ROYAL MARINES CADETS SUPPORT COMPANY

RMC Support Coy – RMC History & Traditional Facts Precis Pack Version: 0.5 January 2019 Produced by: Captain (SCC) G D Robinson RMR – HQSO (Royal Marines Drill)

ROYAL MARINES CADETS SUPPORT COMPANY ROYAL MARINES CADETS HISTORY AND TRADITIONAL FACTS PRECIS PACK Version: 0.5 – JANUARY 2019

202 Lambeth Road London SE1 7JW Telephone 020 7654 7006 www.ms-sc.org

Patron: HM The Queen A charity registered in England and Wales 313013 and in Scotland SC037808


CONTENT

Introduction

Royal Marines Insignia

Genealogical Tree of the Royal Marines

Historical Reasons for the Formation of the Corps

Corps Memorable Dates

The Victoria Cross

Senior Royal Marines Appointments

The Corps Colours

The Colours

The King’s Squad

Regimental Music

Freedoms and Privileges

Associations with Livery Companies

Associations with Other Marine Corps

Associations with Other Regiments

Customs & Corps Colours

Royal Marines Prayer

The Green Beret

Hannah Snell

Royal Marines Units

Royal Marines Reserve

History of the Sea Cadet Corps

Royal Marines Cadets Detachments

SCC and RMC Officers Badges of Rank

SCC and RMC Warrant Officers, Senior Rates and SNCOs Ranks and Rates

SCC and RMC Cadet Badges of Rank and Rate

SCC and RMC Cap Badges and Beret Badges

Defence Focus

Addressing Personnel of Different Rank

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CLIC


Note: A Short History of the Royal Marines is a very good book to purchase, it is published by the Royal Marines Historical Society. The following can be read from the above book: The Early Marine Regiments - 1664 -1755 Three Grand Divisions - 1755 - 1827 The Crimea, Boers & Boxers - 1827 - 1902 Early Twentieth Century - 1902 - 1939 The Second World War - 1939 - 1945 Reorganisation and Deployments - 1945 - 1951 More Brush Fire Wars - 1952 - 1970 The End of the Empire - 1970 - 1981 The Falklands War - 1982 The Gulf War and a New Century - 1983 - 2002 International Terrorism – Worldwide Operations - 2002 – Present Date

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Introduction The Esprit de Corps and pride of the regiment are built upon its past history and achievements, and its present efficiency and discipline. History and tradition help us to give cadets a standard to aim for and pass. The existence of a ‘Marine Corps’ is often a clear sign that a nation is or was a strong naval power with colonial interests. The idea of having soldiers on board ships is far from a modern idea. At some unrecorded place centuries ago, a warrior stood up in a boat and prepared to go ashore to join the battle. No ancient scribe was present to set down whether the man won or lost, lived or died, and yet as he ran through the surf toward the unnamed shore, primitively armed and equipped, he was blazing a trail that thousands would follow in the ages to come. As early as 500 BC the Greeks were using Epibiota, a term roughly translated meaning ‘heavily armed sea soldiers. The Romans had sea going soldiers in their fleets, the Vikings, who came from the sea to raid other lands and in more recent times the Spanish, who conquered South America and maintained her colonies there. By the most basic definition these men were marines. As Britain attained more colonies so did her dependency on a strong Fleet to defend and maintain them grew. A need developed to have specially trained soldiers for permanent sea duty rather than embark infantry regiments of the British Army. So, there evolved the sea soldiers, who, being both soldiers and sailors, could fight equally well either on land or at sea. It was obvious that small wars were likely to break out all over the world and if not stopped rapidly they could easily spread. Over and over again in their hundred-year history the Royal Marines have proved their worth either as a spearhead of some amphibious operation or as a rearguard covering the withdrawal of the Army. From boarding parties in the Second Dutch War in 1664 to the action in the Afghanistan is a long haul. Who knows what will come next? But whatever it may be, it will be handled well by these superb Sea Soldiers.

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Royal Marines Insignia

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Genealogical Tree of the Royal Marines

THE ADMIRAL’S REGIMENT 1664 - 1685

The Prince's Regiment

1685 - 1689

Two Marine Regiments of Foot 1690 - 1698

Four Regiments of Marines

1698 - 1699

Six Regiments of Marines 1702 - 1713

Four Invalid Companies of Marines

1714 - 1739 Six Regiments of Marines Four Regiments of Marines 1739 - 1748 1740 - 1748

THE MARINES

1755 - 1802

THE ROYAL MARINES 1802 - 1855

Royal Marines (Light Infantry) Marine Artillery Companies 1855 - 1862 1804 - 1862 Royal Marine Light Infantry Royal Marine Artillery 1862 - 1923 1862 - 1923

THE ROYAL MARINES

1923

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Historical Reasons for the Formation of the Corps

King Charles II, acting on advice from his commanders, decided to commission a regiment of sharp shooters to be deployed aboard Royal Navy vessels, to pick off enemy sailors manning heavy guns in a battle, thus disabling the enemy attacking capability, and allowing the Royal Navy to have an advantage. His Majesty the King, made a proclamation in Whitehall, to raise the Duke of York and Albany’s Maritime Regiment of Foot. Below is the exact wording of the Convening Order, which was made on 28th October 1664, which we now recognise and celebrate as the Birth of the Corps. The regiment was raised mainly from the Trained Bands of the City of London.

The Convening Order

At The Court of Whitehall the 28th October 1664

Present

The Kings Most Excellent Majesty’s

His Royal Highness ye Duke of York Earle of Middleton

Lord Chancellor Lord Bishop of London

Lord Treasurer Lord Ashley

Duke of Albemarle Mr Vice Chamberlain

Duke of Ormond Mr Secretary Morice

Earle of Anglesey Mr Chancellor of ye Duchy

Earle of Lauderdaill Sir Edward Nicholas

"Upon a Report from the Lords the Committee for the Affairs of His Majesty’s Navy Royal and Admiralty of this Kingdome this read at the Board, His Majesty was pleased to Order and direct that twelve hundred Land Soldiers be forthwith raised in readiness to be distributed to his Majesty’s Fleets prepared for Sea Service, which said twelve hundred men are to be put under One Colonel, One Lieutenant Colonel and One Sergeant Major and to be divided into Six Companies. Each Company to consist of two hundred Soldiers; and to have one Captain, One Lieutenant, One Ensign, One Drummer, Four Sergeants and Four Corporals, and all the Soldiers aforesaid to be armed with good Firelocks. All which Arms, Drums and Colours are forthwith to be prepared and furnished out of His Majesty's stores. The care of all which is recommended to the Duke of Albemarle his Grace Lord of His Majesty's Forces.

The Duke of Albemarle

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Corps Memorable Dates Introduction Since the birth of the Corps in 1664, the Royal Marines has distinguished itself in many different theatres of war in every quarter of the globe. The Corps’ crest, the globe encircled by laurels, reflects its involvement in every major sea battle and in many land campaigns for over three hundred years. The most important of these actions together with the formation of the Royal Marines have been commemorated by the granting of ten Corps Memorable Dates, ranging from the capture of Gibraltar in 1704 to the recent recapture of the Falkland Islands in 1982. Memorable dates for actions during and after the 1939-45 war have also been granted to operational HQ and units.

The Birth of the Corps - 28 October 1664

King Charles II sanctioned the formation of the Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot - the first Regiment to be formed specifically for service afloat. The Regiment was raised mainly from the Trained Bands of the City of London from which the RM derive the privilege of marching through the City of London with Colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed. The yellow stripe in our present-day Regimental flash commemorates the yellow uniforms of the Duke of York and Albany's Regiment.

The Capture of Gibraltar - 24 July 1704

The famous attack upon Gibraltar, which led to its surrender to the British, on 24 July 1704 was carried out by a brigade of British and Dutch Marines, 1,800 strong, under the command of Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt. In the following October, Gibraltar was besieged by the French and Spanish. The Marine brigade, which had been reinforced shortly before by a further 400 Marines from the British Fleet, held the fortress against repeated attacks until the siege was raised on 9 March 1705. In one incident in this fighting, Captain Fisher of the Marines with 17 of his men, successfully defended the Round Tower against the continued assaults of 500 French Grenadiers. A contemporary report of this noted defence says, "Encouraged by the Prince of Hesse, the garrison did more than could humanly be expected, and the English Marines gained an immortal glory.

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The Battle of Belle Isle - 7 June 1761

Two battalions of Marines, under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John McKenzie, served with great distinction at the siege of Belle isle, an island off the north-west coast of France near St Nazaire in Quiberon Bay. With the 19th Regiment, these two units effected their first successful seaborne landing in the face of stiff opposition. They took part in all subsequent fighting on the island.

The Marine battalions gained great fame at the final storming of the redoubts in June. Of their conduct on this occasion the Annual Register for 1761 said: No action of greater spirit and gallantry has been performed during the whole war. The laurel wreath borne on the Colours and appointments of the RM is believed to have been adopted in honour of the distinguished service of the Corps during this operation.

The Battle of Bunker Hill -17 June 1775

On the night of 16 June 1775, a rebel American force occupied dominating high ground to the north of the town of Boston where a British garrison was based. On the following morning, General Sir William Howe launched an attack to dislodge the Americans which was repulsed with heavy losses. A second attack was also unsuccessful but the third, after Howe had been reinforced by a Marine Force and the 47th Regiment, finally took the position. The Marine Force under Major John Pitcairn consisted of the First and Second Marine Battalions. It suffered casualties of 29 killed and 87 wounded in storming the heights. A contemporary report said: "The reputation of the Marines was never more nobly sustained. Their unshaken steadiness was conspicuous and their valour in closing with the enemy when part of the attacking column wavered gained them not only the admiration of their comrades but the commendation of their distinguished chief."

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The Battle of Trafalgar - 21 October 1805 The Corps was present at Lord Nelson's victory over the combined fleets at Trafalgar, the most decisive sea fight in British history. Ninety officers and over 3,600 NCOs, and men of the RM at their traditional stations on the upper decks of the British ships bore a brave and important part in the success of the day. The losses were particularly heavy on board the leading ships; in Lord Nelson's flagship, the Victory, 4 RM officers and 27 men of the RM detachment were killed or wounded. The total RM casualties during the battle were 4 officers and 117 men killed or died of wounds and 14 officers and 226 men wounded.

Gallipoli - 28 April 1915

During February and March 1915 elements of the 3rd Royal Marines Brigade (Brigadier C N Trotman RMLI), landed largely unopposed on the Gallipoli Peninsula to dismantle Turkish defensive positions. After the unsuccessful naval attempts to force the Narrows in March, the Turkish Army reinforced the peninsula in strength. Thereafter a major amphibious operation was required. The Plymouth Battalion RMLI took park in the initial landing on 25 April but the Brigade did not land until the night of 28/29 April when it went ashore at Anzac Cover to relieve 1 and 3 Australian Brigades. On 30 April it was joined in the line by 1 Royal Navy Brigade (Brigadier D Mercer RMLI) which contained the Deal RMLI Battalion. For the next 13 days both brigades were engaged in continuous heavy fighting, bearing the brunt of the Turkish attacks and displaying great resolution. After a counter-attack in the Monash Valley by Chatham and Portsmouth Battalions on 3 May 1915 the Turks were driven back with heavy losses. Major Quinn, a great Australian VC, said to Major Jerram of the RM Brigade "The bravest thing I've seen so far was the charge of your two Battalions up that hill on Bloody Sunday." In another incident Lance Corporal W R Parker (Portsmouth Battalion RMLI) was awarded the Victoria Cross for his gallantry in evacuating a party of wounded men under fire. The RM Brigade's casualties during this period were 21 officers and 217 men killed, 29 officers and 764 men wounded and 122 men missing. On 12 May both brigades were deployed to Cape Helles to rejoin the RN Division for the remainder of the campaign.

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The Raid on Zeebrugge - 23 April 1918

The 4th Battalion RM under the command of Lieutenant Colonel B N Elliot DSO took a leading part in the gallant enterprise against the German naval base at Zeebrugge, on St George's Day, 1918.

The RMLI companies landed on the Mole in the face of determined opposition and held their positions while the entrance to the canal was successfully blocked and the Mole destroyed. Lieutenant Colonel Elliot, the last of a family who had served in the Corps from father to son since 1755, Major Cordner, his second-in-command, 9 other officers and 109 NCOs and men lost their lives in this gallant affair, while 233 all ranks were wounded and 13 taken prisoner. Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to the RM for their conduct during the operation.

The Landings in Normandy - 6 June 1944

Over 16000 Royal Marines took part in the largest amphibious operation in history. Most of the minor landing craft were manned by Royal Marines, as also were the guns of the support craft, and all capital ships carried an RM detachment. Five RM Commandos (41, 45, 46, 47 and 48) landed during the assault phase, grouped with three Army Commandos into two Special Service Brigades. In addition, the Corps provided a number of specialist units including an Armoured Support Group, beach clearance and control parties and engineers. The first 48 hours of the operation were the most critical, involving a seaborne assault against a heavily protected and strongly held coastline. Most of the RM Commandos were ashore by 0900 hours on 6 June and had achieved their initial objectives by early on 7 June.

The Corps thus played a leading role in the establishment of secure beach-heads from which subsequent operations to defeat the German Army in the west were developed. Nine officers and 85 men were killed in action on 6 June. The number of wounded is not known. The following gallantry awards were conferred upon Royal Marines during the Normandy campaign, most of them for actions on 6 June: 5 DSOs, 3 OBEs, 13 DSCs, 10 MCs, 1 CGM, 26 DSMs and 13 MMs.

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The Assault on Walcheren -1 November 1944

The leading troops in the successful seaborne attack on Walcheren in November 1944, were the 4th Special Service Brigade (Brigadier B W Leicester DSO) consisting of Numbers 41, 47 and 48 Commandos and Number 4 Army Commando. The three RM Commandos attacked Westkapelle with little support, owing to the weather, other than that provided

Recapture of the Falkland Islands - 14 June 1982

The Cops was involved in virtually every significant aspect of the South Atlantic campaign starting on the 2 April when Naval Party 8901 opposed the Argentine assault on the Islands. A company group form 42 Cdo RM recaptured South Georgia on 25 April. From 1 May Special Boat Squadron carried out intelligence gathering patrols which were critical to the success of the main amphibious landing in San Carlo water on 21 May. The main landing was planned and executed by 3 Commando Brigade RM (Brigadier J H A Thompson OBE) which deployed at full strength (40, 42, 45 Cdo's RM and Cdo Log Regt RM). RM detachments served in many of the ships of the Task Force and all landing craft where RM manned. On 30 May Major General J J Moore OBE MC arrived in San Carlos with his Headquarters, based on HQ Cdo Forces RM, and assumed command of all land forces including the Army's newly arrived 5 Inf Bde. 3 Cdo Bde RM continued to bear the brunt of the fighting throughout the campaign command 5 of the 6 battalion-scale battles that took place before the surrender of the Argentine forces on the 14 June. The professionalism and resilience of the marines who took part were major factors in the success of this unique amphibious operation conducted at a range of nearly 8,000 miles from the UK mounting base. A total of 3,520 Royal marines, approximately 50 % of the Corps, took part in this campaign. Two officers and 25 men were killed in action during the campaign and 67 were wounded. The following honours and awards sere subsequently conferred upon Royal Marines: one KCB, one CB, two DSO, six OBE, three MBE, one MBE, one DSC, five MC, two DFC, one DCM, three DSM, ten MM, one DFM and one QGM.

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The Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award of the United Kingdom honours system. It is awarded for gallantry "in the face of the enemy" to members of the British armed forces. It may be awarded posthumously.

It may be awarded to a person of any military rank in any service and to civilians under military command although no civilian has received the award since 1879. Since the first awards were presented by Queen Victoria in 1857, two thirds of all awards have been personally presented by the British monarch.

The first ceremony was held on 26 June 1857 at which Queen Victoria invested 62 of the 111 Crimean recipients in a ceremony in Hyde Park, London. The traditional explanation of the source of the metal from which the medals are struck is that it derives from Russian cannon captured at the Siege of Sevastopol. A single company of jewelers, Hancock’s of London, has been responsible for the production of every VC awarded since its inception.

The following Royal Marines have been awarded the highest British honour for gallantry

CORPORAL JOHN PRETTYJOHN RMLI

The Battle of Inkerman, 5 November 1854

Reported for Gallantry at the Battle of Inkerman having placed himself in an advanced position and noticed as having shot four Russians. On 5th November 1854 at the Battle of Inkerman, Corporal Prettyjohns’ platoon went to clear out some caves which were occupied by snipers. In doing so they used up almost all of their ammunition, and then noticed fresh parties of Russians creeping up the hill in single file. Corporal Prettyjohn gave instructions to his men to collect as many stones as possible which they could use instead of ammunition. When the first Russian appeared he was seized by the Corporal and thrown down the slope. The others were greeted by a hail of stones and retreated. Besides his VC Prettyjohn was awarded the British Crimea Medal with clasps for Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol. The Turkish Crimea and Sardinian Medal, The China Medal 1857with a clasp for Canton a Good Conduct Medal and a Good Conduct gratuity in the Crimea. He died, aged 62 in Manchester on January 1887 where he is buried in the Southern Cemetery.

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orders,_decorations,_and_medals_of_the_United_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courage

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combat

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_rank

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_Victoria

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monarchy_of_the_United_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyde_Park,_London

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Sevastopol_(1854%E2%80%9355)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hancocks


BOMBARDIER THOMAS WILKINSON RMA

The Siege of Sevastopol, 7 June 1885

On the 7th of June at the Battle of Sebastopol Bombardier Wilkinson was especially recommended for gallant conduct in the advanced batteries in placing sandbags to repair the work under a hail of fire. Despite the gun emplacement being blasted to all but a heap he continued aloft calling for more sandbags reinforcing his position. As well as the Victoria Cross, Wilkinson also received the French Legion of Honour, the Turkish Crimea Medal and the British Crimea Medal with clasps for Balaclava, Inkerman and Sebastopol. He died at the age of 55, in York on 22nd September 1887 where he is buried. The memorial stone raised by his comrades reads; - “Honour the Brave – To the memory of Thomas Wilkinson, pensioner RMA, who died in the City of York 22nd September 1887 and was interred with full military honours.

LIEUTENANT GEORGE DARE DOWELL RMA

The Baltic, 13 July 1855

On the 13th of July 1855 at the Forth of Viborg in the Gulf of Finland, when an explosion occurred in the magazine of one of the cutters of HMS Arrogant, Lieutenant Dowell, who was on board HMS Ruby, took 3 volunteers and went under heavy fire to the assistance of the cutter. He took up three of the crew, and having rescued the rest and also the Captain of the Mast, George Ingouville, RN (also awarded the VC), he then towed the stricken boat out of enemy range. On 21st November 1857, his Victoria Cross had the Blue Ribbon (won at sea) and he was also presented with the Crimea Medal with Baltic Clasp. He retired from military service with the rank of Brevet Lt Col as adjutant of the 3rd Brigade, Western Division of Artillery Militia on 29th January 1886. He then emigrated. He died aged 79 in Auckland, New Zealand, where he is buried in Purewa Cemetery.

CAPTAIN LEWIS STRATFORD TOLLEMACHE HALLIDAY RMLI

The Siege of Peking, 24 June 1900

The enemy consisting of Boxers and Imperial Chinese Army Troops, made a fierce attack on the west wall of the British Legation in Peking, setting fire to the west gate of the stable quarters and taking over the buildings which adjoined the wall. The fire, which spread to part of the stables and through which a galling fire was kept up by the Imperial Troops, was with difficulty extinguished and the presence of the enemy in the adjoining buildings was a grave danger to the legation. A sortie was organised to drive them out. A hole was made in the legation wall and Captain Halliday, in command of 20 Marines, led by into the buildings and almost immediately engaged the enemy. Before he could use his revolver, however, he was shot through the left shoulder at point blank range. The bullet fractured his shoulder and carried away part of his lung. Notwithstanding the extremely severe nature of his wound, Captain Halliday killed three assailants, telling his men “to carry on and not mind him”, walked back un aided to the hospital, refusing an escort and so as not to diminish the number of men in the sortie.

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LANCE CORPORAL WALTER RICHARD PARKER RMLI

Gallipoli, 30 April 1915

Lance Corporal Parker was awarded his VC in recognition of his bravery and devotion to duty in the course of the Dardenelles operations. Between 28th April and 1st May 1915, a message was sent asking for ammunition, water and medical stores, which was received from an isolated trench at Gaba Tepee. A party of NCO’s and men were detailed to carry water and ammunition. Lance Corporal Parker at once came forward. He had already shown great bravery as stretcher bearer; several men had been killed in an attempt to bring assistance to the men holding the fire trench. To reach the fire trench it was necessary to traverse an arc at least 400 mtrs wide, which was completely exposed and swept by enemy fire. It was already daylight when the party emerged from shelter and at once one of the men was wounded. Lance Corporal Parker organised a stretcher party and then going on alone succeeded in reaching the fire trench. After arrival he rendered first aid to the wounded in the trench displaying courage despite receiving wounds of his own evacuated the wounded in the fire trench.

MAJOR FRANCIS JOHN WILLIAM HARVEY RMLI

The Battle of Jutland, 31st May 1916

On the 31st May 1916 the British Fleet met the German Imperial High Seas Fleet in the North Sea, off the western coast of the Jutland peninsula (Denmark). This was to be the greatest sea battle since Trafalgar. On board HMS Lion, Admiral Beatty’s flagship, received a hit on “Q” turret by an 11-inch shell. This turret was the Marines turret and was commanded by Major Harvey. This blew open the turret roof, killing or mortally wounding the crew in the turret house and control position. Major Harvey, who with his legs blown off, was dying, gave the order to flood the turret magazine. Marines from another gun battery tried to put out the fires, but as they were doing so some cordite fell from the breach from one of the guns, which caught fire and in turn set off another charge waiting in the turret trucking. This sheet of flame tunneled downward killing the shell-room and magazine gun crews waiting at the foot of the trunk, but because of the flood magazine and its doors being shut, it did not explode, therefore, saving the entire ship from being sunk. As the result of his action that day Major Harvey was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross for presence of mind and devotion to duty. The King at Buckingham Palace presented this to his widow.

MAJOR FREDERICK WILLIIAM LUMSDEN RMA

France, 3 April 1917

A battery of six enemy field guns had been captured, but it was necessary to leave them dug in their own positions some 300 yds in advance of the position held by our troops. The enemy kept the captured position under constant fire. Major Lumsden personally organised the duty of bringing the guns back into his own lines despite the fact that the enemy was counter attacking and their rifle fire becoming more accurate. He led four artillery teams and a party of Infantry through the hostile barrage. As one of these teams sustained casualties, he left the remaining teams in covered position, and, through very heavy rifle fire and machine gun fire with shrapnel fire, he led the Infantry to the guns. By force of example and inspiring energy he succeeded in sending back two teams with guns, despite counter attack from the enemy. Major Lumsden returned and drove off the enemy, attached the final gun and returned back to his own lines.

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CAPTAIN EDWARD BAMFORD RMLI

The Raid on Zeebrugge, 23rd April 1918

Captain Bamford was “B” Company Commander during the raid on Zeebrugge, and on landing, led his company on the Mole, and under heavy fire he displayed the greatest initiative by total disregard of danger showed magnificent example to his men. He established a strongpoint in Number 3 shed, then when satisfied that this was safe, he led an assault on the left with the utmost coolness and valour. His Victoria Cross like Sergeant Finch’s was awarded as a result of a ballot amongst survivors of the raid, as there were so many acts of bravery on that day.

SERGEANT NORMAN AUGUSTUS FINCH RMA

The Raid on Zeebrugge, 23 April 1918

Sergeant Finch was stationed in the foretop, as gun controller and second in command of this position, which he controlled the pom-pom and Lewis guns of HMS Vindictive. In spite of damaging fire, the Marines kept up a continuous fire, changing targets frequently to keep the enemy’s heads down. The foretop received two direct hits, killing or disabling all except Sergeant Finch, who continued to fire a Lewis gun at the enemy on the Mole despite having his right arm shattered. He only abandoned the foretop after another direct hit which destroyed the armourment. Sergeant Finch’s Victoria Cross, like Captain Bamford’s was awarded after a ballot by survivors of the raid.

CORPORAL THOMAS PECK HUNTER RM

The Battle of Comacchio, 3 April 1945

Corporal Hunter of “C” Troop was in charge of a bren group of the leading section of 43 Commando. Realizing that his Troop behind him were in the open, Corporal Hunter seized the Bren gun and charged across 200yds of open ground drawing fire from 3 spandau guns. He ran through the houses, changing magazines as he ran and cleared the houses. Six Germans surrendered to him the others fleeing before him. The Troop following came under intense fire again Corporal Hunter offered himself as a target in front of three enemy Pill boxes. Shouting encouragement to his men Corporal Hunter was finally hit in the head by a burst of machine gun fir and killed instantly. There is no doubt Corporal Hunter saved his Troop and displayed magnificent courage and leadership to his comrades.

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Senior Royal Marines Appointments

The Captain General

The Queen has been pleased to give her formal approval to the appointment of His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales as Captain General Royal Marines in on the 19 December 2017. Succeeding the role from the Duke pf Edinburgh.

Honorary Colonel

His Majesty King Harald of Norway was appointed an Honorary Colonel in the Royal Marines by Her Majesty The Queen in 1981, when he was the Crown Prince. He wears the uniform and badges of rank of s Royal Marines Colonel.

The Commandant General

An RM General Officer is always appointed as Commandant General Royal Marines: this role is as a head of one of the four Naval Service Fighting Arms but with specific duties as the serving head of the Corps responsible for advising the First Sea Lord on RM matters. It does not carry any command function but is rather a ceremonial and ‘tribal chief’ role. CGRM now sits on the Navy Board in an advisory role. Currently the role is for a Major General and the post is tied to the Officer holding the operational appointment within Navy Command of Commander UK Amphibious Forces (COMUKAMPHIBFOR)

Colonels Commandant

These are honorary appointments, which are normally held for approximately four years. Those appointed are usually retired RM General Officers or Brigadiers, but senior Officers of other services may also be appointed. RM Officers may wear either the uniform and badges of their rank on retirement or, as in the case of Officers from other services, a RM Generals Officers uniform with the badges of rank of a Colonel.

Honorary Colonels Royal Marines Reserve

Each RMR unit has an Honorary Colonel, who wears the regimental uniform of their rank on retirement or the approved alternative, which is Corps uniform (i.e. uniform worn by Lieutenant Colonels RM and below) with Colonels badges of rank.

Colonel Commandant Royal Marines Cadets

The Colonel Commandant RM Cadets is an honorary appointment. The incumbent wears the regimental uniform of their rank on retirement or the approved alternative, which is an RM Staff Uniform (i.e. uniform worn by RM Brigadiers and Colonels) with Colonels badges of rank. The current Colonel Commandant Royal Marines Cadets is Brigadier Ged Salzano MBE RM.

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The Colours

Colours have been carried in the Corps since the first Marine regiment was raised in 1664. At that time, each company carried its own colour, which were all based on the yellow of the uniform. For succeeding regiments the company Colours were altered with the times and to suit changes in the uniform.

By the time the Corps was reformed in 1755 as fifty independent companies, the number of Colours in a Army battalion had been reduced to two. Colours do not appear to have been issued at first, probably because the independent companies were distributed between Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth and not organised as battalions. However, in 1760, when a Battalion was formed for the expedition to Belle Isle, Colours were provided.

In the Army, the King’s or First Colour was based on the Union Flag and the Second Colour on a flag to match the regimental facings; the coloured material of the turned back skirts, lapels, collar and cuffs of the long coat worn at the time. However, the Marines appear not to have followed this custom completely in that the principal colour of the Second Colour seems to have been Crimson. Soon after this a stand of Colours was presented to each of the three Divisions. The central devices were the same on both Colours, namely a Foul Anchor within a wreath of roses and thistles. It had long been the custom for ‘Royal’ regiments to have blue facings and so, after the Corps was so honoured in 1802 and when new Colours were presented in 1811, the Second Colour, which by then was unofficially known as the Regimental Colour, was blue and so it has remained to the present day.

The first Colours with devices similar to those borne today date back to 1827, when HRH The Duke of Clarence, later King William IV, the ‘Sailor King’, presented a stand to each Division. By this time in

the Army it had become customary to embroider on the Colours battle honours which had been awarded to the regiment. In one of his speeches HRH spoke of this when commenting on the devices borne and said:

“The greatness of the number of actions to be considered and the difficulty of selecting amidst so

many glorious deeds such a portion as could be inserted in this space, determined His Majesty King

George IV to direct that The Globe encircled with Laurel should be the distinguishing badge as the

most appropriate emblem of a Corps whose duties carry them to all parts of the Globe, in every

quarter of which they had earned laurels by their valour and good conduct…”

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He pointed out that the honour GIBRALTAR was for the Capture and Defence in 1704-5 and he knew that “…Marines were engaged in this capture and none but Marines were employed by the Prince of

Hesse in the glorious defence…”, and further directed that from the difficulty of selecting battle honours amidst so many glorious deeds, the Corps should have the ‘Great Globe itself’ as its emblem to be surrounded by the Laurel Wreath, retaining Gibraltar as the first great battle honour to represent all previous and subsequent honours.

His Royal Highness went on to say that:

“…His Majesty has given them the most peculiar and honourable distinction, a badge of his own

Cypher; and further, His Majesty directed that whatever King and Queen they might serve under

hereafter, though the Cypher of the reigning Sovereign must appear on the Standard, still in those of

the Royal Marines, the Cypher GRIV was forever to appear.”

He also said that the cypher was being added to that peculiar badge (The Anchor), “…which is

your distinctive bearing” and drew attention to “…the motto, peculiarly your own, ‘PER MARE PER

TERRAM’ has been allowed to remain…”

In 1858, new Colours were presented to each of the four Divisions by the local Naval Cs-in-C with very little ceremony. The design followed a new pattern for Colours in the Army and departed from the embellishments authorised by King George IV. This change was most unpopular in the Corps and it is not surprising that when new stands were to be presented in 1894 and 1896, the 1827 design returned. However, that was not the only change that was made. Until the middle of the nineteenth century Colours were nearly six-foot square, on a 9ft 10in pike and were carried by very young Officers, often mere boys in their late teens. These young men had considerable difficulty in controlling the Colours when they were unfurled, when even a slight breeze could carry them off their feet and they sometimes suffered the indignity of being thrown to the ground. The 1894 and 1896 stands were the first of a new smaller pattern to be carried in the Corps, 3ft 9in by 3ft, and the same size as those borne today.

In 1947, on the reorganisation into RM Groups, the Colours of Chatham, Portsmouth and Plymouth Divisions automatically become the Colours of RM Barracks, Chatham, Eastney and Portsmouth respectively. The last of these to be carried were those of RM Barracks, Eastney presented in 1956 and which were finally laid up in the Corps Museum in 1973. Since then only the Commandos have carried Colours in the Royal Marines since only they retain the roles and traditions of infantry units; specialist RM units are thus not entitled to carry Colours.

Colours were first presented to Commandos in 1952, when HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presented a stand to each of the three units of 3 Commando Brigade RM in Malta. The Colours presented to 40 Commando RM at that time were laid up in the Corps Museum when new Colours were presented in 1976. Those of 42 Commando RM are now in the Officers’ Mess at CTCRM, the unit having received a new stand in Singapore in 1968. In the following year HM The Queen presented new Colours to 45 Commando RM in Plymouth, and their original stand was laid up in Stationers Hall in the City of London.

41 and 43 Commandos were reformed in 1960 and 1961 respectively and also received Colours. When 41 Commando disbanded their Colours were laid up in the Officers’ Mess at Stonehouse Barracks, Plymouth but are now in the RM Museum at Eastney, whilst 43 Commando’s Colours are kept by 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines.

New stands of Colours were presented to 40, 42 and 45 Commandos by the Captain General at a parade held on Plymouth Hoe on 12 July 2001.

The previous Colours of 40 Commando RM are laid up in St Lawrence Jewry next to Guildhall in the City of London, the Corps Affiliated Church, those of 42 Commando RM are in the Falklands Hall at CTCRM, and 45 Commando’s previous Colours are in the Officers’ Mess at Stonehouse Barracks.

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In the Royal Marines, there have only been two occasions when the Sovereign has presented Colours. Queen Victoria presented Colours to Portsmouth Division RMLI at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight in 1894. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented Colours to 45 Commando RM in Plymouth in 1969, but all the remainder since 1951 have been presented by HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, including the last Colours to be borne by RM Barracks, Plymouth and RM Barracks, Eastney. The presentations to RM Barracks, Plymouth and the three units of 3 Commando Brigade in Malta were even prior to the appointment of HRH as Captain General Royal Marines.

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THE QUEEN’S COLOUR

The Union Flag, in the centre of which is a foul anchor with the cipher of HM The Queen interlaced; above, St Edward’s Crown surmounted by a scroll inscribed ‘Gibraltar’; below, the globe surrounded by a laurel wreath, under which a scroll inscribed with the Corps motto ‘Per Mare Per Terram’. The cords and tassels are of gold interwoven with silks of the Commando’s colour which corresponds to the Commando lanyards worn by all ranks.

The Queens Colour is a union flag on which is superimposed:- Gibraltar The Corps most famous Battle Honour Lion and Crown Denoting the corps loyalty to the Crown Fouled Anchor Showing the Corps link with the Royal Navy Cypher (Signature) Of the Reigning Monarch Globe Indicates the Corp having fought all around the world Laurel Wreath Believed to have been awarded for gallantry at Belle Isle Per Mare Per Terram The Corps Motto, said to have been first used at Bunker Hill THE REGIMENTAL COLOUR

A Blue Flag with a small Union Flag in the canton nearest the pike head, and the Cypher of HM The Queen surmounted by a St Edward’s Crown in the other three corners; centre embellishments are similar to the Queen’s Colour, except that the foul anchor is interlaced with the cipher of George IV and the Commando numeral appears below the motto. The cords and tassels are of gold interwoven with silks of the Commando’s colour which corresponds to the Commando lanyards worn by all ranks.

The regimental colour consists of a blue background with a small Union Jack in the top left corner:- Gibraltar The Corps most famous Battle Honour Lion and crown Denoting the corps loyalty to the Crown Fouled anchor Showing the Corps link with the Royal Navy Cypher (Signature) of George IV He decreed that his cypher would always appear on the

regimental colours Globe Indicates the Corp having fought all around the world Laurel wreath Believed to have been awarded for gallantry at Belle Isle Per Mare per Terram The Corps Motto, said to have been first used at Bunker Hill Cypher of the Reigning Monarch In the three spare corners Unit Colours The units number directly below the Corps Motto. Tassels

are intertwined with the unit Colours. Both Colours are made of silk measuring 3’ 9’’ x 3’ with gold chords and tassels interlaced with crimson (CDO Units mentioned above). The pike measures 7’ 10’’

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The King’s Squad On the occasion of his visit to the 4th Battalion in March 1918, preparing at Deal for their raid on Zeebrugge on St George’s Day 1918, HM King George V also visited the Depot and witnessed recruit training. He was much impressed with what he saw and on completion directed that the senior squad of recruits under training should be designated “The King’s Squad”. As a mark of distinction it is customary for members of the squad to wear a white lanyard on the left shoulder of their blue uniform and to the chinstrap of their cap ‘down below the chin. At one time of the highlights of the Royal Tournament was a drill display by the King’s Squad of the Royal Marines. This was regularly up until 1959, but since then these displays have only been performed in 1980 and 1990. Today the senior recruit troop at the Commando Training Centre RM, Lympstone it titled “The King’s Squad”.

THE KINGS BADGE Soon after his visit to Deal, HMS The King further directed that the best recruit in the King’s Squad should be awarded ‘The King’s Badge’, “provided he reaches the required standard”. The senior recruit receives his badge from the Inspecting Officer at the Squad’s passing out parade. The badge, which consists of the Cypher of King George V (GvR) within a laurel wreath, is worn at the top of the left sleeve. It is worn throughout his service, in all orders of dress no matter what rank he later attains.

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Regimental Music

Quick March A Life on the Ocean Wave was originally written as a song with words by Henry Russell in 1868. It was based upon a tune by an American, Henry Epps Sargent, J A Kappey, Bandmaster of the Chatham Divisional Band, arranged the tune as a Divisional March, introducing part of the Naval song The Sea as the trio. In response to an instruction that all four Divisional Bandmasters should provide a march, one of which would be selected as the Regimental Quick March of the Royal Marines, Kappey submitted this arrangement. A Life on the Ocean Wave was successful and the War Office officially recognised it in 1882, the Lords of the Admiralty similarly recognised it in 1920 and the Royal Navy followed suit in 1927. Whilst Kappey’s arrangement is the Official version, another very good arrangement was made in 1944 by Major F J Ricketts, the Director of Music of the Plymouth Division, better known as the composer, Kenneth Alford. A third arrangement was made by WO1 M McDermott in 1997. http://windsorrma.org.uk/dits-a-bits/music-a-audio

A life on the ocean wave,

A home on the rolling deep,

Where the scatter’d waters rave

And the winds their revels keep.

Like an eagle caged, I pine

On this dull un changing shore;

O give me the flashing brine,

The spray and the tempest’s roar.

Slow March A score of “The Preobrajensky March”, presented to the Corps in Tercentenary Year 1964 by the Earl Mountbatten of Burma, whose uncle, the Grand Duke Sergius, at one time commanded the Russian Preobrajensky Guards. The original composer of the march remains in doubt with evidence supporting two candidates, Ferdinand Hasse and Ernest Donajowski. Earl Mountbatten was given his score by King Alfonso of Spain in the late 1930s. The score was arranged by Lieutenant Colonel F V Dunn and the march was officially recognised as the Regimental Slow March of the Royal Marines on 10 June 1964. The arranger retired in 1968 and almost immediately become Lieutenant Colonel Sir Vivian Dunn KCVO OBE FRAM RM, the only Director of Music in any Service to be Knighted.

Commando March In addition to the Regimental Quick March, Commando units may use “Sarie Marais”, an old South African trekking song much used by the Boer Commandos. The song was written as a march by Toonsetting and then arranged by Captain F V Dunn in 1937. It has been reported that 3 Commando Brigade officially adopted the march, arranged by the Brigade’s Bandmaster Dixon, in 1948. Captain Dunn’s arrangement was officially adopted by the Corps on the 28 August 1952.

O take me back to the Old Transvaal

That’s where I long to be,

I left my little Sarie where the measlies grow

Just by the green thorn tree.

And there I’ll be to meet her where

I loved her so.

Down by the green- thorn tree.

Inspection Music “The Globe and Laurel”. This march was the regimental slow march until 1964. It is an arrangement by Vivian Dunn of the traditional old English Air, Early One Morning, which he composed in 1935 for ceremonial use when the Royal Marines first carried out Public duties in London.

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http://windsorrma.org.uk/dits-a-bits/music-a-audio


Freedoms and Privileges The Royal Marines enjoy a number of privileges which were earned by their loyalty, devotion to duty and good character, they include:

Freedom of Cities and Towns The freedom of a city or borough is the most honourable distinction a local government council can bestow. Regiments granted the Freedom of Cities and Towns invariably march through the area with their ‘drums beating, bayonets fixed and Colours flying’ as a salute and a mark of respect to the citizens. The Royal Marines have been granted the freedom of: Deal 1945 Exeter 1977 Chatham 1949 Medway 1979 Plymouth 1955 Newcastle upon Tyne 1989 Portsmouth 1959 Gibraltar 1996 Poole 1973 The Wirral 1998 Stanley, Falkland Islands 1976 Gosport 2005 Birmingham 2018

Affiliation In addition, the Royal Marines have been affiliated to the town of Exmouth since 1968.

Freedoms to RM Units The following units have been granted the freedom of their local area: The County of Angus (2003) – 45 Commando RM The Borough of Taunton Deane (2003) – 40 Commando RM The Town of Dartmouth (2003) – RM Band of Britannia Royal Naval College (Band ceased to exist in 2009) The City of Liverpool (2010) – RMR Merseyside Glasgow (1 Nov 2014) – 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group The Borough of Wandsworth (28 Jan 2017) – RMR City of London The City of London has the legal right to prevent troops freely entering the City. Since 1664 the Admiral’s Regiment, and subsequently the Royal Marines, have been granted the privilege of marching through the City of London with drums beating, bayonets fixed and Colours flying. The origin of this privilege lies in recruits for the Duke of York and Albany’s /maritime Regiment of Foot being found from the Trained Bands of London. The privilege is shared with only six other regiments, The Blues and Royals, Grenadier Guards, Coldstream Guards, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, The Royal regiment of Fusiliers and The Honourable Artillery Company. No regiment has the Freedom of the City of London. On 23 April 1974, the Royal Marines were affiliated to the Church of the Corporation of the City of London, St Lawrence Jewry.

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Associations with Livery Companies

Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers adopted the Corps in March 1949. The Stationers’ Trophy is awarded to the best trainee clerk or stores accountant who qualifies each year and the Cox Cup to the best student on IT/IS training courses each year at the Signal and Clerks Training Wing at the Commando Training Centre, Lympstone. The first Colours to be presented to 45 Commando RM are laid up in Stationers’ Hall.

Honorable Company of Master Marines The Honourable Company of Master Mariners adopted the City of London Royal Marine Forces Volunteer Reserve (now RMR) in 1953. His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Captain General Royal Marines, is a Warden of the Court of the Master Mariners. Since 1964 the Commandant General has been an Honorary Member of the Company during his appointment.

Worship Company of Musicians The Worshipful Company of Musicians present a silver medal annually, which is awarded to the best student in the Bandmasters’ Class at the RM School of Music. Another silver medal and bronze medal, known as the Cassel Prizes, are awarded to the winner and runners-up in an annual competition for musicians under training at the RM School of Music.

Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers The Worshipful Company of Armourers and Brasiers make an award to the best trainee armourer who qualifies each year in the Technical Training Company at Royal Marines Poole.

Worshipful Company of Plaisterers The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers in 1983 presented to the Corps a painting of SS Canberra during the landings at San Carlos. This painting is now in the Officers Mess at CTCRM, Lympstone. Since 1985 the Commandant General has been an Honorary Member of the Company during his appointment.

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Associations with Other Marine Corps

The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps Royal Marines have a particularly close association with the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, with whom they regularly conduct NATO exercises with throughout the year. Formed in 1665, during the Anglo-Dutch Wars, the Dutch Marines distinguished themselves both at sea and in raids on the English coast, where it is likely that they met their British counterparts. During the War of the Spanish Succession, when the two countries were allies, it was a combined force of British and Dutch Marines, under Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt, which captured Gibraltar in 1704. Today the Royal Netherlands Marine Corps, the Korps Mariniers, is an amphibious force with similar functions to the Royal Marines. It provides an Amphibious Combat Group in the Netherlands Antilles, in addition to its major commitment with the United Kingdom/Netherlands Landing Force, with which it deploys a further Amphibious Combat Group, a Special Boats Section and a Landing Craft Detachment. This integration and co-operation, unique in NATO, was seen in 1991 during operations in Eastern Turkey and Northern Iraq. The motto QUA PATET ORBIS (Wherever the World Extends) symbolises the service of the Corps throughout the world during its long history. A greetings message is sent to the RNLMC, the senior corps in the Netherlands armed forces, on the occasion of its birthday each year, 10th December.

The United States Marine Corps On November 10, 1775, the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia passed a resolution stating that “two Battalions of Marines be raised” for service as landing forces with the fleet. This resolution, established the Continental Marines and marked the birth date of the United States Marine Corps. Serving on land and at sea, these first Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations, including their first amphibious raid into the Bahamas in March 1776, under the command of Captain (later Major) Samuel Nicholas. Nicholas, the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines, remained the senior Marine officer throughout the American Revolution and is considered to be the first Marine Commandant. The Treaty of Parris in April 1783 brought an end to the Revolutionary War and as the last of the Navy’s ships were sold, the Continental Navy and Marines went out of existence.

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Associations with Other Regiments

The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment Formed on 31st December 1966 by an amalgamation of a number of Home Counties regiments, including the Queen’s Royal Surrey Regiment, which was itself an amalgamation in 1959 of the Queen’s Royal Regiment West Surrey and the East Surrey Regiment. Although both Surrey regiments served as Marines during their early history, the Royal Marines particular connection was with the East Surreys who were raised in 1702 as Villier’s Marines. In 1948 the Officers and Warrant Officers Class 1 were authorised to wear the Blue Lanyard, a custom continued in the 1st battalion of the Queen’s Regiment.

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland

Early connections date from Balaclava in the Crimean War and Lucknow during the Indian Mutiny, but the main association stems from The Second World War. In July 1940, after the fall of Dunkirk, the 8th Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders served with the Royal Marines Brigade for over a year. When HMS Prince of Wales and Repulse were sunk in December 1941, the Royal Marines survivors joined up with the remnants of the 2nd Battalion, in the defence of Singapore. They formed what become known as; The Plymouth Argylls’, after the association football team, since both ships were Plymouth manned. Most of the Highlanders and Marines who survived the bitter fighting were taken prisoner by the Japanese. The Roya, Marines inter-unit rugby football trophy is the ‘Argyll Bowl’, presented to the Corps by the Regiment in 1947. A message of greetings is sent each year on their Regimental Day, 25 October, the anniversary of the Battle of Balaclava in 1854.

The Royal South Wales Regiment

1st Commando Regiment

The Royal New South Wales Regiment and the 1st Commando Regiment Elements of the predecessors of the Royal New South Wales Regiment served alongside the Royal Marines Battalion in the Sudan Campaign in 1885. Members of the Regiment were at Gallipoli and in France. In the Second World War a great many Officers and men served with distinction side by side with Royal Marines units in Crete in 1941. Independent Companies were raised in Australia in 1941 and carried out commando training. Although these units were disbanded after the war, two commando companies were later reformed and one of these was enlarged and re-designated the 1st Infantry Battalion (Commando) (The City of Sydney’s Own Regiment). The Royal Marines were closely connected with the training of Officers and NCOs for these units and in 1960 HM The Queen approved alliances between the Corps and the 1st Infantry Battalion (Commando) and between 45 Commando RM and the 2nd Commando Company. A new alliance was approved later with the Royal New South Wales Regiment, and this has been extended to 1 Commando Regiment also. Annual greetings messages are sent on 6 March, the anniversary of the commencement of commando training in Australia in 1941. (Whilst the above is historically correct the details of unit alliance are under review.)

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Barbados Defence Force Close links have existed between the Royal Marines and the Barbados Defence Force since 1985 when a bond was established following a series of cross-training exercises in the Caribbean. The alliance was approved by HM The Queen in 1992 and confirmed at a ceremony on 14 August 1993 in Bridgetown, Barbados, attended by the Commandant General. Annual greetings are exchanged on the anniversary of the parade.

France The 9th Marine Infantry Brigade – 9eme Brigade D’infanterie De Marine The 9eme BIMa is a Marine Infantry Brigade which is one of two designated amphibious in France. It is unique in that it is the only ‘all Marine’ Brigade in the French Army, the other amphibious brigade, 6eme Light Armoured Brigade, being comprised of a mix of cap badges, 9 BIMa is also light armoured brigade, Regiment d’Infanterie de Marine – 2/3 RIMa) and a tank battalion (Regiment d’ Infanterie de Char de Marine – RICM) equipped with AMX-10RC wheeled tank. Combat support is provided by an artillery regiment (11 Regiment d’ Artillerie de Marine – 11 RAMa) and combat engineers (6 Regiment de Genie – 6 RG). The Brigade has personnel widely deployed throughout the world, particulary in former French colonies in Africa, and is at a high state of readiness for operations. The Brigade Headquarters commanded Task Force La Fayette 3, the French 4,000-9eme BIMa is part of the French Army, under the direct command of Commandant des Forces Terrestres (Commander Land Forces). In this respect, the French Marine model differs from the UK model and can create confusion. The French Marines do not ‘own’ their amphibious raiding craft, these being under the command of the French Navy. The British and French Governments are committed to establishing closer links between their Armed Forces. On 16 February 1995, a ‘Twinning Agreement 1895’ (sic) was signed between 9eme BIMa and 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines to promote closer liaison between the formations, which have complimentary capabilities. This agreement saw the establishment of permanent exchange Officers between the two formations. The partnership was reinvigorated in 2011 after the signing of the 2010 Lancaster House Treaty between Prime Minister David Cameron and President Nicolas Sarkozy. This committed the two armed forces to greater interoperability, particularly with a view to creating a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force. This force will have at its core both airmobile and amphibious capabilities. Consequently, the relationship between 9 BIMa and 3 Cdo Bde RM has been thrust back into the limelight with an ambitious set of bilateral activities leading to validation of the CJEF in 2016.

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Customs & Corps Colours

The King’s Candlesticks When HM King George VI dined with the Officers of the Corps at the Savoy Hotel on 21st December 1949, each officer’s mess of the Corps provided a pair of candelabra. On that occasion the candles were lit just before the Loyal Toast. HM The King expressed a wish that, in future at regimental dinners, after the table has been cleared and the port passed, the lighting should be doused and the King’s Candles lit in what is an exclusive ceremony to the Royal Marines.

Loyal Toast To mark the tercentenary of their formation, HM Queen Elizabeth II dined with the officers of the Royal Marines at the Royal Naval College, Greenwich on 23rd July 1964. At the instigation of Admiral of the Fleet, the Earl Mountbatten of Burma (then Chief of the Defence Staff), The Queen granted the privilege of drinking the Loyal Toast seated to the Royal Marines when in their own messes. This privilege extends to the Sergeants and JNCO’s Messes.

Toasts to the Captain General Immediately following the Loyal Toast, the President proposes the toast to the Captain General. This toast is also drunk seated.

The Corps Colours The following are the Corps colours, in sequence and proportion:

Blue (Navy Blue) The Corps’ status as a constituent part of the Naval Service – four parts.

Yellow (Old Gold) The coat colour in 1664 – one part.

Green (Light Infantry Green) Perpetuates Light Infantry title – one part.

Red (Drummer Red) The infantry tunic colour until 1876 – two parts.

Blue (Navy Blue) The Corps’ status as a constituent part of the Naval Service – four parts.

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Royal Marines Prayer O Eternal Lord God, who through many generations hast united and inspired the members of our Corps, grant Thy blessing, we beseech Thee, on Royal Marines serving all round the GLOBE. Bestow Thy CROWN of Righteousness upon all our efforts and endeavours, and may our LAURELS be those of gallantry and honour, loyalty and courage. We ask these things in the Name of Him, whose courage never failed. Our Redeemer. Jesus Christ.

Amen THE ROYAL MARINES CADET PROMISE I Promise to Serve My God, The Queen, My Country and The Sea Cadet Corps and to Obey the Orders of My Superior Officers. I Will Always Do My Duty, Be Proud of My Uniform and Wear It Like A Royal Marine.

The Green Beret

During the early days of Commandos, the men continued to wear their own regimental headdress and cap badge. There were 79 different ones in No 1 Commando alone! Towards the end of 1942, the officers of this Commando decided that matters should be regularised and that a beret would be most practicable. The Royal Tank Regiment had worn a black beret for many years and the recently formed Parachute Regiment had chosen a red one. No 1 Commando’s flash was a green salamander going through fire which gave a choice between green, red and yellow. Green was deemed to be the most suitable and a local firm of tam-o-shanter makers in Irvine (Ayrshire) produced a beret made from some green cloth of the colour worn today. The beret has been worn since that date by Royal Marines. The Coveted Green Beret (CGB) is a distinctive hallmark of the commando troops, indicating that those who wear it have attended and passed grueling and physically demanding test of endurance, by displaying the commando qualities of teamwork and cheerfulness in the face of adversity. Presented to those men who have passed all the commando tests. Worn by Royal Marines, Army Commandos and Royal Navy Commandos. The CGB was first worn in 1942 by Number 1 Commando. In addition to the Green Beret Royal Marines and Royal Naval ranks wear a Commando Flash to identify them, while Army ranks wear the Brigade insignia of a Commando Dagger on their left sleeve. All Commando training is conducted at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines Lympstone Nr Exmouth Devon. Royal Marine Recruits complete 32 weeks basic training, the longest for infantry soldiers in the world, Royal Marine Officers spend 14 months at Lympstone. Both must pass a separate commando course (4 weeks) successful completion entitles them to wear the Green Beret. Navy and Army ranks who are to serve with the Brigade generally complete the All Arms Commando Course (AACC) this comprises the same four weeks training as the Royal Marines with an additional short basic infantry skills phase.

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Hannah Snell

Alias James “Jemmy” Gray 1723 – 1792

Hannah Snell was born on the 23rd April 1723 at Friar Street, Worcester. She was the daughter of a hosier and the Grand Daughter of a professional soldier who had been killed Malplaquet.

In 1740 at the age of 17 she was orphaned and therefore travelled to Wapping in London to live with her elder sister Susannah Gray. It was there that she met and fell in love with a young Dutch Seaman named James Summs and all his stories of service in the Marines.

In January 1742 at the age of 19 they married and quite soon after Hannah became pregnant, however seven months after getting married Hanna’s husband returned to sea and subsequently vanished.

Hannah convinced herself that her husband had been press ganged into the Army or Navy, so when her daughter Unfortunately died prematurely at the age six months old she borrowed her brother in laws clothes to disguise herself as a man and by binding up her breasts, she also assumed her brother in law’s name (James “Jemmy” Gray) and set out to try and find her wayward husband.

James Gray (Hannah Snell) arrived in Coventry where troops were mustering after the 1745 rebellion and enlisted in Guise’s Regiment of Foot, which were the forerunners of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. With the background of a military family she probably neighbor this was the only way to travel.

“James Gray”, who looked a sturdy figure with a fresh complexion, marched to Carlisle with the Regiment but fell afoul of a Sergeant who put her on a charge alleging “Neglect of Duty”. She was subsequently sentenced to 600 lashes, but this was generously reduced to a mere a 500. Hannah was tied to the barracks gate, which probably concealed her chest and took her punishment.

Hannah later deserted not just because of the injustice she had suffered but because she recognised a recruit from Worcester as a former neighbor who might have betrayed her.

She stole civilian clothing and made her way to Portsmouth where she joined Frazer’s Regiment of Marines. At that time an expedition was being prepared for the East Indies.

As a Marine she boarded the sloop “HMS Swallow” and sailed cheerfully to the notoriously dangerous and unhealthy location. It is amazing that despite the conditions of shipboard life, with cramped space, poor rations and interminable boredom, she was able to keep her secret. Indeed she was so well thought off that she was appointed Mess Sergeant.

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The Fleet’s objective was an attack on the French post at Pondicherry on the Indian coast south of Madras. Hannah was one of 2,500 troops sent to reduce a fort. Again she won the respect of her comrades for steady courage. On one occasion she calmly shot dead one of a French patrol, which had killed Marines while they landed stores. Later Hannah forded a river, chest deep, with other troops to capture a French stronghold.

In an all out offensive Hannah fired off 37 aimed shots before suffering multiple wounds herself, six in one leg and five in the other. Worse still, she had a musket ball in the groin which she did not mention to surgeons ealizing that her sex would be discovered immediately, so with the aid of a negro woman servant, she managed to locate and extract the ball herself.

Three months later she was discharged as being fit for duty, but more trouble was in store in this extraordinary adventure.

On the Man-o-War “Eltham” bound for Bombay, the Chief Officer noted that Marine Gray had a fine voice and ordered her to sing for him.

Hannah protested that it was no part of a soldier’s duty to sing and was subsequently clapped in irons for five days and given 12 lashes. This time she managed to conceal her sex by tying a large handkerchief around her neck and spreading it across her chest.

Throughout her extraordinary adventure Hannah never failed to make enquiries about her missing husband, and on the return voyage to London, the ship called at Lisbon. She learned that a man called “Summs” had murdered someone in Genoa and had been killed by being thrown into the sea in a weighted sack.

Her reason for posing as a man had vanished, so when the ship docked in Portsmouth on 25th May 1750 Hannah travelled with the Marines to London before abandoning her disguise and returned to wearing female clothing.

Hannah presented a petition to the head of the British Army, The Duke of Cumberland, requesting financial recognition for her service so while the military were examining the truth to her claim she not surprising became a personality and appeared in a double role theatre act giving drill displays as “Bill Bobstay” a sailor, and “Firelock” a soldier.

Finally the Army accepted Hannah’s claim and awarded a Sovereigns Grant for l and a Chelsea Pension. She leased a tavern in Wapping, which was known as “The Female Warrior”, and or “The Widow in Masquerade”

In 1759 at the age of 36 Hannah married her second husband Samuel Eyles and after his death she married her third husband Richard Hadgood in 1772 at the age of 49.

Finally Hannah’s story finishes when on 8th February 1792, at the age of 69 one of Britain’s best-known female soldiers, dies in the notorious lunatic asylum, Bedlam. She was buried in Chelsea Hospital graveyard

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Royal Marines Units

3 Cdo Bde RM 30 Commando IX Group RM

40 Commando RM 42 Commando RM 43 Commando Fleet Protection Group RM

45 Commando RM

Commando Logistic Regiment RM

Commando Training Centre Royal Marines

1 Assault Group 539 Assault Squadron Royal Marines School of Music

Special Boat Service

RMR Bristol RMR London RMR Merseyside RMR Scotland

Pennant’s

3 Commando Brigade Pennant

Commandant General Royal Marines

General & Lt General Royal Marines

Brigadier Royal Marines

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History of the Sea Cadets

The Corps probably has the longest continuous history of any youth organisation in the country. A few of the landmarks in its evolution are summarised below.

1856 A clergyman who had returned from the Crimean War was so concerned at the number of single-parent and orphaned boys resulting from the loss of so many soldiers and sailors, that he established an orphanage at Whitstable, enlisting the help of sailors who had returned from the war. A number of similar orphanages, including ones at Whitby, Brixham and Deptford, soon followed and, by the end of the 19th century there were ‘Brigs’ or ‘Brigantines’ in several towns, some independent, some loosely organised into ‘Naval Lads‟ Brigades’.

1899 Her Majesty Queen Victoria graciously presented a £10 note to the Windsor Naval Lads‟ Brigade for the purchase of uniforms. Because of the close relationship between the Windsor Naval Lads‟ Brigade and the Windsor Branch of the Navy League (see below), the anniversary of this event, 25 June, has been declared the birthday of the Sea Cadet Corps.

1910 The Navy League, a pressure group formed in 1895 with the aim of influencing maritime thinking in Parliament and reminding the country of its naval history and dependence on the sea, decided also to sponsor a small number of these independent Units as the Navy League Boys’ Naval Brigade. This slowly expanded with the addition of other formations such as Sea Scout Groups.

1914 The Navy League applied to the Admiralty for recognition of its 34 Brigades.

1919 Admiralty recognition was granted subject to an annual efficiency inspection by an Officer on the staff of the Admiral Commanding Reserves, and the title Navy League Sea Cadet Corps was adopted. There were five other Sea Cadet Corps, all much smaller.

1937 Lord Nuffield gave £50,000 to fund the expansion of the Corps.

1939 At the start of the war there were nearly 100 Units with some 10,000 cadets.

1942 The Navy League’s 1941 scheme for training Sea Cadets in TS BOUNTY for service in the wartime Navy caught the Admiralty’s imagination. The Admiral Commanding Reserves took over the training role in January 1942, HM King George VI became Admiral of the Corps, Officers were granted appointments in the RNVR and the Corps was renamed the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC). A huge expansion to 400 Units and 50,000 cadets coincided in many towns with Warship Weeks so that newly-formed Units took the names of adopted warships. The Admiralty now paid for uniforms, equipment, travel and training while the Navy League funded sport and Unit headquarters. Thousands of Bounty Boys progressed into the Navy as communications ratings, many returning to their Units after the war ended. In the same year the Girls’ Naval Training Corps was formed as part of the National Association of Training Corps for Girls with Units mainly in southern England.

1943 All Units were given Unit numbers in alphabetical order from “1 Aberdare” to “381 York”. Thereafter Units were numbered in sequence as they were affiliated to the Navy League, reaching 430 by the end of the war.

1947 Both the Admiralty and the Navy League wished to continue their involvement with, and a measure of control over, the SCC and they agreed a continuation of their wartime co-sponsorship. The conditions were now embodied in an agreement between them known as the Sea Cadet Charter.

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CCK

CLICK

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Amongst other items, the Admiralty undertook to support a maximum of 22,000 cadets, to supply uniforms, boats, training facilities, travel expenses and limited pay to adult staff who retained their appointments in the RNVR (and, in a later re-organisation, of the RNR). The Sea Cadet Council was set up to govern the Corps with membership from the Navy League and the Royal Navy. A retired Captain took on the task of supervision, first as Secretary to the Council and later as Captain Sea Cadet Corps. From the same date the Girls’ Naval Training Corps expanded throughout the country. By the late 1950s there were more than 50 Units and the name had been changed to the Girls’ Nautical Training Corps.

1955 At the supersession of the Commandant General Royal Marines he asked permission to form a Marine Cadet Section to fit into the existing organisation of the thriving Sea Cadet Corps and the Sea Cadet Council agreed to this. Within 10 years the Marine Cadet section had expanded from the original 5 Detachments to 40.

1963 It was proposed to amalgamate the three Girls’ Corps into one national body, to be called the Girls’ Venture Corps. The Girls‟ Nautical Training Corps (GNTC), not wishing to lose its naval identity, asked the Navy League to take over its sponsorship and in 1964 it was affiliated to the SCC. In many cases, the GNTC shared premises with local Sea Cadet Units.

1976 The Navy League was renamed the Sea Cadet Association since support of the SCC and GNTC had now become its sole purpose. At the end of the year the title of Admiral Commanding Reserves lapsed and his functions, including responsibility for the SCC, were transferred to the Commander-in-Chief Naval Home Command (CINCNAVHOME) in Portsmouth. The Sea Cadet Charter was revised and replaced by a Memorandum of Agreement.

1980 On 31 March the Ministry of Defence (Navy) approved the admission of girls into the SCC within the overall ceiling of 22,000. The GNTC ceased to exist as a separate body and its Units were admitted to the SCC to form Girls’ Nautical Training Contingents. The number of Contingents, originally set at 120, was raised to 150 in 1983.

1986 All limits on Contingent numbers were removed by the Admiralty Board and replaced by a limit of 35% of girls in the Corps overall. By late 1991 over 300 Units contained girls.

1992 The successful integration of the male and female cadets and their adult leaders over the previous eleven years led to the logical step of discontinuing the separate Girls’ Nautical Training Contingents from 1 January. Sea Cadets, male and female, now became entitled to identical training. Adult Sea Cadet staff, male and female, became entitled to the same opportunities, insignia, rank, nomenclature and pay. In its Golden Jubilee year the SCC numbered some 400 Units once more with a rising total membership of around 16,000. Beyond the UK, there were Units in Malta and the Falkland Islands, as well as Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. This year saw the formal introduction of Junior Sea Cadets aged from 10 to 12 years into the Corps.

1993 HRH The Duke of York become the Admiral of the Corps. The Sea Cadet Corps received the Corps Colour from the Admiral of the Corps.

1994 At a conference in Portsmouth an International Sea Cadet Association was formed to encourage international exchanges, to foster the Sea Cadet ethos world-wide and to stimulate the formation of new Corps. Founder members were: UK, Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, Germany, Holland, Japan, South Africa, Sweden and the USA.

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1995 The Sea Cadet Association was reconstituted as a company as well as a national charity.

1997 The Captain of the Sea Cadet Corps assumed the title Commodore of the Sea Cadet Corps (abbreviated in 2001 to Commodore Sea Cadets).

2004 The Sea Cadet Association merged with The Marine Society to form The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) which became the new parent body of the SCC and the nation’s largest maritime charity.

2005 The 50th Anniversary of the Marine Cadet Section. A parade at Longmoor Training Camp took place with 400 Staff and Cadets for CGRM. Fifty years after the formation of the Marine Cadet section, there were for the first time 100 Units with Marine Cadet Detachments.

2007 The appointment of head of the SCC was assumed by a serving Royal Navy Captain, known as the Captain Sea Cadets and Director of Operations (CSC).

2010 A ‘Royal Favour’ was granted by HM The Queen stating that every CFAV and cadet wearing a Royal Marines uniform would be entitled to be called a ‘Royal Marines Cadet’, irrespective of the overarching Cadet Organisation to which he or she belongs. HM The Queen graciously approved the appointment of Colonel Paul Cautley CMG OBE DL as the first Colonel Commandant Royal Marines Cadets.

2011 Alpha and Zulu companies provided a 48-man guard and two Colours for the National Trafalgar Day Parade on Trafalgar Square on October 24 2011, the first time in the Royal Marines Cadets History.

2014 On the 8 July 2014, Royal Marines Cadets from the SCC, CCFRM and RMVCC attended the RM 350 Foundation Parade of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Cadets at Buckingham Palace in the presence of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (Captain General Royal Marines) and in celebration of the 350th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marines. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh presented the Royal Marines Cadet Banner, all RM cadets from the CCF, SCC, RMVCC can be titled as Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Cadets. On completion of the parade all CFAVs and Cadets involved in the parade received the RM350 Foundation Parade of HM Royal Marines Cadets Coin.

Royal Marines Cadet Banner RM350 Foundation Parade of HM Royal Marines Cadets Coin

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2016 On the 6 March 2016, Brigadier Mike Ellis OBE RM Retired, the Chief Executive Officer for the Royal Marines Association announced that Royal Marines CFAVs and Cadets can join the RMA.

2017 On the 2 August 2017, 40 Commando Royal Marines, Royal Guard, 1664 Challenge Runners, Royal Marines Association and Royal Marines Cadets from the SCC, CCFRM and RMVCC attended the Captain Generals Parade at Buckingham Palace and in celebration of the retirement of public duties for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

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Royal Marines Cadets Detachments

Just as the Royal Marines are part of the Royal Navy, so the Royal Marines Cadets are part of the Sea Cadets. RMC Detachments exist inside the SCC, and its structure matches that of its Sea Cadet counterparts.

NATIONAL LEVEL The Staff Royal Marines Officer (SRMO), who is a serving Colour Sergeant on load from the Royal Marines to the MSSC. He is responsible for safe system of training and other operation duties for the SCC and reporting to the CSC. He is also responsible for conducting the annual CATSEA which all detachments must participate in. The SRMO is assisted by the Royal Marines Cadets Senior Staff Officer (the head of the Royal Marines Cadets), the Regimental Sergeant Major and some CFAV who are part of Support Company.

COMPANY LEVEL Companies cover the same area as the Sea Cadet “Area”, and each is identified by a phonetic letter the exception being Command Company.

HQ - Support Company South West - Alpha Company North West - Bravo Company London - Lima Company Eastern - X-Ray Company Northern - Yankee Company Southern - Zulu Company

Each company has a Company Commander, usually a Major (SCC) (RMR) and in addition, Company staff include:

Company 2i/c – Second in Command (2iC) – Organisation of the Company and Officer Development Company Training Officer – (Coy TO) – Organises Coy level training Company Sergeant Major (CSM) – SNCO Development Company Quartermaster (QM) Company Quartermaster Sergeant – Stores

TROOP LEVEL Since not every unit has a Royal Marines Cadets Detachment, using District borders would result in Troops with one detachment or none. As such, Troop borders, are independent and cross District boundaries. There are several Troops in a Company, and are numbered 1 Troop, 2 Troop, 3 Troop etc. Each troop has a Troop Officer and a Troop Sergeant and are made up of about 4-6 Detachments in each.

DETACHMENT LEVEL Detachments are normally affiliated to Sea Cadet Units and parade alongside the Sea Cadets, they are managed by the Detachment Commander who is responsible for the overall running of the detachment staff and cadet training, stores and welfare.

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Marines

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Navy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colour_Sergeant


SCC and RMC Officers Badges of Rank

SCC Officers RMC Officers

BADGE NAME BADGE BADGE NAME BADGE

Commander (SCC) RNR

Sleeve Lace

Waved rows – 3 rows of 10mm lace

Lieutenant Colonel (SCC) RMR

Shoulder Strap

Anodised Crown and one star below (No.1A Dress)

Lieutenant Commander (SCC) RNR

Sleeve Lace

2 rows of 10mm lace with a row of 3mm lace between

Major (SCC) RMR

Shoulder Strap

Anodised Crown (No.1A Dress)

Lieutenant (SCC) RNR

Sleeve Lace

2 rows of 10mm lace

Captain (SCC) RMR

Shoulder Strap

Three Anodised Stars (No.1A Dress)

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) RNR

Sleeve Lace

1 row of10mm lace

Lieutenant (SCC) RMR

Shoulder Strap

Two Anodised Stars (No.1A Dress)

Midshipman (SCC) RNR

Lapel Badge

RN Type Wire/Gold Button

2nd Lieutenant (SCC) RMR

Shoulder Strap

One Anodised Star (No.1A Dress)

SEA CADET CORPS –

Curved Flashes

Gold Wire on Black

(Worn by Midshipman)

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SCC Warrant Officers, Senior Rates and SNCOs Ranks and Rates

SCC WOs & Senior Rates RMC WOs & SNCOs


Warrant Officers 1

Sleeve Badge

RN Type - Royal Arms

Warrant Officer Class 1 (SCC) RMR

RM Type

Royal Arms

No.1A Cuff Badge

Warrant Officers 2

Sleeve Badge

RN Type - Crown in Laurel wreath

Warrant Officer Class 2 (SCC) RMR

RM Type

Laurels and Crown

No.1A Cuff Badge

Chief Petty Officer

Sleeve Badge

RN Type – 3 x Cuff Buttons

Colour Sergeant (SCC)

RM Type

Gold on Red Chevron surmounted by a crown

No.1A

Petty Officer

Rate Arm Badge

RN Type - Crossed Anchors/Crown

Sergeant (SCC)

RM Type

Gold on Red Chevron

No.1A

Three Chevrons

Probationary Petty Officer / Acting Petty Officer (SCC)

Arm Badge

Gold Wire Two Crossed Fouled Anchors

Probationary Sergeant (SCC)

RM Type Gold on Red Chevron

No.1A

Three Chevrons – Red Slide worn on

epaulettes

SEA CADET CORPS –

Curved Flashes

Gold Wire on Black

(Worn by all SCC WOs and SRs)

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SCC and RMC Cadet Ranks and Rates

SCC Cadets RMC Cadets


Petty Officer Cadet

Gold Wire – Arm Badge

Two Crossed Fouled Anchors

RM Cadet Sergeant

RM Type

Gold on Red Chevron

No.1A

Three Chevrons

Leading Cadet

Red on Black – Arm Badge

One Fouled Anchor

RM Cadet Corporal

RM Type

Gold on Red Chevron

No.1A

Two Chevrons

Able Cadet


Three Stars

RM Cadet First Class / RM Cadet Lance Corporal

RM Type

Gold on Red Chevron

No.1A

One Chevron

RMC1

White Slide

White tape on both epaulettes, made up as a loop from 13mm

(½ inch) ribbon.

LCpl

Ordinary Cadet


Two Stars

RM Cadet Second Class No Badge Worn

Cadet First Class


One Stars

RM Cadet No Badge Worn

Cadet No Badge of Rate Worn

New Entry No Badge Worn RM Cadet Recruit No Badge Worn

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SCC and RMC Cap Badges and Beret Badges

SCC Officers & Senior Rates RMC Offices, WOs & SNCOs


Officers Cap Badge

Officers Beret Badge Metal – RN Type

Cap/Beret Badge

RM Type

Officers & WO1 Divided Badge

Anodised & Bronze

WO 1 & WO 2

Cap Badge

RN Type

Cap/Beret Badge

RM Type

WO2 Divided Badge

Anodised & Bronze

Chief Petty Officer

Cap Badge

RN Type - Anchor in Wreath/Crown

Cap/Beret Badge

RM Type

SNCOs & Cadets Badge

Anodised & Bronze

Petty Officer

Cap Badge

RN Type - Anchor/Crown

Cadet Beret Badge

Metal Beret Badges are to be worn by all enrolled Sea Cadets.

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RMC Officers, Warrant Officers, SNCOs, JNCOs and Cadets Badges of Rank


RMC Shoulder Title

RMC Anodised

RMC Shoulder Title

RMC Bronze

SCC Badge Roundel

Gold on Blue

SCC Badge Roundel

Gold on Green

SCC Badge Roundel

White on Stone

SCC Badge Roundel

Black on Green

RMC Shoulder Flashes

Red on Blue

RMC Shoulder Flashes

Black on Green

Collar Badge

RM Type

Officers & WO1 Gilded Metal

Anodised & Bronze

Collar Badge

RM Type

WO2, SNCOs & Cadets Gilded Metal

Anodised & Bronze

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Addressing Personnel of different Rank All SCC and RMC should normally formally address those senior in rank to themselves on at least the first occasion of meeting each day and on any other occasion when formality is appropriate e.g. if called to an office or if being reprimanded. More junior personnel should be particularly diligent in observing this custom, as should those who do not know each other well. More senior personnel should make it clear when informality is acceptable (e.g. when playing sport) and when it is not. Styles of Address are:

Rank By those Junior By those Senior Referring to third parties in

conversation

Lance Corporal & Corporal Corporal Corporal Corporal Name

Sgt’s Sergeant Sergeant Sergeant Name

CSgt’s Colours Sergeant Colour Sergeant Colour Sergeant Name

WO2’s Sir Mister Name Mister Name

WO2 (CSM) Sergeant Major Sergeant Major Mister Name

WO1’s Sir Mister Name Mister Name

WO1 (RSM’s) Sir RSM Mister Name

2Lt’s and Lt’s Sir Mister Name Mister Name

Capt’s Sir Captain Name Captain Name

Maj’s Sir Majors Name Majors Name

Lieutenant Col’s and Col’s Sir (or Colonel) Colonel Name Colonel Name

Brig’s Sir (or Brigadier) Brigadier Name Brigadier Name

General Officers Sir (or General) General Name General Name

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Documents

ROYAL MARINES CADETS SUPPORT COMPANY