FORMATION AND SERVICES
OF THE
MARINE CORPS.
The advantages arising from the services of corps trained to the use of arms on board of ship, as well as on land, were found when the British navy acquired a superiority over that of other nations of Europe; and as the safety of Great Britain, from its insular position, chiefly depends on the efficiency and excellence of her fleets, the importance and value of Marine Forces have consequently been at all times acknowledged and appreciated by the Sovereign, as well as by the Nation at large.
1664
The first corps raised for Sea-service, of which history gives an account, is that which was formed by King Charles II., in the year 1664, when the war with Holland took place: this corps was commanded by the Duke of York (afterwards King James II.), then Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and was designated “The Admiral’s Maritime Regiment.”[44]
1672
In the year 1672 a dispute on the subject of naval precedence, and other causes, gave rise to another war with the Dutch, and battalions for Sea-service were formed, as the occasions of the State required, by drafts from the land forces, which were embarked on board the fleet; several companies of the Foot Guards were employed on the Marine duty; these companies were engaged in a sharp fight with the Dutch fleet on the 28th of May, 1672, in which upwards of two thousand men were killed; they were also engaged in several other actions during the war which ended in February, 1674.
1689
In 1689 King William III. incorporated “the Admiral’s Regiment” (which was then considered the third regiment of Infantry) in the Second, now the Coldstream, regiment of Foot Guards. Two Marine regiments were, about the same time, established for service on board the fleet, which were disbanded in 1698.
1702
On the recommencement of hostilities, in 1702, with France and Spain, both of which nations possessed powerful fleets as well as numerous armies, the British Parliament felt the expediency of enabling the Queen to increase the efficiency of her navy, by forming Corps of Marines, which could act at sea as well as on land.
Six regiments were accordingly added in the year 1702 to the regular Army as Marine corps, and six other of the regular regiments of Infantry were appointed for Sea-service; as shown in the following list.
The six Regiments of Marines were:—
Colonel Thomas Saunderson’s, now thirtieth foot.
Colonel George Villiers’s, now thirty-first foot.
Colonel Edward Fox’s, now thirty-second foot.
Colonel Harry Mordaunt’s; disbanded in 1713.
Colonel Henry Holl’s; disbanded in 1713.
Colonel Viscount Shannon’s; disbanded in 1713.
The six regiments of Foot for Sea-service were:—
Colonel Ventris Columbine’s, now sixth foot.
Colonel Thomas Erle’s, now nineteenth foot.
Colonel Gustavus Hamilton’s, now twentieth foot.
Colonel Lord Lucas’s, now thirty-fourth foot.
Colonel Earl of Donegal’s, now thirty-fifth foot.
Colonel Lord Charlemont’s, now thirty-sixth foot.
Her Majesty’s Order for levying this body of men was contained in the following Royal Warrant, dated 1st of June, 1702:—
“Anne R.
“Our pleasure is, that this establishment of six regiments of Marines, and six other regiments for Sea-Service, do commence and take place from the respective times of raising.
“And our further pleasure is, that the order given by our dearest brother the late King, deceased, and such orders as are, or shall be, given by us, touching the pay or entertainment of our said forces, or any of them, or any charges thereunto belonging, shall be duly complied with, and that no new charge be added to this establishment without being communicated to our High Treasurer, or Commissioners of our Treasury for the time being.
“Given at our Court at St. James’s, on the first day of June in the first year of our reign.
“By Her Majesty’s Command.
“Godolphin.”
Other regiments were also embarked, at different periods, during the war, on board the fleet to act as Marines, and the efficiency and usefulness of these corps, while so employed, were attested by the capture of several fortresses in Spain; more especially that of Gibraltar in 1704, the taking of which was effected by the Navy and Marines.
Rules and Instructions for the better government of the Marine regiments were issued by authority of Her Majesty Queen Anne, on the 1st of July, 1702, in which it was directed, “That when on shore they were to be quartered in the vicinity of the dock-yards, in order to guard them from embezzlement, or from any attempt that might be made on them by an enemy.”
Full instructions were also given as to their pay, subsistence, and clothing, which directed, “that the same deductions should be made for clothing as was usual in the land forces. Also that one day’s pay in every year be deducted from officers and soldiers for the Hospital.
“When on board ship they were to have an equal proportion of provisions with the seamen, without any deductions from their pay, the soldiers receiving short allowance money like the seamen.”
In order to render such portions of the Marine regiments as might be on shore, useful on all occasions when their services might be required, Her Majesty directed, that it should rest with herself, or with the Lord High Admiral, the Prince George of Denmark, to dispose of them at such places nearest to the several dock-yards as might be judged most convenient; and as there might be occasion for labourers to despatch necessary public works, Her Majesty empowered the High Admiral, or the Commissioners for executing that office, to cause to be employed in the dock-yards so many of the marine soldiers as might be judged fitting, and to make them such daily allowance for their labour, besides their ordinary pay, as should seem reasonable.
The Marine forces being thus placed under the control of the Lord High Admiral, His Royal Highness was pleased in 1702, to nominate Colonel William Seymour (of the fourth regiment of foot) to superintend the whole, with the rank of Brigadier-General, whose peculiar duties were to observe, that the men were comfortably quartered, that the officers were attentive in their respective departments, and that the marine soldiers, when embarked on board of ship, were supplied with proper sea-clothes and other suitable necessaries. When the Marines were serving afloat, they were to be under the command of the Naval Officers of the ships.
The Uniform of the Marine forces consisted of high-crowned leather-caps, covered with cloth of the same colour as the facings of the regiment, and ornamented with devices, the same as the caps worn by the grenadiers; scarlet frock-coat; buff waist-belt; black pouch carried in front, with bayonet-belt attached; buff gaiters.
During the reign of Queen Anne, certain Independent Companies of Marines were raised for the purpose of aiding in the defence of the British possessions in the West Indies.
The first important service on which the Marine corps were employed in this reign, was on board the fleet under Admiral Sir Cloudesly Shovel, then commanding in the Mediterranean, who was instructed to make every possible arrangement, by conciliation or by conquest, among the dependencies of the French and Spanish monarchies, in order to ensure a cordial reception of the Archduke Charles of Austria, in opposition to Philip, Duke of Anjou, of France, to the throne of Spain.
1704
After some delays, the Archduke arrived at Lisbon under Admiral Sir George Rooke, on the 25th of February, 1704, in order to concert a plan of future operations with his ally the King of Portugal.
Sir George Rooke, after cruising with the fleet on the coast of Portugal, returned to Lisbon, and took the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt on board, with whom he sailed on the 20th of April to Barcelona. On the arrival of the fleet before Barcelona, the Prince of Hesse sent a letter to Don Velasco, the governor, requiring him to surrender the town, which he refused. Information, however, being received that the city would declare for Charles III. if a show of attack were made,—sixteen hundred Marines were accordingly landed at the request, and under the command, of Major-General the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, on the 19th of May, 1704: this force, being found to be inadequate for the purpose, was re-embarked on the following day.
The next object of attack was the Rock of Gibraltar, where the Prince of Hesse landed in the afternoon of the 21st of July, 1704, with 1800 British and Dutch Marines. Acting upon the decision of a council of war, His Highness proceeded to cut off all communication with the mainland, to bombard the place, and to reduce it to the obedience of Charles III., King of Spain. The governor, on being summoned, refused to surrender, alleging that all the garrison had taken an oath of allegiance to King Philip V.
Admiral Sir George Rooke having directed a strong force to proceed against the South Mole, the enemy was driven from his guns; several boats, manned and armed, were then detached under the command of Captain Whitaker, of the Navy, who soon obtained possession of the great platform: about one hundred of the besiegers, whose impetuous bravery had carried them within the effects of a mine connected with the fort, were killed or wounded by the explosion; the rest, advancing rapidly, gained a redoubt half-way between the mole and the town. The Governor, at the urgent desire of the inhabitants, was induced to capitulate, and the Prince of Hesse took possession of the garrison on the evening of Sunday the 24th of July 1704. The loss in effecting the capture of this important fortress was sixty-one killed, and two hundred and six wounded. The attack of the seamen was one of the boldest and most difficult ever made, being obliged to climb up rocks and precipices. Thus was taken, in three days, a fortress since made impregnable to all assaults.
The loss of Gibraltar disconcerted the measures of Philip V., and of his grandfather Louis XIV. Eight thousand men, under the Marquis de Villadarias, were immediately detached from the Spanish army to retake the fortress; and the French Admiral received orders to engage the British and Dutch fleets, and to co-operate in the recapture of Gibraltar. The hostile fleets engaged on the 24th of August, about eleven leagues south of Malaga, and, after each had suffered severely, they were separated in the night. The enemy retired to Toulon, and Sir George Rooke sailed to Gibraltar. Here, after having held a Council of War, it was determined to return home; and the confederate fleet sailed for England, arriving at Spithead on the 25th of September. Sir John Leake and Admiral Vanderdussen were left at Lisbon to protect the coast of Portugal, and relieve Gibraltar, if it should be besieged as was anticipated.
The Marquis de Villadarias commenced the siege of Gibraltar on the 22nd of October, and the garrison, composed of Marines, under the command of the Prince of Hesse, sustained a siege by seven thousand men. The purpose of the enemy was to have stormed from the South Mole, united with the desperate attempt of a Spanish forlorn-hope climbing the rock, and a general attack from the mainland. The fortress was maintained against very superior numbers; and the fire of the enemy’s batteries having damaged the works, a body of men was landed from the fleet to assist in the defence. Brigadier Fox, and several other officers and men, having been killed on the 5th of December, 1704, aid was solicited from the army in Portugal. Admiral Sir John Leake accordingly sailed from Lisbon on the 10th of December, with a fleet, having on board a battalion of the first and second foot guards; Barrymore’s regiment, now thirteenth foot; Donegal’s regiment, now thirty-fifth foot; the Dutch regiment of Waes; and a Portuguese regiment; amounting in all to upwards of three thousand men. On their passage they fell in with the enemy’s squadron under Monsieur de Pointi, but they succeeded in arriving at Gibraltar, although some of the transports had separated.
These corps were safely landed on the 18th of December, and the Prince, strengthened by this reinforcement, made a sortie on the 23rd, and destroyed the lines, that had been erected within a hundred and sixty paces of the palisade.
1705
The Marquis de Villadarias, having received a considerable reinforcement, evinced a disposition to storm the place, and on the 2nd of February, 1705, an attempt was made against the Round Tower, to ascertain what might be effected by a larger force. On the 7th the enemy attacked with five hundred chosen grenadiers, French and Walloons, commanded by Lieut.-General Thouy, and supported by one thousand Spanish troops. They ascended the hill in perfect silence at daybreak, and again attempted to storm the Round Tower, which was defended by Colonel Borr, of the Marines, now thirty-second regiment. The assailants, by throwing from above great stones and grenades on his men, at last obliged him to retire into that part of the works where the foot guards were posted. Flushed with success, they advanced too far; when they were gallantly charged by Colonel Moncall, of Barrymore’s (thirteenth) regiment, and driven from the Round Tower. Colonel Rivett, of the Coldstream foot guards, having got up the rock on the right of the covered-way with twenty grenadiers, favoured very much Colonel Moncall’s success. The garrison by this time had assembled, and kept up so destructive a fire that the enemy was obliged to make a precipitate retreat, losing seventy men killed on the spot; upwards of two hundred wounded; and one captain, four lieutenants, and forty men taken. The loss on the part of the garrison was twenty-seven men killed, and one hundred and twenty wounded.
Marshal de Tessé arrived with additional troops to carry on the siege; the garrison also received fresh reinforcements from Portugal, besides supplies of every description. Admiral Sir John Leake sailed from the Tagus on the 6th of March, 1705, and his arrival in the bay of Gibraltar on the 10th, was again so sudden, that he completely surprised the Baron de Pointi, together with the whole of his squadron, consisting of live ships of the line, three of which were captured, and two were driven on shore, and burnt by the enemy.
After a siege of seven months the enemy retired, in April, giving up all hopes of being able to make any impression on the fortress: his efforts were then confined to a very feeble blockade.
The fortress of Gibraltar, seated upon the territory of Spain, was thus rendered subject to the British crown by the bravery of its Navy and Marines: its possession was subsequently secured by the defence made against the renewed efforts of the Spaniards in 1727, and by the glorious defence sustained by the troops, under General Lord Heathfield, for three years, from 1779 to 1782, when it exhibited to the nations of Europe a brilliant instance of the combined exertions of the British navy and army against the repeated, but unsuccessful, attempts of Spain and France to recover this important fortress.
After the Spaniards and French had desisted from further attempts to retake Gibraltar, the Marine corps were distributed in the several ships of war which were collected in the Tagus, in order to co-operate with the land forces on the coast of Spain.
Towards the end of May, the English fleet, with about five thousand land forces on board, under the joint command of Admiral Sir Cloudesly Shovel and General the Earl of Peterborough, sailed from St. Helen’s, and arrived at Lisbon on the 20th of June. King Charles went on board the Ranelagh on the 23rd of July, and the Dutch fleet having joined in the Tagus, the confederate squadron sailed on the 28th, and anchored at Gibraltar on the 11th of August. The Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, with the battalion of foot guards, and the thirteenth and thirty-fifth regiments, embarked, and the fleet sailed for Altea Bay: form thence it again proceeded on its voyage, and anchored before Barcelona on the 22nd of August.
The Earl of Peterborough commenced active operations against Barcelona by an attack on the strong fortress of Montjuich, situated on the opposite part of the town, at which the disembarkation took place, the troops having landed near the river Bassoz, about three miles east of Barcelona, on the 23rd and 24th of August. On the 28th, King Charles went on shore, when the inhabitants of the neighbouring towns and villages flocked to the camp, and many took arms to act as guerilla-bands and miquelets. A difference of opinion on the part of the Dutch General occasioned some delay, but it was ultimately determined to attack the fortress of Montjuich by storm.
The storming party, consisting of four hundred grenadiers, with a support of six hundred musketeers, commanded by the Earl of Peterborough and the Prince of Hesse-Darmstadt, commenced their march about ten o’clock on the night of Sunday the 13th of September round the mountains, and were followed by another detachment, and a party of dragoons. After traversing many miles of rugged mountain scenery, by different tracks, the storming party appeared about break of day at the foot of the mountain. Colonel Southwell of the sixth foot, which was then acting as Marines, was ordered to head the attack, and he succeeded in driving the enemy from the outworks into the castle. Upon this success the Prince of Hesse, advancing with great eagerness through all the fire, was shot with a musket-ball in the thigh, and upon being carried to an adjacent cottage, expired: this accident somewhat damped the spirits of the soldiers;—at the same time a large reinforcement was seen advancing from the town to aid the garrison in the Castle, and the troops received orders from some inferior officer to retire. The Earl of Peterborough rushed to the spot, countermanded the order, seized the half-pike out of Lord Charlemont’s hand, and rallied and led back the soldiers to the posts they had so nobly won. The Spaniards, who were advancing from the town, turned back, and the outworks of the Fortress of Montjuich were thus gained; batteries were constructed, and the inner works were assailed with cannon-balls, bombs, and grenades. On the 17th of September the Fort surrendered, and thus facilitated the siege of the City of Barcelona, which was prosecuted with vigour. The Admirals even relinquished for a time their natural element, and acted on shore as General Officers;—they came daily from their ships with a body of men formed into companies, having captains and lieutenants of their own. Cannon and mortars were dragged up steep precipices by the men; and a breach being declared practicable, a body of soldiers prepared to attack the town: further effusion of blood was spared, however, by the surrender of the garrison, which capitulated on the 9th of October.
The capture of Barcelona gave additional reputation to the arms of the allies, and this splendid achievement was regarded with astonishment throughout Europe. It was accompanied by the submission of nearly all Catalonia; and Boyer, in his history of these wars, observes, “all the generals, admirals, officers, private soldiers, and seamen, engaged in this memorable expedition, deserved each their share of the honour.”
1706
King Charles and his counsellors, instead of exerting themselves to provide for the security of the towns which had come into their possession, and collecting the means for future conquests, spent their time and money in balls and public diversions. The breaches in Barcelona, and the fortress of Montjuich, were left unrepaired, and the garrison unprovided for a siege. Meanwhile King Philip was obtaining reinforcements from the favourers of his cause in Portugal, Italy, Provence, Flanders, and the Rhine, and he soon appeared at the head of above twenty thousand men to recapture the provinces he had lost. A powerful French and Spanish force approached Barcelona by land; a French fleet appeared before the town, and the garrison, being weak in numbers, regiments were hurried from other places, one English regiment travelling one hundred and twenty miles on mules, in two days, to take part in the defence of Barcelona. The siege was commenced in the beginning of April, 1706, when the soldiers repaired the breaches, and entered upon a resolute and desperate defence. A severe conflict took place on the 21st of April at Montjuich, in which Lord Donegal, of the thirty-fifth regiment, lost his life, and several prisoners were taken by the enemy; but when the garrison was nearly exhausted, its numbers decreased by deaths, wounds, sickness, and other causes, to about a thousand effective men, and a practicable breach was ready for the enemy to attack the place by storm, the English and Dutch fleet arrived with five regiments of foot; the French fleet hurried from before the town; and the reinforcements were landed.
The French, who had prepared to storm the place on the 10th of May, relaxed in their efforts, and raised the siege on the following day, making a precipitate retreat.
The important city of Barcelona being thus relieved, the fleet sailed on the 12th of May, and landed the forces of every description on the coast of Valencia. This was preparatory to an attack on Alicant. The capture of Carthagena was in the interim effected, and a garrison of six hundred marines under Major Hedges was established for its defence.
The fleet arrived off Alicant on the 26th of June, when the Governor-General Mahoni, was summoned to surrender: a refusal being made by the garrison, consisting of one thousand soldiers, and many inhabitants of the town who had volunteered in its defence, the bombardment of the city was resolved upon.
Brigadier Richard Gorges, who succeeded the Earl of Donegal, as colonel of the thirty-fifth regiment, then serving as marines, moved from Elcho on the 21st of July to within a mile of Alicant, and all the marines of the fleet, with eight hundred seamen, were landed on that day, and on the following morning:—the bombardment commenced on the evening of the 22nd. A detachment of the navy, under Admiral Sir George Byng, rendered very essential service by dismounting many of the enemy’s guns on the coast. On the 24th of July the marines arrived from Carthagena, and were immediately landed; after four days the troops had gained possession of the suburbs, and all the boats were manned, and armed, in order to attack the town. On the 29th of July the ships having made a practicable breach on the Round Tower, at the west end of the place, and another at the middle of the curtain, the soldiers advanced to storm them. General Mahoni retired into the Castle, and was again summoned by Brigadier Gorges, and was at length obliged to surrender his charge on the 25th of August, after a most gallant resistance, and a heavy loss.
The fleet proceeded to Iviça, where it arrived on the 9th of September: the governor immediately saluted, and tendered submission to King Charles III. It was next resolved to attack Majorca, which surrendered on the 14th of September: a garrison of one captain, one lieutenant, and one hundred marines, was placed in this island.
1707
In June, 1707, an opportunity offered of co-operating with the Duke of Savoy and Prince Eugene, in an intended attack upon Toulon: the fleet proceeded for the coast of Italy, where it anchored, on the 28th of June, between Nice and Antibes, about a league from the Var: after a conference between the commanders-in-chief, it was decided that a joint attack should be made upon a part of the enemy’s army then entrenched upon that river: the positions, being evacuated by the enemy, were immediately occupied by six hundred British seamen and marines: the passage was thus secured for the Duke of Savoy to prosecute his designs, and frigates were stationed along different parts of the sea-coast: every aid was afforded by the fleet both as to men and cannon; but the enemy having daily augmented his forces, and having made a successful sally, the siege was raised on the 10th of August, 1707, after a loss of more than a thousand men. The French, from a sudden dread of consequences, sunk a number of their largest ships of war, which were ever after unfit for service.
1708
King Charles having urged the reduction of Sardinia, with a view to open a passage for his troops in Naples to attack Sicily, as well as to secure a supply of provisions for his armies, a body of marines was withdrawn from Tarragona, a strong sea-port and garrison in Catalonia, to assist in this enterprise. On the 12th of August, 1708, the whole arrived before Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia; and on receiving an equivocal answer to the summons to surrender, the bombardment commenced on that evening, and continued, without intermission, until the next morning, when at the break of day Major-General Wills (thirtieth regiment) and the whole of the marines, with one Spanish regiment, were landed. The place, in consequence, almost immediately surrendered.
The whole having been re-embarked, the fleet again set sail on the 18th of August, 1708, for Minorca, and arrived at Port Mahon on the 28th of that month.
At this period two of the Marine regiments were drafted, and the officers and men were incorporated into the other four, now employed on this service: this measure had become necessary in order to supply the casualties which had occurred, and to render these corps effective. For this purpose all the marines capable of duty, were drawn from the fleet about to return home, in order to assist in the reduction of an island, which, it was expected, would make a spirited and tedious defence.
The first attack was against Fort Fornede, which was cannonaded by two of the ships, and surrendered after a contest of four hours; a detachment having been pushed to Citadella the capital, it surrendered without resistance:—the batteries were opened on the works defending the town of Port Mahon on the 17th of September, when, after a short but brisk fire, and the loss of only six men, a lodgment was effected under the walls of St. Philip’s Castle; and on the next day the place surrendered.
Thus was this strong fortress, and the important Island of Minorca, gained by a force of only two thousand four hundred men; the garrison consisted of one thousand soldiers, with upwards of one hundred pieces of cannon mounted.
Admiral Sir George Byng arrived at Lisbon on the 14th of October, from Portsmouth, having Her Majesty the Queen of Portugal on board; but although many other objects of service were in contemplation, nothing further was attempted during the remainder of the year 1708.
On the 28th of October, 1708, the decease of His Royal Highness the Prince George of Denmark, Consort of Her Majesty Queen Anne, and Lord High Admiral of England, took place.
1709
In the early part of the year 1709 a plan was formed to attack Port Royal in the province of Nova Scotia, at that time in possession of the French: for this purpose a body of four hundred marines was embarked, and the expedition was entrusted to the joint conduct of Colonel Nicholson of the Marine forces, and Captain Martin of the Navy. The squadron proceeded for Boston, where they were reinforced by some ships, and provincial auxiliaries: for this intended conquest a council of war was held, and arrangements were made for the debarkation of a body consisting of two thousand five hundred men, which took place on the 24th of September. On the 1st of October the Governor surrendered the fortress, and a garrison of Marines took possession. The fortress was named Anna-polis Royal, in honour of Queen Anne, in whose reign it was conquered.
At this period the prospects of King Charles III. in obtaining the monarchy of Spain, had become very gloomy and doubtful. The town of Alicant had sustained along and obstinate siege, against very powerful forces of Spain and France. The garrison, consisting principally of Marines, exhibited the most heroic perseverance in maintaining the place. The fleet under Admiral Sir George Byng, and the troops on board, under the command of General Stanhope, were to have attempted its relief, and the squadron was at the same time to have attacked the enemy’s lines along the sea shore; but the weather continuing severe, and heavy gales preventing communication with the town, the Commander-in-Chief deemed it necessary to propose terms of surrender, and the remainder of the brave troops were embarked on board of the fleet, which now proceeded to Tarragona, Port Mahon, and afterwards to Barcelona. During the remainder of the year 1709, the fleets attempted nothing beyond the protecting of the convoys of provisions, where they were considered necessary, and in harassing the commerce of the enemy.
1710
On the 13th of March, 1710, Admiral Sir John Norris arrived at Port Mahon, as Commander-in-Chief of the Naval forces. After making arrangements for disposing of the ships and troops in attacks upon the enemy, he proceeded to Barcelona on the 18th of June, in order to concert future operations with His Majesty King Charles III.
An expedition was planned against the Isle of Cette in the province of Languedoc, where the troops and Marines were landed on the 13th of July. The place made a feeble resistance, and the Fort, upon which were mounted eighteen pieces of cannon, surrendered on the same day. The regiment of Stanhope, and three hundred Marines, advanced against Adge, and the town was delivered up without resistance.
The Isle of Cette was shortly afterwards recovered by the French army, under the Duke of Roquetaine; but the British troops had previously re-embarked.
1711
In the early part of the year 1711 it was resolved to make an attack on the town of Quebec, the capital of the French possessions in Canada, for which service Admiral Sir Hovenden Walker and Major-General John Hill were appointed Commanders-in-Chief; a large fleet of ships of war formed part of the armament, which was to be further strengthened by troops from the American colonies; they were directed to proceed to Boston in New England, and to make arrangements for this undertaking. They reached Naerlaskel near Boston on the 24th of June, and having collected the provincial corps, and withdrawn the Marines from Anna-polis Royal, which had been occupied by these corps since its surrender in 1709, they sailed for the object of their destination, after many delays, on the 30th of July.
The expedition did not reach the River St. Lawrence until the 21st of August, when it encountered storms, and being furnished with pilots who were unacquainted with the navigation of that river, eight transports, a store ship, and a sloop were lost by shipwreck, and upwards of eighty persons, including officers, soldiers, and women, principally belonging to Colonel Kane’s fourth regiment, and Colonel Clayton’s thirty-seventh regiment, perished in this fatal service.
A scarcity of provisions had arisen, and it was then determined by a council of war that further operations should be abandoned. Some of the corps proceeded to Anna-polis Royal, and the squadron returned to England in the month of October, 1711, after having left the provincial auxiliaries upon their own coast.
On the 17th of April, 1711, the decease of Joseph I., Emperor of Germany, occurred, and Charles III., of Spain, was elected Emperor of Germany at Frankfort, by the name of Charles IV., on the 12th October following. Further attempts on the part of the British Government, in the cause of King Charles were now unnecessary, as he was called upon to assume the Imperial throne of his country. His Majesty embarked at Barcelona, on the 27th of September, on board of the confederate fleet, and sailed for Italy.
1712
1713
In the year 1712 negotiations were entered into by Great Britain and France, and peace was restored by the treaty of Utrecht on the 31st of March, 1713. By this treaty it was settled, that Great Britain should retain possession of Gibraltar, Minorca, and Nova Scotia, which had been conquered during the late war, and in effecting which, the Marine corps, which had been formed during the reign of Queen Anne, greatly contributed.
1714
On the return of peace, as concluded by the treaty of Utrecht, in 1713, the corps of Marines, which had been formed in the reign of Queen Anne, were ordered to be disbanded; they were considered to be part of a war establishment, and a spirit of public economy, as well as of jealousy against a standing army, particularly in the early periods after the Revolution of 1688, afforded to the leaders of parliamentary debates, and of popular prejudices, grounds of objection to the maintaining of such corps after the termination of hostilities.
The arrangements consequent on the general peace having been made, a great reduction in the forces took place. These arrangements had scarcely been decided, when the decease of Her Majesty Queen Anne took place on the 1st of August, 1714, and King George the First ascended the throne.
Soon after His Majesty’s accession, the peace of the kingdom was disturbed by the hostile designs of King Louis XV. of France, who had supported and encouraged James Francis Edward Stuart, son of His late Majesty King James II., in his endeavours to obtain the throne of Great Britain; but the loyalty of the people, and the courage of the troops, defeated the attempts for the restoration of the Stuart family.
King George I., being supported by the parliament, adopted active measures for increasing his army, and resisting the plans of his enemies. Six additional regiments of cavalry, from ninth to fourteenth dragoons, were raised. The establishments of the regiments of infantry were increased, and in consideration of the gallant and extensive services of the Marine corps during the late war, Wills’s, now thirtieth, Goring’s, now thirty-first, and Borr’s, now thirty-second, were incorporated with the regiments of infantry of the line, and ranked according to the dates of their original formation in 1702.
1739
From the year 1714 to 1739 no corps of Marines, except four invalid companies, were kept on the establishment of the army.
For several years Spain had beheld with great jealousy the growing commerce and increasing naval consequence of Great Britain, particularly in the neighbourhood of her possessions in South America, where Spain had endeavoured to monopolize the whole commerce and wealth of Mexico and Peru; the vessels of foreign powers were forbidden, under severe penalties, to approach within a certain distance of her American possessions; and to enforce this, the American seas were filled with Spanish cruisers, whose enormities at length attracted the attention of the British parliament. After fruitless representations to the court of Madrid for redress, the British ministry at length determined on hostilities; and, with the acclamations of the nation, war was formally declared against Spain on the 23rd of October, 1739.
It was again considered necessary to form an efficient maritime force in distinct regiments, by which means the corps of the regular army could be embarked when required for continental services, and the marine regiments could be employed, either on board of ships of war, or at the naval stations, as might be considered best for the public service.
Orders were issued for augmenting the land forces, and also for forming six regiments of marines, each to consist of ten companies of seventy privates in each company, and to be commanded by
1st, Colonel Edward Wolfe, from 3rd Foot Guards;
2nd, Colonel W. Robinson, from Handasyd’s 22nd regiment;
3rd, Colonel Andrew Lowther, from 2nd Foot Guards;
4th, Colonel John Wynyard, from Tyrrell’s regiment;
5th, Colonel Charles Douglas, from Howard’s regiment;
6th, Colonel Lucius Ducie Moreton, from 3rd Foot Guards.
In order to facilitate the speedy formation of these corps, and to render them effective, five men from each company of the regiments of foot guards were appointed serjeants and corporals; and further, that they might be rapidly completed, a bounty of thirty shillings per man was allowed to 1800 men who volunteered from the regiments of infantry to the marine corps: by these energies, the whole of the marine regiments were soon raised and disciplined.
On the prospect of the commencement of hostilities Admiral Vernon had sailed for Jamaica, where he arrived in October, 1739, with a fleet of five ships, having 200 marines on board, and proceeded from thence to Porto Bello, the destined object of his attach, which was at that time the great mart for the wealthy commerce of Chili and Peru; the attempt was fraught with many difficulties, but it was undertaken and performed with spirit and promptitude.
On the 21st of November, 1739, the attack was commenced by the ships, in line of battle, against the Iron Castle, a strong fort at the north point of the entrance into the harbour. The Spaniards flying from several parts of it, an instant debarkation of the seamen and marines from on board the Burford, Norwich, and Worcester took place under cover of those ships, and the fort was carried. Upon the 22nd an attack was intended against the whole, but the enemy displayed the white flag as a signal of surrender. After destroying the fortifications, which from their strength required some time, the Admiral with his squadron sailed for Jamaica on the 13th of December, 1739.
1740
In the year 1740 an additional regiment, of four battalions, was authorised to be raised in America, and the royal standard was erected at New York, as the signal-post to which every volunteer marine was to repair. The field officers and subalterns were appointed by the King, and the captains of companies were nominated by the American provinces. Colonel Spotswood, of Virginia, was appointed colonel-commandant of the whole. It was supposed that, from climate, the natives of that continent were better calculated for the service to which they were destined, than Europeans. Their uniform was camblet coats, brown linen waistcoats, and canvas trousers. This regiment, which was afterwards commanded by Colonel Gooche, was considered as the FORTY-THIRD regiment of infantry of the line.
In January, 1740, an augmentation of 340 men, and of one lieutenant in each company, was made in each of the six regiments of marines, and twenty men were added to each of the four companies of invalids, and a similar number to the retired marine establishment.
The utility of the corps of marines was now universally admitted, and in a letter addressed to the Duke of Newcastle, then first lord of the treasury and prime minister, by Admiral Vernon, previously to his sailing with an expedition to the West Indies, he thus expressed himself on the subject of marine soldiers:—
“I could wish that we” (alluding to ships of war) “had each a company of regular troops on board, which would strengthen us in numbers, and their expertness in handling their arms would incite our seamen to the imitation of them. If we should come to a general war with France as well as Spain, I believe your Grace will have already perceived, from the difficulty of manning our ships, the necessity of converting most of our marching regiments into marines.
“I have always looked upon our fleet as what must not only protect our trade, but secure to us the blessings of a Protestant succession, being strongly convinced in my own judgment, that preserving a superiority at sea is the best security of His Majesty’s government, as well as the trade and prosperity of this kingdom.”
The sentiments expressed by Admiral Vernon, in favour of the marines, were drawn from the acknowledged usefulness of the corps so employed in the naval expeditions during the reign of Queen Anne.
In the year 1740 four additional regiments of marines were raised, viz.:—
7th, Colonel W. Cornwall; 9th, Colonel C. Powlett;
8th, Colonel W. Hanmore; 10th, Colonel J. Jeffreys.
Each regiment consisted of ten companies of 100 men in each company, which, with officers included, amounted to 1155 in each regiment. The six regiments raised in 1739 were increased to the same numbers of officers and men.
In February, 1740, the town of Carthagena, the capital of an extensive and wealthy province in Terra Firma in South America, was bombarded, and an attack was made upon Chagre, a fort situate upon the mouth of a river of that name a little to the north-west of the Gulf of Darien. The latter surrendered, after a sharp contest, on the 24th of March, when the castle, situated on a rock, and the custom house under its protection, were demolished and burnt.
These were all that could be performed until the arrival of reinforcements and supplies from England. The fleet afterwards returned to Porto Bello, and from thence to Jamaica.
Considerable exertions were made in England during the year 1740 with the view of attacking, more effectually, the Spanish possessions in South America.
A large number of ships of war was assembled at Spithead under the command of Rear-Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, and a land force, consisting of Harrison’s (15th) regiment, Wentworth’s (24th) regiment, and part of Cavendish’s (34th) regiment, was collected in the Isle of Wight, and held in readiness, with the six regiments of marines, to be embarked for service under the orders of General Lord Cathcart, a nobleman of approved courage and experience in war.
The fleet, with the British armament, consisting of one hundred and seventy ships, sailed from St. Helen’s in October, 1740; but being overtaken by a tempest in the Bay of Biscay, it was dispersed. The greater part of the vessels, being re-collected, the Admiral prosecuted his voyage, and anchored at the neutral island of Dominica, in order to obtain a supply of wood and water.
Unfortunately for the service, General Lord Cathcart fell an early victim to the disease of the climate, and the command of the expedition devolved upon Brigadier-General Thomas Wentworth, of the 24th regiment.
The sixth regiment of foot, under the command of Colonel John Guise, who was appointed brigadier-general, was subsequently ordered to proceed to the West Indies to reinforce the troops employed in this enterprise.
1741
The fleet, under the charge of Rear-Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, arrived at Jamaica in January, 1741, and joined the force under Vice-Admiral Vernon, who was thus placed at the head of the most formidable fleet and army which were ever employed in those seas. The conjoined squadrons consisted of twenty-nine ships of the line, with nearly an equal number of frigates, fire-ships, and bomb-ketches, well manned, and plentifully supplied with provisions, stores, and necessaries. The number of seamen amounted to 15,000; that of the land forces, including the American regiment of four battalions (Colonel Spotswood’s) and a body of negroes enlisted at Jamaica, did not fall short of 12,000.
The whole force sailed from Irish Bay in Hispaniola, and anchored on the evening of the 4th of March in the Grande Playa, to windward of the town of Carthagena, the intended object of the attack.
The necessary arrangements having been made, the fleet moved forward in two divisions on the 8th of March, in order to silence the different forts, preparatory to the landing of the troops.
After about one hour’s cannonade, the forts of St. Jago and St. Philip were deserted by the enemy, and were taken possession of by the troops; and by the 15th all the soldiers, with their tents, tools, artillery, and stores, were landed, the ground cleared, and an encampment formed.
The reduction of the Castle of Bocca Chica next took place, which, on a practicable breach being made, it was determined to storm; but, in consequence of a well-judged diversion of the navy, the Spaniards retired without firing a shot, and when the grenadiers advanced to storm at the hour appointed, they met no resistance.
A panic had seized the enemy, who set fire to one of their ships; taking advantage of this state, the boats resolved to attempt the fort of St. Joseph, which was immediately evacuated. The Spaniards appearing to be determined to sink their vessels, the British crews proceeded to board the ship Galicia, which carried the flag of the Spanish Admiral.
After various services the castle of Grande Castello was gained, and the enemy had sunk all their ships of war; preparations were made for landing the troops near the town, in order to cut off all communication with the main land.
Two channels having been made through the sunk vessels, with which the Spaniards had blocked up the entrance of the harbour, the troops and artillery were re-embarked, and commenced landing on the 5th of April near the city; and, after a spirited contest, the British bivouacked within a mile of the castle of St. Lazar, which commanded the town. The men passed three nights in the open air for want of tents and tools, which could not be landed sooner, and the health of the troops became seriously injured.
As affairs were now drawing to extremities, and the men were fast diminishing in numbers from hard duty and the effects of climate, Brigadier-General Wentworth resolved to attack St. Lazar by escalade, it being judged necessary to forego the ceremonies of a regular siege, and, however hazardous, to rest the issue upon a storm.
Accordingly before daybreak on the 9th of April, a force under the command of Brigadier-General Guise, of the sixth foot, consisting of five hundred grenadiers, supported by a thousand Marines, and some American and Jamaican levies, advanced against the enemy’s lines in front of the fort; these were followed by a body of Americans, with woolpacks, scaling-ladders and hand-grenades.
The grenadiers, led by Colonel Grant, of the fifth Marines, rushed forward with astonishing bravery, and, leaping into the entrenchments, carried the works in gallant style, driving the Spaniards into the fort over a drawbridge which communicated with the lines. Colonel Grant fell mortally wounded, and the troops, after sustaining a most destructive fire for several hours with intrepidity and perseverance, were ordered to retreat, having lost many officers, and 600 men in killed and wounded.
This repulse was succeeded by the violent periodical rains; the country was deluged with water; and the change of atmosphere, which is always attended with epidemical diseases, produced the most fatal effects. The troops were so drenched with rain, and their health so seriously impaired, that all hope of further success vanished; they were accordingly re-embarked, and the forts and castle of the harbour of Carthagena having been demolished, the fleet sailed for Jamaica on the 6th of May, where it arrived on the 9th of that month. After re-embarking, the distempers, peculiar to the climate, produced numerous casualties among the troops.
Thus terminated, for the time, the expedition to Spanish South America, during which the persevering and undaunted bravery of British Seamen, Soldiers, and Marines, and their patient endurance under the most trying difficulties, were never displayed in a greater degree.
In consequence of the heavy losses sustained at Carthagena, and the mortality which continued to prevail after the troops returned to Jamaica, it was not until the beginning of July, 1741, that the fleet and army were in a condition to renew their operations. It was then resolved to proceed against the Island of Cuba, where they anchored on the 18th of July in Waltenham Bay, about eighteen leagues to windward of St. Jago, the first object of their intended attack. The troops were landed on the 24th, consisting of nearly 4,000 men, including 1000, negroes raised by the Island of Jamaica, with a view to sustain the peculiar duties of fatigue, naturally expected to arise on this service.
After establishing a position on the side of the river, nearly three leagues from the mouth of the harbour, the General pushed some detachments into the country, which beat back the outposts of the enemy, and in a few days returned to the camp with plentiful supplies of provisions.
It was originally intended by the Commanders-in-Chief to have made a joint attack upon St. Jago, but the want of unanimity ruined every purpose, and contentious debates and dilatory measures, instead of cordial co-operation and daring enterprise, took place; while the interests of the country, and the lives of the troops, were sacrificed to the prejudices and bad judgment of the officers entrusted with so important a command.
After an interval of several months, during which nothing was attempted towards effecting the conquest of the island, and when sickness, the never-failing result of inactivity, particularly in those climes, began its ravages, it was determined to evacuate the island, which took place on the 20th of November, 1741, when the regimental Returns were as follow:—
| Regiment. | Colonels. | Serjeants, Drummers, and Rank and File. | |
| 15th regiment | Harrison | 225 | |
| 24th regiment | Wentworth | 219 | |
| 43rd regiment American Marines | { 1st Battalion | Spotswood’s, afterwards Gooche’s, Marines | 159 |
| { 2nd ” | 110 | ||
| { 3rd ” | 99 | ||
| { 4th ” | 121 | ||
| 1st Marines | (aftds 44th Rt.) | Wolfe | 181 |
| 2nd do. | ( ” 45th Rt.) | Fraser | 158 |
| 3rd do. | ( ” 46th Rt.) | Lowther | 237 |
| 4th do. | ( ” 47th Rt.) | Wynyard | 177 |
| 5th do. | ( ” 48th Rt.) | Cochrane | 191 |
| 6th do. | ( ” 49th Rt.) | Cotterell | 211 |
| 2088 | |||
| Sick in all | 566 | ||
| Total | 2654 | ||
The total loss of officers at the close of 1741 amounted to one Commander-in-Chief, five colonels, ten lieut.-colonels, seven majors, fifty-five captains, one hundred and sixteen subalterns, and fourteen staff officers.
The heavy casualties in the Marine regiments are shown when it is stated that these six regiments consisted of more than one thousand men each, and that, only 2654 men returned.
The foregoing statement affords a sad record of the ill-judged plans relating to the expedition to South America, both as to the season of the year at which it was undertaken, and the deficiency of means and arrangements with which it was attempted to be carried into execution. Great disappointment and dissatisfaction were consequently created in the feelings of the British public.
The transports returned to Jamaica on the 29th of November, 1741, and the squadron continued at sea to meet the reinforcements which were anxiously expected from England.
1742
In January 1742, nearly 3000 men, including 2000 Marines, arrived at Jamaica. Another expedition was now meditated, which put to sea early in March; but adverse winds, the separation of the transports having on board the working negroes, and the expectation of the periodical rains being then about to set in, suggested to a Council of War, held at Porto Bello, at the close of that month, the immediate return of the whole armament to the port they had left: the fleet arrived at Jamaica upon the 15th of May.
It was now considered desirable to detach a force to take possession of Rattan, an island in the Bay of Honduras, and a situation proper for maintaining a commercial intercourse with South America, as well as the trade in logwood. An establishment having been formed there in the early part of the year, it was determined in a Council of War to send a force of 50 marines and 200 Americans, under Major Caulfield, in order to place the island in a state of military defence.
On the 23rd of August the troops reached Port Royal, on the south side of the island, where they formed a camp and erected Fort George to defend the harbour, as well as Fort Frederick on the western part of it. A proportion of the Americans, who were papists, formed a plot to render the settlement abortive, and to rise upon the Marines. Her Majesty’s ship, the Litchfield, then in the harbour, hearing the alarm-guns, instantly landed her party of Marines, who, with those on shore, soon checked the daring mutiny, secured the delinquents, and preserved the settlement to the British Crown.
At this period it was necessary to detach 500 men to the assistance of General Oglethorpe, in South Carolina, and to repel the menaces of the Spaniards against the infant colony of Georgia.[45]
On the 23rd of September orders arrived at Jamaica for the recall of Admiral Vernon and of General Wentworth; for providing the fleet with a number of men from the Marines, sufficient to supply its wants; and also to fill up the vacancies in the eight Independent Companies raised for the defence of Jamaica (now the 49th Regiment):—These services absorbed all the men who were considered fit for duty, and the remainder were embarked for England.
After the departure of Admiral Vernon, the Naval Command devolved on Sir Chaloner Ogle, who bore his testimony to the zeal and bravery of the troops, whose gallant efforts and patient endurance, under great privations, had been conspicuous throughout a series of misfortunes. Upwards of 7000 Marines and nearly 4000 other troops were the lamentable victims to pestilence and disease, but not to defeat; and the objects which had been effected, although not adequate to the hopes and expectations of the British Nation, were distressing to the enemy, and embarrassing to the Spanish Government.
1743
In the early part of 1743 it was resolved to make another attempt upon the continent of South America, and the conduct of the operations was entrusted to Captain Knowles, of the Navy, who had on board of his squadron 400 of Dalzell’s (thirty-eighth) regiment and about six hundred Marines. They were first ordered to rendezvous at Antigua, from which island they sailed on the 12th of February with a view to an attack upon La Guira, a town in the district of the Caraccas in Terra Firma. The attack was commenced on the 18th, but, owing to a heavy swell, the ships could not approach the shore, and the troops were consequently not landed. After a heavy cannonade, which was ended only by the night, the ships withdrew from the combat: the town suffered extremely, many breaches being made in the fortifications; and the enemy sustained a loss of more than 700 men. The British squadron suffered considerable damage, and had nearly 400 men killed and wounded.
The fleet proceeded to Curaçao to refit, where preparations were made for another attempt upon the sea-coast of Terra Firma. Having been reinforced by some Dutch volunteers, Commodore Knowles sailed from this island on the 20th of March, and steered for Porto Cavallo, a town having a respectable force, and being in a good state of defence.
On the 15th of April the ships anchored to the eastward of the town, and on the 16th two vessels commenced a flanking fire against Ponta Brava; and after the batteries were silenced, it was decided to land the troops in order to take possession, and to turn the guns against the castle, their retreat being secured by a ship of war within pistol-shot, of the shore: by sunset the ships had accomplished their object, and by dusk a force of 1200 sailors, soldiers, and Dutch volunteers, was disembarked under the command of Major Lucas.
About eleven at night the van had gained one of the fascine batteries upon Ponta Brava, but the garrison having been alarmed, and being prepared for resistance, this mixed detachment acted under the influence of a panic, and retreated with precipitation to the ships. On the 21st it was resolved to make another attack of the squadron and forces against the castle and fascine batteries: four ships were destined to batter the former on the 24th, while three others were placed against the latter. The cannonading began at eleven on the noon of that day, and was maintained with mutual obstinacy till night, when, some of the ships having expended their ammunition, and others being damaged, they were ordered to anchor beyond reach of the enemy’s shot. This attack being fruitless, and the troops being prevented from landing, it was deemed impracticable to push the enterprise any further: it was accordingly resolved on the 28th of April to return to Jamaica.
From the period of the commencement of hostilities against Spain in 1739, the conduct of the Court of Versailles had been equivocal, and in the beginning of the year 1743 the projects of Louis XV. were developed by the equipment of powerful naval armaments in the ports of France, and by the assembling of armies on the sea-coasts, the avowed aim of which was against the Crown and liberties of the British Empire.
Being no longer able to restrain her views, France declared war on the 20th of March, 1743, which was answered by a proclamation on the part of Great Britain on the 31st of that month.
1744
A force of 11,550 Marines was granted by Parliament as a part of the establishment for the year 1744, at which period fleets were detached to every quarter of the globe. A partial affair occurred in the Mediterranean in May of this year, in which a party of Marines disembarked from the Essex ship-of-war, and signalized themselves: that ship being on a cruise gained sight of twenty-six xebeques and settees, bound to Antibes, from whence they were to carry troops to Italy: the former were a convoy to the latter, which were laden with powder, cannon, ordnance stores, and provisions: thirteen having taken refuge in the Creek of Casse, the Marines were landed in order to co-operate with the boats, and to repel any enemy that might appear to retard their progress: they were attacked by a body of Spaniards, whom they beat back, and thus effected the object on which they were employed: eleven vessels were burnt and two captured.
The most active measures were adopted, by order of the Secretary at War, for again completing the ten regiments of Marines, in order to render them effective as speedily as possible.
1745
Attacks having been made during the last year by the French upon Canso and Anna-polis in Nova Scotia, the former of which they burnt, the Northern Colonies of British America became alarmed for their safety: an expedition was consequently commenced against Louisburg; considerable levies were raised in the American provinces, and a co-operating naval force, under Commodore Warren, then commanding on the West India station, was ordered to repair to Canso; the arrangements made for conducting this expedition were carried into effect with that confidence and secrecy which are always essential towards securing the success of a military enterprise, and the exertions of the Americans were fully equal to the important interests which they had at stake.
On the 4th of April the levies from New England, having reached Canso, were encamped and brought into military order and discipline preparatory to the arrival of other corps from the several provinces, while the ships of war upon the coast, and some stout privateers, continued off the harbour of Louisburg, in order to cut off all intelligence of the projected enterprise. On the 23rd of April Commodore Warren arrived at Canso, and by the 29th all the land forces were embarked, and proceeded to Gabaras Bay, about four miles from the capital of Cape Breton.
On the 30th of April 2000 men were landed at noon, who beat back a detachment of troops which was sent to prevent their disembarkation. On that and the following day three hundred seamen and five hundred Marines were disembarked under cover of the vessels ranged along the coast. The troops were under the command of Brigadier-General William Pepperell, a native of Piccataway, and Colonel of American Militia.
The French, conscious of the strength of their positions, maintained possession of the city until their means of defence were overpowered by the forces brought against them.
By indefatigable labour, the British Marines, and the American provincials, succeeded in effecting an entrance into the harbour on the 1st of June, 1745; Louisburg capitulated, and with it the whole dependency of Cape Breton; the object was attained with a loss little exceeding 100 men.[46]
Two regiments were formed for service at Cape Breton, by Colonel William Shirley and Sir William Pepperell, each consisting of ten companies of 100 men per company: these were numbered the 50th and 51st regiments of infantry of the line.
1746
In the year 1746 very serious complaints were made of the neglect and delay which had occurred in the settlement of the accounts of the Marine Corps, and a committee was appointed to investigate the grievances which had been represented. The cause of the delay was alleged to arise, in the first instance, from the absence of regular and periodical muster-rolls, according to the practice in regiments of the regular army. This system, it was stated, could not easily be acted upon in the corps of Marines, who were employed by detachments in the several ships of war. The investigation produced, however, the effect of a large balance in the hands of the Paymaster-General being repaid into the Bank of England, for the benefit of those who were justly entitled to it.
The privations and inconveniences, which this meritorious body of troops had continued to endure for several years, did not affect their loyalty and steady allegiance, and they still remained the useful corps, in periods of emergency, they had always proved in former years.
For the service of this year (1746) nearly 12,000 Marines were included in the parliamentary vote of the military establishment. An expedition against Quebec was contemplated at this period, and a considerable force was assembled at Spithead with that intent, but delays took place until the season for such an attempt became too late. Of this force Colonel Powlett’s (the ninth) regiment of Marines formed a part.
The troops were afterwards destined against Port L’Orient, under the directions of Admiral Lestock and Lieut.-General Sinclair. Sixteen sail of the line and eight frigates, with 5000 troops, exclusive of Marines, were the number employed on this occasion. The long detention of so respectable a force until the period of the equinox, endangered its progress along a hostile coast at so critical a season, and gave time for the enemy to ascertain the object of the expedition.
The fleet sailed from Plymouth on the 14th of September for the coast of Brittany, and a debarkation of the troops was effected on the 20th of that month, in Quimperlay Bay: on the 21st the troops advanced in two columns against Plymeur, which surrendered, and on the following day the whole moved on to a rising ground within a mile of Port L’Orient, the ultimate object of their views. Some affairs took place between the 21st and 26th of September, when after a cannonade, which did considerable damage to the town, a retreat was commenced under cover of the night. The French were pouring in from all quarters, and the situation of the British troops became critical.
After a loss of 150 men killed, wounded, and missing, a re-embarkation was effected, and the fleet sailed on the 1st of October for the Bay of Borneuff, off Quiberon, to the south of Quimperlay: a detachment of Marines was entrenched at Quimperlay to guard the landing-place; the remainder, under Colonel Holmes, was united with the army: some troops were landed on the 4th of October on the peninsula of Quiberon, and, after remaining ashore some days, the whole returned to England.
1747
The number of Marines for the year 1747 was eleven thousand one hundred and fifty, as included in the parliamentary vote of that year.
On the 28th of February, 1747, His Majesty King George II. directed, that the several regiments of Marines, which were then existing, or might hereafter be raised, should be placed under the entire command of the Lords Commissioners for executing the office of High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland.
The following Royal Warrant was issued on this subject:—
“To Our Commissioners for executing the office of High Admiral of Our Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; and to Our Commissioners for executing the office of our High Admiral for the time being.”
(Copy)
“Whereas We have thought it necessary for the good of Our Service to put under your immediate and entire command all our Marine regiments now raised, or hereafter to be raised; Our Will and Pleasure therefore is, that you do lake upon you the immediate and entire command of the said Marine forces accordingly; and for the better government of our said Marine regiments, we have thought fit to empower and authorise you to prepare and publish such rules and ordinances as are fit to be observed by our said Marine forces under your command, hereby strictly charging and requiring the several colonels and other officers, who shall from time to time be employed in the said regiments, to take notice thereof, and in all respects to conform themselves to such directions accordingly, and to cause exact musters to be taken of them, as well at sea as on shore, and that the same be transmitted to our Commissary-General of Marines, in order to the more speedy clearing of the accounts of our said Marine regiments. And whereas, by the establishment, provision is made for such contingent charges as may arise in this service, and to the use of our said forces, you are hereby further authorized to direct the payment of the said money, in such proportions as you shall, in your discretion, think necessary, for the purpose aforesaid.
“And for executing the several powers and authorities herein expressed this shall be your warrant. And so we bid you heartily farewell.
“Given at our Court at St. James’s, this 28th February, 1746–7, in the 20th year of our reign.
“By His Majesty’s Command.
(Signed) “Chesterfield.”
Notwithstanding the disasters which had attended the expeditions of the French in North America in the preceding year (1746), when Louis XV. had equipped an extensive armament, under the command of the Duke d’Anville for the recapture of Cape Breton, which was rendered ineffectual by storms and other casualties, and by the death of its commander, the French Monarch was not discouraged by these disasters; but was resolved to renew his efforts against the British colonies in North America, and also the settlements in the East Indies. For these purposes two squadrons were prepared at Brest, one commanded by Commodore de la Jonquière, and the other, destined for India, by Monsieur de St. George.
Intelligence had been received by the British Government of these preparations, and measures were adopted in order to counteract the views of the enemy. The occasion afforded a renewed display of the zeal and intrepidity of Vice-Admiral Anson and Rear-Admiral Warren, who sailed from Plymouth on the 9th of April, in order to intercept both squadrons, which were to set sail together. The Vice-Admiral, on board of the “Prince George” of ninety guns, with the Rear-Admiral, on board the “Devonshire,” and twelve ships more under his command, received directions to cruise between Ushant and Cape Finisterre on the coast of Galicia.
On the 3rd of May, 1747, they fell in with the French squadrons, consisting of six large ships of war, as many frigates, and four armed vessels equipped by the French East India Company, having under their convoy about thirty ships laden with merchandize: those prepared for war immediately shortened sail, and formed in line of battle, while the rest, under the protection of the six frigates, proceeded on their voyage with all the sail they could carry. The British squadron was likewise drawn up in line of battle, and the engagement began with great fury about four o’clock in the afternoon. The enemy’s ships sustained the battle with equal conduct and valour, until they were overpowered by numbers, and they then struck their colours. About seven hundred of the French were killed and wounded in this action; the English lost about five hundred; and among them Captain Grenville, Commander of the ship “Defiance,” nephew to Lord Viscount Cobham, an officer of the most promising genius, and animated with the noblest sentiments of honour and patriotism. Two of these prizes were the “Invincible” and the “Glory,” which induced the Captain of the former to say to the Admiral, on giving up his sword, “Sir, you have conquered the Invincible, and Glory follows you.” This blow was severely felt by France, who had vainly flattered herself, that by means of this armament she should render herself mistress of the Indian seas, and by that superiority be enabled to wrest from the British their most valuable possessions in that part of the world.
A considerable quantity of money, intended to answer the contingencies of these expeditions, was found on board of the French ships, which were brought to Spithead, and the treasure, being landed, was conveyed in twenty waggons to the Bank of England, escorted by a party of Marines, amidst the acclamations of the populace.
For this achievement Vice-Admiral George Anson was created a Peer of Great Britain, and Rear-Admiral Peter Warren was invested with the Order of the Bath. The whole fleet received the thanks of the Sovereign, through their Commander, Admiral Lord Anson.
The year 1747 was remarkable for other naval successes; about the middle of June, Commodore Fox, with six ships of war, cruising in the latitude of Cape Ortegal, in Galicia, took about forty French ships, richly laden from St. Domingo, after they had been abandoned by their convoy.
The fourteenth of October, 1747, was rendered memorable as another day of triumph for the British Navy. Rear-Admiral Edward Hawke sailed from Plymouth in the beginning of August, with fourteen ships of the line, with instructions to intercept a fleet of French merchant-ships bound for the West Indies: the British fleet cruised for some time on the coast of Bretagne, and the French ships sailed from the isle of Aix under convoy of nine ships of the line, besides frigates, commanded by M. de l’Etendiere. The two squadrons came in sight of each other in the latitude of Belle Isle. The battle commenced about eleven in the forenoon, and lasted until night, when all the French squadron, except two ships, the “Intrepide” and “Tonnant,” which escaped in the dark, had struck to the English flag. After despatching a sloop to Commodore Legge, commanding a squadron in the Leeward Islands, to take proper measures to intercept the French ships in the passage to Martinique, and other French islands, Admiral Hawke conducted his prizes to Spithead, and was rewarded with the Order of the Bath; and the thanks of a grateful country were rendered to all the officers, seamen, and Marines of the squadron.
In the latter part of 1747, Admiral Boscawen had sailed from England with a fleet of ships, and a number of Marines, and other forces, in order to reinforce the British fleet in the East Indies, with instructions to make an attack upon the Island of Mauritius, and subsequently to effect the conquest of Pondicherry, which was the chief object of the expedition.
After having reconnoitred the coast of the Mauritius, it was ascertained that the powerful means of defence everywhere presented, and the dangers in many places of approaching the land, would involve a great sacrifice of men, and render success ultimately doubtful; the coming on of the autumnal monsoons had also an influence in the decision of a council, which was to relinquish the attempt, and to proceed without delay for the Coast of Coromandel, according to the prescribed plan of operations.
1748
About the end of June, 1748, the Admiral quitted the Coasts of the Mauritius, and proceeded to Fort St. David, where the troops were landed, and encamped with all the necessary stores; the Marines from four ships sent to Europe under Admiral Griffin, were added to the battalion employed on this service. The forces employed amounted to six thousand British and Native Auxiliary troops, and upwards of one thousand sailors, trained to the use of small arms, who were to form the besieging army. The battering cannon, mortars, and every implement were conveyed by the squadron within two miles of the town, while the land forces marched on the 8th of August towards Pondicherry, about thirty miles distant.
After several unsuccessful attempts, the troops crossed the river of Arian Coupan, and obtained possession of a strong situation within a mile of that Fort; a communication was maintained from thence with the fleet; and all the implements necessary for the siege were landed.
On the 25th of September the batteries were completed, and began to play; but, notwithstanding a combined cannonade on the part of the squadron against the town, it was found that the enemy’s fire gained an ascendency over the besiegers. The fatigues endured by the troops, sickness becoming prevalent, and the rainy season being daily expected, which would inundate the country, and render retreat impracticable, afforded strong grounds, on which a Council of War, held on the 30th of September, determined to abandon the siege, to re-embark the men and stores, and to destroy the batteries. The troops fortunately reached Fort St. David on the evening of the 7th of October, after having demolished the fort of Arian Coupan on their way; the heavy rains which fell on the same evening had nearly rendered the rivers impassable.
On the 13th of February, 1748, the British squadron in the West Indies sailed from Jamaica under the command of Rear-Admiral Knowles, on an expedition against St. Jago, in Cuba, for which purpose some land forces were embarked at Jamaica, and being joined with the Marines of the squadron, the whole put to sea; but after persevering for some time against strong northerly winds, which prevented their approaching that coast, the design was given up, and the force was directed against Port Louis, on the south side of Hispaniola, before which place it arrived on the 8th of March. The service was performed by the ships in line of battle, which, after three hours’ heavy cannonade, compelled the governor, M. de Chaleaunoye, to surrender, when Major Scott, with a detachment of Colonel Trelawny’s, the forty-ninth regiment, and the Marines, were landed, and took possession of the Fort in the name of His Majesty. After having shipped or destroyed upwards of eighty heavy cannon, and blown up the works, the whole were re-embarked; and Rear-Admiral Knowles resumed his former design against St. Jago, where he arrived on the 5th of April. The Plymouth and Cornwall were ordered to enter the harbour, but after firing a few broadsides at the castle, it was considered prudent to desist, and the squadron returned to Jamaica.
The distresses of France arising from the destruction of her Navy, and the annihilation of her commerce, compelled King Louis XV. to express a desire for peace. Accordingly, a congress was held at Aix-la-Chapelle, in order to negotiate the terms on which peace could be restored. The desire expressed by the King of France, as well as of Spain, did not, however, induce the British Government to relax in its efforts to reduce the means which those powers never failed to use, when opportunities offered, of thwarting the measures of Great Britain.
The negotiations, commenced at Aix-la-Chapelle in June, 1748, produced a Definitive Treaty of Peace, which was concluded on the 18th of October of that year, and was proclaimed on the 2nd of February, 1749.
Among the many reductions which took place during 1748, consequent on the General Peace, the Ten regiments of Marines were disbanded in November of that year, the officers of which were placed on half-pay.
1755
The conditions of the Peace concluded with France in 1748, were broken as soon as that Power had recovered from the effects of the former war: the interval of six years had been devoted to extending her Naval preparations, and to negotiations with other States, in order to reduce, or destroy, the power of Great Britain.
After enduring many insults, and witnessing the hostile measures which were preparing in the ports of France, the energies of the British nation were again aroused, and in the spring of 1755 considerable augmentations were made in the Army and Navy, and fifty companies of Marines were directed to be raised and placed under the control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. These companies were formed into three Divisions, and stationed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and an Act of Parliament was passed for the “Regulation of the Marine forces while on shore.”[47]
From the 5th of April, 1755, the Marine corps have constituted a branch of the permanent national force, and have been provided for in the annual votes of the House of Commons, on distinct estimates produced at each session, of the Navy, Army, and Marines.
War was declared against France on the 18th May in the following year (1756).
The foregoing pages contain accounts of the services of the Corps of Marines from the earliest period of their formation, to the year 1748, when they ceased to form a portion of the establishment of the Army. These historical details afford numerous instances in which the gallant exertions of the Marines have materially contributed to the successes obtained by the Navy and Army, and to the honours and advantages which have resulted from their combined operations.
The services of the present Marine forces have been, as in former years, highly useful and efficient, and by their uniformly good conduct they have obtained the approbation of the Sovereign, and the confidence of the Country.
1802
As a lasting mark of approbation, His Majesty King George III. was pleased, in 1802, to direct that they should be styled “The Royal Marines,” as announced in the following Order, issued by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and inserted in the London Gazette, dated
“Admiralty Office, 29th April, 1802.
“His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify His Commands, that, in consideration of the very meritorious services of the Marines during the late War, the Corps shall in future be styled ‘The Royal Marines.’
“By Command of their Lordships.
(Signed) “Evan Nepean.”
On acquiring the title of Royal, the facings of the Marines, which had been White, were changed to Blue, as in other Royal corps of Infantry.[48]
1827
On the 26th of September, 1827, New Colours were presented to the Division of Royal Marines at Chatham, on the part of His Majesty King George IV., by His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, then Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and General of Marines, afterwards King William IV.
After alluding to the services of Marine regiments from the period of their formation to the present time, His Royal Highness caused the New Colours to be unfurled, and concluded his address in the following terms:
“His Majesty has selected for the Royal Marines a Device, to which their achievements have entitled them, and which, by his permission, I this day present to you;—a Badge which you have so hardly and honorably earned:—From the difficulty of selecting any particular places to inscribe on these Standards, your Sovereign has been pleased to adopt ‘The Great Globe itself,’ as the most proper and distinctive badge. He has also directed, that his own name (George IV.) shall be added to that peculiar badge, The Anchor, which is your distinctive bearing, in order that it may be known hereafter, that George the Fourth had conferred on you the honorable and well-earned badge this day presented to you.
“The motto, peculiarly your own, ‘Per Mare; Per Terram,’ has been allowed to remain; and surmounting the entire is the word Gibraltar, in commemoration of the important national services you performed there. In presenting these Colours, the gift of your Sovereign, into your hands, I trust,—I am confident,—you will defend them with the same intrepidity, loyalty, and regard for the interests of the country, that have marked your preservation of your old ones; and if you do, your Sovereign, and your Country, will have equal reason to be satisfied.”
THE ROYAL MARINES
For Cannon’s Military Records