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.