. HMS Resolution Commanded by Captain Cook, and HMS Adventure Commanded by Lieutenant Furneaux, set sail from Britain, via Madiera (July - August) and Cape Town, South Africa (October - November), towards the Antarctic in search of the Great Southern Continent.
The Marine detachment that joined HMS Resolution.
Mollineux. John Sergeant.
Mills. Alexander Corporal.
Lane. John Drummer. Private.
Lear. Daniel Private.
Stewart. Donald Private.
Allden. William Private.
Reed. Richard Private.
Thomas. John Private.
Kearney. William Private.
Sommerfield. Bonaventure Private.
Rosa. Alexander Private.
Scott. James 2/Lt. Promoted on the 11th June 1772, and Joined HMS Resolution on the  7th July.

1772. Wednesday 16th September. Chatham Orders. In pursuance of His Majesty's Orders the several companies of Marines at Quarters to parade tomorrow morning upon the New Road close to Star Lane Rochester in order to march to Maidstone on account of the Election.

1773. Wednesday 12th May. Chatham (Uniform). Officers on joining Quarters who lately are or shall be appointed to this Division may know the proper uniform they are to appear in upon Guard and in the Field of Exercise on General Field Days, the Comg. Officer finds it necessary to insert the following Mode of Dress which he expects every Officer will strictly observe.
Uniform Coat, White Waistecoats and Breeches, Silver Laced Hat with Silver Band and Loopings, Black Stock, Black Silk Buckle Garters, Sash Gorget, Uniform Sword and Knot. Half Gaiters except when long ones are particularly ordered. Shoulder Sword Belt with Clasp. Belt and Pouch to be worn over the Coat same as Private men. Battalion Officers Hair queued. Grenadiers and Light Infantry platted and tucked.

1773. Wednesday 2nd June. George III. reviewed the Fleet at Portsmouth.

1773. HMS Racehorse and HMS Carcass sailed for the North Pole.

1774. Monday 7th of March, his Majesty sent a message to Parliament, requiring immediate measures for securing the execution of the laws, and just dependence of the colonies upon the crown of Great Britain. The minister at the same time introduced a hill to take away from Boston the privilege of a port, as a punishment for their refractory conduct: reinforcements were sent thither, and general Gage was appointed governor of the colony. This restriction on of the inhabitants of Boston raised a spirit of rebellion throughout the continent of America; all were agreed in resisting the collection of any internal tax not imposed by their own assemblies, and to suspend all commercial intercourse with the mother-country until their grievances were fully redressed. Deputies were soon afterwards appointed from each province to attend a general congress at Philadelphia, which assembled on the 5th of September 1774. Among their first resolutions they acknowledged their dependence, but insisted on their privileges; consenting to those acts of the british legislature which regulated their external commerce, yet insisting, that according to the english constitution, the people had a right to participate in their legislative council ; and as the colonies, from various causes, could not be represented in the british Parliament, they were entitled to a free and exclusive legislation in their respective provincial assemblies, in all cases of taxation and internal policy. They recommended to the several provinces the establishment of a national militia, and to raise money for paying those who should bravely hazard their lives in defence of the privileges of America.
In the latter part of 1774 the Americans were making great preparations for resistance; and they scrupled not to declare their intention of attacking Boston when the ice became strong enough to bear them; but as it did not freeze sufficiently hard during the winter, the disaffected postponed their plans until the spring of 1775.

To prevent being taken by surprise, the neck of land which eads into Boston from Roxbury, was carefully fortified by the British and admiral Graves, by placing the Somerset in the ferry-way between the two towns, overawed the inhabitants of Charlestown, and prevented any attack from that side. The fleet under vice-admiral Graves, consisting of four sail of the line and a great many smaller vessels, was greatly dispersed, but so disposed as to afford all the protection possible to his Majesty's loyal subjects in the colonies.

General Gage, on receiving intelligence that a quantity of military stores had been collected at Concord for supplying the rebel troops, ordered a detachment, consisting of the grenadiers and light infantry of the army, under lieutenant-colonel Smith of the 10th regiment, and major Pitcairne of the marines, to be embarked in the boats of the squadron ; and on the evening of the 18th of April, they were conveyed up Charles river, and landed at Phipp's farm, whence they advanced with rapidity towards Concord ; but the country had been apprized of their intention, and before the break of day the inhabitants were assembled in arms.

Lieutenant-colonel Smith detached major Pitcairne, with six companies of light infantry, to secure two bridges on different roads beyond Concord. On their arrival within two miles of Lexington at four o'clock in the morning of the 19th, the major received intelligence that a body of 500 armed men were assembled and determined to oppose the king's troops; but when they came within a short distance of the Americans, the latter filed off towards some stone walls on the right. Major Pitcairne then called to them to disperse, and on attempting to surround and disarm them, they fired upon our troops; upon which the light infantry, without being ordered, fired and killed several of the country people. Shortly after this occurrence, lieutenant-colonel Smith, with the troops under his command, joined major Pitcairne, and the whole force reached Concord at nine in the evening. Captain Parsons was detached with six companies of light infantry to secure a bridge at some distance from this place, which was guarded by three of these companies, whilst the remainder destroyed all the military stores in the neighbourhood.

The alarm had now extended, and general Gage, learning how the troops had been opposed, sent a reinforcement of eight companies of the 4th, and the same number of the 23rd and 49th regiments, with some marines and two field-pieces, under the command of the earl of Percy. This was a fortunate circumstance, for no sooner had the detachment under lieutenant-colonel Smith begun their march from Concord to Lexington, than they were assailed by a heavy fire from all sides, which continued without intermission until they met the detachment of the earl of Percy. The fire from the fieldpieces at first checked the Americans, but their increasing numbers hung upon the rear of the english force until they reached Charlestown. On this occasion 1 lieutenant and 64 rank and file were killed; 2 lieutenant-colonels, 2 captains, 9 lieutenants, and 165 wounded; and a lieutenant with 27 men missing.

The marines of the squadron under lieutenant- colonel Johnstone were landed, to assist and cover the retreat of the detachment, who under protection of this assistance, and the commanding station of the Somerset, passed over to Boston without further molestation. Exaggerated accounts of the affair at Lexington were eagerly carried to every province, which so encouraged the spirit of resistance to his Majesty's authority, that it produced a determination not to supply the ships and troops with stores or provisions. All communication by land being stopped by the rebels, two vessels were employed to convey despatches to New York and Halifax. The Americans continuing to increase in numbers, they attacked Noddle's Island, and drove off the cattle, after destroying the buildings of every description. The congress having resolved to form an army of 30,000 men, issued regulations for raising and maintaining this force. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)

1774. During the latter part of the year the Americans were making great preparations for resistance; and they scrupled not to declare their intention of attacking Boston when the ice on the river became strong enough to bear their weight, but as it did not freeze hard enough during the winter, they postponed their plans until the spring of 1775. To prevent being taken by surprise, the neck of land which leads into Boston from Roxbury, was carefully fortified by the British and Admiral Graves, by placing the Somerset in the ferry way between the two towns. This overawed the inhabitants of Charlestown, and prevented any attack from that side. The fleet under Vice Admiral Graves consisted of four sail of the line and a great many smaller vessels, which was greatly dispersed, but so disposed as to afford all the protection possible to his Majesty's loyal subjects in the colonies.

1774 - 1776. Flank Companies. While British Marines were not unknown to Colonial America, their first appearance in considerable numbers was at Boston in 1774, General Thomas Gage's army there requiring reinforce­ments, an improvised battalion of fewer than 400 marines was hastily dispatched, without gaiters or watch coats. Their camp equipment, tents, and spare clothing turned up in Rhode Island. However, their commander, the able and popular Major John Pitcairn, drilled and fathered them into a first-class unit. They took part in the Lexington-Concord brawl, with 74 casualties out of 336 effectives. When some 700 additional marines arrived in May 1775, Pitcairn reformed his force into the 1st and 2nd Marine Battalions, organised on the same basis as British infantry regiments, with Army pay and rations. Each formed two flank companies, one of light infantry, one of grenadiers. These were then detached to serve with the army's provisional battalions of grenadiers and light infantry. The entire 1st Marine Battalion and the flank companies of the 2nd Battalion were engaged at Bunker's Hill.
In early 1776, the marine battalions and light infantry companies were held at Halifax while the two grenadier companies went off to Long Island. In 1777, the light companies took part in the attack on Machias, Maine. Subsequently, all marines were ordered back to England for fleet duty.
The present (since 1802 "Royal") marines had been organized in 1755. Available sources do not indicate when the first grenadier companies were authorized, though they may well have existed in 1761. The first mention of light infantry appears to be at Plymouth in 1772, when the captain of HMS ALBION protested that his marine detachment had not been issued coats and hats. The marine commandant there had to explain that they were light infantry "...in consequence of which their coats were cut shorter than the rest of the companies (and the) lace was taken off the Hatts to make Bands, Loops, and Tassels (for their caps)..." Since the British Army had reintroduced light infantry companies in 1771, it may well be that the marines followed suit. Obviously, it was new to the ALBION's captain.
The marines' uniform was red, faced white, with white waistcoat and breeches; half-gaiters were worn unless long ones were speci­fied in orders. Lace was white with a red and blue stripe on its right side. Stocks were black. Individual equipment apparently was identical with that of the Army. Enlisted marines' buttons were of pewter, possibly with the incised design of a fouled anchor as is established for c 1780. Marines of the battalion companies wore their hair in the conventional queue; grenadiers and light infantrymen had theirs "platted" (plaited) and tucked up under the caps. Flank companies had "wings" on their coats.
The grenadiers' black bearskin caps also followed Army speci­fications, but carried the marines' special badge of "The Anchor and Star", surrounded by a laurel wreath granted them for valor at Belle Isle. For reasons unexplained, the light infantry cap badge had oak leaves instead of laurel. When the grenadier companies were formed at Boston, fur caps were sent out from England under the charge of a Captain Walker.
Officers had silver lace and buttons. Orders in 1773 specified a "Shoulder Sword Belt, with Clasp and Pouch to be worn over the coat, the same as the Pte (enlisted) Men" for light infantry officers. The 1780 officers' buttons were bone-backed with a silver face, carrying the design of a fouled anchor within a wreath, and a scalloped edge. There is no clear agreement on the design of the officer's belt "clasp". In April 1784 it was ordered changed to "buckles and slides", which shortly thereafter were definitely replaced by belt plates. General agreement is that the first clasps/plates were oval, probably with an anchor design, as shown in contemporary paintings of naval officers. Considering the marines' dispersed service, there probably was some variation. Oblong plates with a crown-and-lion device appeared in c 1782. As it was not usual for flank company officers to wear wings until c 1805-1806, our flank company officers has two epaulettes, a distinction allowed grenadier officers in the 1768 Warrent and quickly adopted by those of the light-infantry companies.