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.