Stockwin's Maritime Miscellany by Julian Stockwin
Author:Julian Stockwin
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781407028750
Publisher: Ebury Publishing
* * *
Every warship with more than about ten guns had some kind of marine detachment. On board HMS Victory, for example, the marines included 146 officers and men. Marines, who could not be pressed, served as a professional military unit, both afloat and ashore. At sea they were employed to guard vital areas of the ship – the powder rooms, magazines, spirit room and the entrances to the officers’ and admiral’s quarters. They gave general assistance to seamen when unskilled heavy labour was required, such as hauling on ropes or turning the capstan, but were not obliged to go aloft. If there was any danger of mutiny, the marines had a paramount role in protecting the officers.
During battle they provided extra manpower to operate guns, and were useful for small-arms fire and close-quarters defence. They also participated in cutting-out expeditions against the enemy.
Seamen had no great inclination to mix with marines, a preference that was deliberately encouraged; they ate and slept separately. There was a certain amount of resentment among the officers of the two services, partly because the marines had a more impressive uniform, but also to do with the fact that mixed parties were generally put under the command of naval officers.
In 1802, largely at the instigation of John Jervis, Earl St Vincent, George III decreed that the soldiers of the sea henceforth would be known as the Royal Marines. Three years later in 1805 some 30,000 marines had been voted by Parliament, and Jervis said of them, ‘If ever the hour of real danger should come to England, they will be found the country’s sheet anchor.’
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