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Historical Time Line
1675 - 1699
1675. During the autumn of the
previous year Sir John Griffith had tendered his resignation. He was succeeded
on the 5th January as Lieutenant Colonel by Captain John Churchill, who thus
superseded Major Darrell.
1675. Saturday 5th January. The Battle of Turckheim in Alsace France. A confrontation during the Franco Dutch War fought between the towns of Colmar and Turckheim in Alsace. The French army commanded by the Viscount of Turenne fought against the armies of Austria and Brandenburg, led by Frederick William Elector of Brandenburg. The enemy held a strong position with their left on Colmar and their right on the river Fecht, opposite the village of Turckheim. With their front covered by the Canal de Loeglbach. Turenne having deployed the whole of his cavalry moved away to the left under cover of his deployment, and screened by the winter mists and the forests of beer Vineyard poles on the hillsides, across the Fecht with the infantry, and storm a strong entrenchment held by the enemy in the cemetery of St Siphornienat the junction of the river and canal. After heavy fighting he threw in the British Battalions and the Gardes Francaises who poured in such a terrible fire that the enemy began to give way, and with the fire being more intense the Allied infantry could stand it no longer and fled. (sic)
1675. June. The Battle of Sasbach.
John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough was present and witnessed his friend
Marshall Turenne being killed.
1675. Thursday 20th June - Sunday
Tuesday 12th April 1678. King Philip's War against North America involved an
armed conflict between the Native American inhabitants of present-day New
England and the English colonists and their Native American allies.
1675. December. The question of
precedence of regiments was again under consideration by the King. Previously
all regiments, with the exception of the Guards and the Admiral’s Regiment,
took precedence according to the date of the commission of their Colonels, and
thus the precedence of a regiment was virtually rearranged at the death of its
Colonel. The King, at a court held at Whitehall on the 1st December directed that:
-
“First, as to the Foot the Regiments of Guards to take place of
all other regiments, and the Colonel to be always reckoned, and take place as
the first foot Colonel. The Coldstream Regiment of Guards to take place next.
Our most dear and most entirely beloved James Duke of York’s regiment
immediately after, and all other Colonels to take place according to the dates
of their commission. 2nd That the several regiments that are not of our Guards,
take place according to their respective seniority from the time they were
raised, so as that no regiment is to lose its precedency by the death of their
Colonel”. (sic)
1675. Tuesday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.
Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Charles Middleton 1669. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672, Phillip
Bickerstaffe August 1672. James Graham
6th January 1675. Thomas Cutler 29th
October 1675.
Lieutenants.
Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel
Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward
Harris 12th May 1669. John Wise 4th July
1666. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. William Morrice 10th December 1669. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Charles Churchill 29th October 1675.
Ensigns
Frederick Walke 16th December 1673. John Thorne 9th December 1669. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. Bruce 20th May 1669.
Broughton 12th May 1669. Edward
Brett 27th December 1675. George Butler
5th April 1673. Fitsimmons 10th June
1672. Theoph Blechingden 27th December
1675. Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Alexander Nowell 30th October 1675.
Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).
Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666)
Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).
1676. The Virginia Rebellion,
sometimes referred to as Bacon’s Rebellion, was an armed rebellion by Virginia
settlers led by Nathaniel Bacon against the rule of Governor William Berkeley.
The News of problems in the colony, led to a company of 1000 men of the Dukes
Regiment being sent to assist with law and order. However, after two years of
normality all but twenty men returned to England. After a further year they
were also returned.
1676. The
Colours carried by Captain Charles Middleton's Company of the Lord High
Admiral's Regiment in the Viggina Expedition. (taken from 'History of the Royal
Marines Forces 1664 - 1701' by major I. Edye 1893.)
1676. Thursday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir
Charles Littleton, Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.
Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675. Charles Middleton 1669.
Lieutenants.
Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel
Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward
Harris 12th May 1669. Edward Chichester
10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th
September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10th June
1672. Henry Cornwall 1676. John Wise 4th July 1666. Charles Churchill 29th October 1675. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. George Rooke 1st January 1676.
Ensigns.
Frederick Walker 16th December 1673. George Churchill 1st January 1676. Alexander Frazier 28th August 1667. Bruce 20th May 1670.
Broughton 12th May 1669. George
Butler 12th June 1672. Fitsimmons 7th
September 1673. Theoph Blechingden 27th
December 1675.
Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Alexander
Nowell 30th October 1675. John Thorne
9th December 1669.
Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).
Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November
1664).
1677. Wednesday 19th January. The
Guernsey engaged an Algerine Corsair.
1677. Friday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir
Charles Littleton, Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.
Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel
Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry
Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher
Wrey 15th January 1667. Colonel Anthony
Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June
1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675. Charles Middleton 1669.
Lieutenants
Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel
Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward
Harris 12th May 1669. Edward Chichester
10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th
September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10th June
1672. George Butler10 Jan 1677. John Wise 4th July 1666. Charles Churchill 29th October 1675. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. George Rooke 1st January 1676.
Ensigns.
Edward Knott 14th June 1677. George Churchill 1st January 1676. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Bruce 20th May 1670. Broughton
12th May 1669. George Butler 5th August
1673. Fitsimmons 7th September 1673. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675.
Henry Horner 7th September 1673. Robert Kilvert 8th May 1667. Alexander
Nowell 30th October 1675. John Thorne
9th December 1669.
John Jeffreys 11th October 1676. Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).
Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).
1677. Wednesday 19th January. The
Guernsey engaged an Agerine Corsair.
1677. Friday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with Commission.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton,
Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.
Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Humphry Cornwall 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675. Charles Middleton 1669.
Lieutenants.
Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel
Scudamore 7th September 1673. Edward
Harris 13th May 1669. Edward Chichester
10th June 1672. Robert Crauford 16th
September 1672. Edmund Wilson 10th June
1672. George Butler 10th January 1677. John Wise 4th July 1666. Charles Churchill 29th October 1675. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. George Rooke 1st January 1676.
Ensigns.
Edward Knott 14th June 1677. George Churchill. George
Littleton. Bruce 20th May 1670. Broughton 12th May 1669. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Bruce. 20th May 1670. Broughton 16th January 1678. George Butler 5th August 1673. Fitzsimons 7th September 1673. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. Henry Horner 7th October 1675. Alexander Nowell 30th October 1675. John Hill 16th January 1678. John Thorne 9th December 1675. John Jeffreys 11th October 1676.
Adjutant - William Pierson (June 1666).
Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Col - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November
1664).
1678. April. Orders were given to
form eighty men of the Dukes Regiment, who had just returned from Virginia
(America), into a Grenadier company.
1678. Two Marine Battalions were
sent to Flanders to assist the Dutch fight against the French.
1678. Each Company of 100 men
usually consisted of 30 Pike men, 60 Musketeers, and 10 men armed with light
firelocks. This same year the King also added a company of men armed with hand
grenades to each of the old British Regiments, which was designated the
Grenadier Company. Daggers were so contrived as to fit in the muzzles of the
muskets, and bayonets similar to those at present in use, were adopted about
twenty years later.
1678. Saturday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.
Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 6th January 1668. Henry Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680. Colonel Anthony Buller 1669. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Phillip Bickerstaffe August 1672. Thomas Cutler 1672. David Legros 30th April 1678. Edward Smith 2nd May 1678.
Lieutenants.
Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund
Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson
20th April 1678. Fitzgerald 16th January
1678.
Theoph Blechingden 16th January 1678. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. William Bassett 16th January 1678. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. John Wise 4th July. George Churchill 16th January 1678. John Jeffreys 1st March 1678. George Rooke 1st January 1676.
Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669.
Ensigns.
Edward Knott. 14th June 1677. Townsend. 16th January 1678. George
Littleton 11th December 1677. Man 16th
January 1678. Broughton 16th January
1678. George Buttler. 5th January 1678. John Hill. 16th January 1678. Richard Fowler 16th January 1678. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. William Fitz. 1st May 1678. William B. Morrice. 1st March 1678. Simons. 13th April 1678. Philemon Powell 1st May 1678. Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678.
Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).
Quartermaster and Marshall - John Symonds (11th November 1664).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November 1664).
1679. In consequence of the of
the return of the Regiment to England (from Flanders) several changes took
place at the quartering of the companies, which were shortly after posted as follows:
-
Lieutenant Colonel John Churchill. Isle of Wight.
Sir Bouchier Wrey. Hull.
Captain Baggot. Hull.
Captain Churchill. Hull.
Captain Bickerstaffe. Tynemouth.
Captain Buller. Portsmouth.
Captain Smith. Portsmouth.
Lord Herbert. Plymouth.
Captain Cutler. Plymouth.
1679. Sir Charles Littleton was
then issued orders that as soon as he was relieved to move to Sheerness with
his company and to take over command of the fort there. Note: there was no
mention of him becoming governor of the fort and replacing Major Dorrell.
1679. October. The Revenge
engaged the Selvageee's Armanda.
1679. Sunday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.
Major - Nathaniel Dorrell.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Nathaniel Dorrell 15th February 1668. Henry Lord Herbert 15th January 1667. Sir Boucher Wrey 15th January 1667. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Thomas Cutler 29th October 1675. David Legros 30th April 1678. Edward Smith 2nd May 1678. Charles Churchill 1st September 1679.
Edward Nott 24th September 1679.
Lieutenants.
Francis Izod August 1672. Edmund Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Robert Thompson 30th April 1667. Samuel
Scudamore 1st September 1673. Edward
Harris 12th May 1669. Robert Crauford
19th September 1673. Edmund Wilson 10
Jun 1672. Thomas Whaley 1st September
1679. John Jeffreys 1st March 1678. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Edward Chichester 10th June 1672. John Wise 4th July 1666. George Rooke 1st January 1676.
Ensigns.
Marmaduke Greenham 25th October 1679. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. Broughton 12th May 1669. William Pierson 1678. Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. Alexander Nowell 3rd October 1675. Philemon Powell 1st July 1678. Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678. George Butler 5th August 1673. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. William Paxton 21st March 1678.
Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).
Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).
Chirueon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Colonel Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November
1664).
1679. October. The 'Revenge'
engaged Selvagee's Armada.
1680. Wednesday 31st January. Sir
Charles Lyttleton wrote: Major Dorrill died this morning; Sr Bowcher Wrey is
now the Major, and Harris has the company. I am Governor of Sheerness.
1680. Friday 20th September. The
Battle of Tangiers in Morocco North Africa. The Moors were threatening the
British possessions in Tangiers. A Marine Battalion was formed and sent out to
help the locals. Upon their arrival the Battalion was augmented by extra Marines
recruited from the fleet.
1680. Tuesday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates:
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - John Churchill.
Major - Sir Boucher Wrey.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. John Churchill 6th January 1675. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Thomas Cutler 1672. David Legros 30th April 1678. Charles Churchill 1st September 1679.
Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Edward Smith 2nd May 1678. Francis
Izod 1st January 1680. James Fortrey
15th March 1680.
Lieutenants.
Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund
Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Charles
Herbert 31st January 1679. John Packer
1680. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. Robert Lloyd 1680. George Rooke 1st March 1677. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Samuel Scudamore 1st September 1673. John Thorne 1680. George Butler 1680.
Ensigns.
Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. William Pierson 1678.
Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Gilbert Simons 1680. Francis Izod 1680. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678.
Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).
Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November
1664).
1681. The quarters for His
Majesties forces was given as follows:
Colonel Sir Charles Littleton. Sheerness.
Captain Charles Churchill. Isle of Wight.
Lieutenant Colonel Oliver Nicholl. Portsmouth.
Captain James Fortrey. Portsmouth.
Captain Edmund Harris. Portsmouth.
Captain Francis Izod. Plymouth.
Captain Thomas Cutler. Plymouth.
Capt. David Le Gross. Plymouth.
Major Bouchier Wrey. Hull.
Captain Richard Baggott. Hull.
Captain Edward Nott. Tynemouth.
Captain George Littleton. Guernsey.
The changes for the year were few, but important in one
instance, for after a service of close on nine years, Lieutenant Colonel John
Churchill left the regiment to commence a care,
“Second son of Sir Winston Churchill; born at Ashe, Devon 24th
May 1650. Page of honour to the Duke of York, Ensign, King’s Regiment of
Guards, 14th September 1667. Served at Tangiers against the Moors, promoted to
Captain in the Admiral’s Regiment for this service. Served in Flanders, present
at the sieges of Nimeguen and Maastricht, promoted Lieutenant Colonel Duke of
York’s Regiment 17th February 1678, from which he retired early in 1681.
Created Baron Churchill of Ayemouth, Co Berwick on 21st December 1682.
Appointed Colonel of the 1st Royal Dragoons 19th November 1683. Sworn of the
Bedchamber 25th April 1685, and raised on 14th May following the English
peerage as Baron Churchill of Sandridge. Appointed to a command in the Royalist
Army during Monmouth’s insurrection, and promoted Major General 3rd July and
given the Colonelcy of 3rd Troop of Horse Guards for these services. Promoted
Lieutenant General 7th November 1688, and sworn a member of the Privvy Council
14th February 1689, after which he was made a Gentleman of the Bedchamber on
1st March 1689. Raised to the Earldom of Marlborough on 9th April 1689.
Appointed in June 1689 to command a Brigade of English troops on the continent
under the Prince of Waldeck. Commanded jointly with the Duke of Wertemberg in
the expedition to Ireland in 1690, and present at the taking of Cork and
Kinsale. Commander in Chief of the Allied Forces in Holland 1701 - 1701, and at
the reduction of Venloo, Stevenswaert, Roermond and Liege, for which he was, on
14th December 1702 created Marquis of Blandford and Duke of Marlborough.
Appointed Colonel of the 1st Guards 1704. Subsequently gained the battles of
Blenheim (13th August 1704), Ramillies (23rd May 1706), Oudenparde (11th July
1708) and Malplaquet (11th September 1709). Created Prince of Mindelheim 1704.
Married Sarah, daughter and co-heiress of Richard Jennings of Sandbridge near
St Albans in 1678. Died 16th June 1722”. (sic)
Note: this man is the early ancestor of Sir Winston Churchill
the noted WW2 Prime Minister.
1681. Tuesday 8th April. Capture
of the Algerine Corsair Golden Horse.
1681. Thursday 22nd May. The HMS
Kingfisher engaged seven Algerine pirates.
1681. Wednesday 31st December.
The Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates:
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Nicholas.
Major - Sir Boucher Wrey.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680. Richard Baggot 10th June 1672. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir Thomas Cutter August 1672. Charles Churchill 1st September 1679. Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. Edward Harris 31st January 1680. James Fortrey 15th March 1680.
Lieutenants.
Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund
Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Chichester
Wrey 21st July 1681. Thomas Crowther 3rd
1681. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. Robert Lloyd 1680. George Rooke. 1st March 1677. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Samuel Scudamore 1st September 1673. John Thorne 1680. George Butler 1680. William Cooke 25th July 1681.
Ensigns.
Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. William Pierson 1678.
Theoph Blechingden 27th December 1675. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Gilbert Simons. 1680. Francis Izod 1680. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Jasper Churchill 16th January 1678.
Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).
Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Col – Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November
1664).
1682. Thursday 31st December.
Thye Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Kent.
Lieutenant Colonel - Oliver Nicholas.
Major - Sir Boucher Wrey.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Sir Boucher Wrey 31st January 1680.
Richard Baggot 1st May 1675. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir
Thomas Cutler August 1672. Charles Churchill
1st September 1679. Edward Nott 1st
September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January
1680. Edward Harris31st January 1680. James Fortrey 15th March 1680. Samuel Scudamore 24th July 1682.
Lieutenants.
Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund
Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Chichester
Wrey 21st July 1681. William Cooke 25th
July 1681. Edmund Wilson 10th June 1672. Robert Lloyd 1680. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679. Francis Hoblin 10th December 1669. Richard Butler 11th August 1682. John Thorne 1680. George Butler 1680. George Rooke1st March 1677.
Ensigns
Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. George Littleton 11th December 1677. William Pierson 1678.
Theoph Blechingden27th December 1675. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Francis Izod 1680. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. John Whaley 1st May 1682. Gilbert Simmons 1st May 1682.
Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).
Quartermaster and Marshall - Henry Dereham (20th February 1679).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th
November 1664).
1683. Friday 31st December. The
Normal State of Officers of the Admirals regiment with commission dates:
Lieutenant Colonel - Sid Charles Littleton, Knt.
lieutenant Colonel - Oliver Nicholas.
Major - Tichard Baggot.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Richard Baggot 1st May 1683. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir Thomas Cutler August 1672. Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. Edward Harris 31st January 1680. Samuel Scudamore 24th July 1682. James Fortrey. 15th March 1680. Sir Chichester Wrey 1st May 1683. Charles Herbert 31st August 1683.
Lieutenant.
Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund
Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Theoph
Blechingden 30th July 1683. Edmund
Wilson 10th June 1672.
Robert Lloyd 1680. Francis
Hoblin 10th December 1669. Richard
Butler 11th August 1682. John Thorne
1680. George Rooke 1st March 1677. George Butler. 1680. Henry Hughes 1st May 1683. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679.
Ensigns.
Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. William Pierson 1678. Montarges. 30th July 1683. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Gilbert Simmons 1st May 1682. John Whaley 1st May 1682. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Francis Izod 1680.
Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).
Quartermaster and Marshall - Tobias le Grosse (30th June 1983).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th
November 1664).
1684.The third regiment of the line was called the " Maritime Regiment," and also the "Admiral's Regiment;" but the system of having soldiers exclusively for sea-service does not appear to have been carried into effect until the year 1698, when a draft of an establishment for two marine regiments was presented to William the Third, who by his order in Council of the 22nd of February 1694, authorized their formation, subject to certain regulations, as hereafter detailed. (Volune 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
1684. 5th - 8th January. Uniform. In the London Gazette, the uniform of the Regiment is described as “coats yellow, lined red, stockings red”, whilst in the London Gazette 9/13 April 1684/5 it is stated to be “coats yellow, breaches red, belt shoulder for sword.” (sic)
1684. Sunday 1st October.
Uniform. Nathan Brooks describing the Regiment on Putney Heath at the Grand
Review of the 1st October 1684 says, “The Admirals Regiment consists of twelve
companies, without grenadiers, coated yellow, lined red” but this was twenty
years after the first formation of the Regiment. There is, however, little
doubt that yellow was the chosen colour for the uniform at the Corp’s
formation. It was the favourite colour of its Colonel in Chief, the Duke of
York, and it was the same as was worn by the Duke of York’s Horse, and by the
Duchess of York’s Regiment of Foot.
1684. Sunday 31st December. The
Nominal State of Officers of the Admirals Regiment with commission dates.
Lieutenant Colonel - Sir Charles Littleton, Knt.
Lieutenant Colonel - Oliver Nicholas.
Major – Richard Baggot.
Captains.
Sir Charles Littleton 15th February 1668. Oliver Nicholas 23rd February 1681. Richard Baggot 1st May 1683. George Littleton 10th June 1672. Sir Thomas Cutler August 1672. Edward Nott 1st September 1679. Francis Izod 1st January 1680. Edward Harris 31st January 1680. Samuel Scudamore 24th July 1682. Edward Plowden. 1st May 1683. Sir Chichester Wrey 1st May 1683. Charles Herbert 31st August 1683.
Lieutenants.
Robert Crauford 1680. Edmund
Yarbrough 31st December 1675. Theoph
Blechingden 30th July 1683. Edmund
Wilson 10th June 1672.
Robert Lloyd 1680. Francis
Hoblin 10th December 1669. Richard
Butler 11th August 1682. John Thorne
1680. George Rooke 1st March 1677. William Oglethorpe. 1st March 1684. George Rooke.1st March 1677. Henry Hughes 1st May 1683. Thomas Whaley 1st September 1679.
Ensigns.
Philemon Powell 12th October 1680. George Churchill 1st January 1677. William Pierson 1678. Brounell. 4th January 1684. John Hill 23rd April 1670. Alexander Erwin 21st March 1678. Thomas Man 1st September 1679. William Summers 1st March 1680. Gilbert Simmons 1st May 1682. John Whaley 1st May 1682. George Littleton 11th December 1677. Francis Izod 1680. James Man 1st May 1684.
Adjutant - Richard Beauvoir (14th March 1678).
Quartermaster and Marshall - Tobias le Grosse (30th June 1983).
Chirugeon - Samuel Tatham (14th September 1666).
Lieutenant Col -Sir Chaplin - Rev. John Evans (11th November
1664).
1685 - 1687. Uniform. The yellow
coat gave way to red as in the London Gazette 30th January / 2nd February 1687
which gives details of a deserter from the Regiment who was wearing a “red coat
lined with yellow”.(sic)
1685. Tuesday 6th February. The Monmouth
Rebellion (civil war) was an attempt to overthrow James II, who had become King
of England, Scotland and Ireland upon the death of his elder brother Charles
II. James II was a Roman Catholic, and some Protestants under his rule opposed
his Kingship. James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, an illegitimate son of Charles
II, claimed to be the rightful heir to the throne and attempted to over throw
him.
1685. Tuesday 6th February. James
II ascended the throne of England. The Regiment was given to Prince George of
Denmark the King’s son-in-law. It was during this time that the uniform colour
changed to red coats with white stockings. Renamed Prince George of Denmark's
Regiment but later they were disbanded.
1685. An Ordnance Regiment was
raised by order of King James II, to guard the artillery, and was designated
the Royal Fusiliers (later the 7th Foot). This Corps, and the Companies of
Grenadiers, did not carry pikes.
1685. It was customary at this
time to call regiments by the names of their Commanding Officers. A practice
which has always been a thorn in the side of historians. In accordance with
this custom, it went on that the Duke of York upon becoming King James II in
1685, his Marine Regiment was handed over to Prince George, Hereditary Prince
of Denmark, it then became known by his name. In the following year possibly
because of the Princes taste in fancy waistcoats did not coincide with that of
his predecessors in command. The men of the Marine Regiment were clad in
redcoats, with yellow facings, dark grey breeches, and white stockings.
1687 - 1698. There were several Maritime Regiments raised Commanded by Colonels Mordaunt, Colt, Seymour, and Brudenell, also Sir Cloudesley Shovel's, Lord Torrington, and the Marquis of Carmarthen's, all of which were disbanded during 1697 and 1698. The expenses incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person especially appointed to receive and pay it. Under this system, the Admiralty and Navy Boards were subjected too much trouble, in forming and directing its different arrangements.
1687 - 1698. There were several maritime regiments raised for the purposes, and under the regulations I have stated. They were Colonels Mordaunt, Colt, Seymour, and Brudenell's; also, Sir Cloudesley Shovel's, my Lord Torrington's, and the Marquis of Carmarthen's; all of which were disbanded during the currency of 1697 and 1698.
The expenses incurred by the maintenance of the maritime troops were classed with the estimates of the navy, and money was issued from time to time, by warrant from the Lord High Treasurer to the Treasurer of the Navy, who placed it in the hands of a person especially appointed to receive and pay it. Under this system, the Admiralty and Navy Boards were subjected to much trouble, in forming and directing its different arrangements.
From the nature of the marine service, at this period, few or no achievements occur which can be peculiarly attached to it as a corps. We find them honourably mentioned in the operations against St. Christopher's, and the successful attack upon Cork, under the era of 1690. The detail of loss upon the former occasion is thus described, and evinces that their energies also, as soldiers, were called forth when occasion might require them. "In this action we had killed and wounded upwards of 130 men, and Captain Keigwin, a sea commander, who was appointed Colonel of the Marine Regiment, (which consisted of about 230 seamen) was shot through the thigh, of which wound he died, before he could be carried on board, and Captain Brisbane, who acted as First Captain to the Marines, receiving a shot through the body, expired that night on board the Bristol."
Embodied under similar circumstances, they of course partook in the various services of debarkation, which the emergency of those times might have demanded, until the peace of Ryswick, which, for a while, closed the existence of marine forces.
The expenses of King William's war, upwards of eight years' duration, are so moderate when contrasted with these of later days, that they merit a place in any retrospect which treats of that period; and it is to be remarked that 40,000 seamen were maintained during the last years of it.
Total navy estimates allowed £16,303,713. -15.- 0.
Total army do. do. £18,487,671. 17. 10.
..... ........ .......................Total £34,764,385. 12. 10.
In all, thirty-four million seven hundred sixty-four thousand three hundred eighty-five pounds, twelve shillings and ten pence!
I cannot bid adieu to the transactions of this auspicious reign, which has established the happiness and the liberties of my country, without commenting upon two events of it, that must be materially interesting to every military man--I mean the code of laws for the good order and discipline of our armies, and the grant of half-pay bestowed upon disbanded officers.
The first was adopted in an hour of urgent expediency, in order to restrain the uncontrolled outrages of a discontented soldiery, on account of arrears due to them. This act was passed in great haste upon the 12th day of April 1689 and has progressively experienced these various improvements that arise out of occasions.
It undergoes annually a legislative sanction, under the title of the Mutiny Bill.
Half-pay was a gift decreed upon the 18th of January 1697, and has subsequently involved many a doubt, whether as having been intended in the light of a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services.
Opposite decisions have authorised different constructions, while the lapse of more than one hundred years has not yet explicitly brought the point to an issue.
The manly and independent spirit of our judges, pure as these laws that control their opinions, has not been able to adjust the question.
In the case of General Ross, which was submitted to their enquiry and determination--they resolved that he could not be amenable, as a half-pay officer, to military jurisdiction; but the discussion extended no farther. (An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps, from its original formation to 1803, by Alexander Gillespie)
1688 - 1697. The Nine Year War
between the England, Spain, Germany, Portugal and Holland against King Louis
XIV of France.
1688 - 1697. King William’s War
was the first of six North American colonial wars.
1688 - 1691. The Williamite War
in Ireland was a conflict between the Jacobites (supporters of the English
Catholic King James II) and Williamites (supporters of the Dutch Protestant
Prince William of Orange) over who would be King of England, Scotland and
Ireland. It is also known as the Jacobite War in Ireland.
1688 - 1746. The Jacobite
Rebellions were a series of uprisings, rebellions, and wars in England and
Ireland. The uprisings had the aim of returning James VII of Scotland and II of
England, and later his descendants of the House of Stuart, to the English
throne.
1689. Officers commanding his Majesty’s ships were ordered to
deposit perfect copies of their journals with the secretary of the admiralty.
1689. King William III
incorporated the Admirals Regiment which was then considered the third Regiment
of Infantry, into 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 later disbanded in 1698.
1689. May. The Railleuse and
Serpente were captured by Nonsuch.
1689 – 1697. England and France declared
war against each other.
1689. Wednesday 11th May. The
Battle of Bantry Bay was a naval engagement fought during the Nine Years’ War.
The English fleet was commanded by Arthur Herbert, 1st Earl of Torrington, the
French fleet by François Louis de Rousselet, Marquis de Château Renault. Apart
from the inshore operations at La Rochelle in 1627 - 1628, the Battle of Bantry
Bay was the first time English and French navies had met in a fleet action
since 1545. The battle near the southern Irish coast was inconclusive but the
French, endeavouring to supply King James II in his attempt to re-establish his
throne, had managed to unload their supplies for James’s Irish campaign.
However, the French failed to follow up their tactical success with a strategic
gain, Château Renault had inflicted considerable damage on the English fleet.
During the wars with France, Marine Battalions and ships detachments were
seldom away from the fighting.
1689. Monday 28th July. Relief of
Londonderry.
1690. Britain was at war with
France and two Regiments of Marines were raised under the command of the Earl
of Torrington and Pembroke, later Lord Berkeley's. Each had twelve companies
(948 men) and a Grenadier company (237 men) and again there were no pike men,
each man carrying a Dutch snaphance musket. In addition each Marine carried a
bayonet, which was unusual at that time. Their main role was for service with
the Fleet in which they succeeded in participating in all major sea battles of
that time. (Both Regiments were later disbanded in 1696).
The Marine Regiment which according to another account published
in 1691, was a detachment of the frigates, numbering 400 strong, would seem to
be what we should now call a Naval Brigade, but on the other hand, one would
hardly expect the men to be called Marines. Probably both seamen and Marines
acted together as they had constantly done on other occasions. Captain Keigwin
though here called a sea commander, had a commission in a Marine Regiment.
However, in those days it would not have debarred him from a Naval Command, it
was rather a reason for giving it to him. He took part in the capture of St.
Helena as a Commander of our Land Forces.
1690. Wednesday 21st June. The
capture of St. Christopher's in the West Indies, by a 400 strong Battalion of
Marines, formed from the detachments of a number of frigates in the area.
During this action 130 men were killed and wounded, including Captain Keigwin a
sea Commander, who was appointed Colonel of the Marines Regiment consisting of
about 230 seamen was shot through the thigh, of which he died before he could
be carried on board. Captain Brisbane who acted as 1st Captain of the Marines
also received a shot through the body and died the next morning on board HMS
Bristol.
1690. Friday 30th June. The French
were sighted off the Lizard making their way eastwards up the Channel. Lord
Torrington, commanding the combined fleets, was reluctant to commit to battle
in the face of superior French numbers, but was given the order for battle from
HMS Queen Mary on Sunday 9th July off Beachy Head. With the wind from NE three
divisions of the combined Anglo-Dutch fleet bore down upon three divisions of
the French fleet to the westward, with both sides arranged in a line of battle
formation.
1690. Monday 10th July. The
Battle at Beachy Head along the Sussex coast was a naval engagement fought
during the Nine Years War, approximately 12 or more miles off Beachy Head,
between a combined Anglo-Dutch fleet and the French fleet. The battle raged
from around 8am until nightfall. It took place in the aftermath of the Glorious
Revolution when William and Mary of Orange replaced James II on the throne, and
French involvement at this battle was intended to support the return of James
II, as well as being part of the wider war known as the War of the Grand
Alliance.
The battle was the greatest French tactical naval victory over
their English and Dutch opponents during the war. The English and Dutch lost
around 11 ships in total, whereas the French did not lose a single vessel, but
although control of the English Channel temporarily fell into French hands,
Admiral Tourville failed to pursue the Allied fleet allowing it to escape to
the river Thames. Tourville was heavily criticised for not following up his
victory and was relieved of his command. English Admiral Torrington who had
advised against engaging the superior French fleet was overruled by Queen Mary,
and her minister was court-martialled for his performance during the battle.
Although he was later acquitted, when King William dismissed him from the
service.
1690. Tuesday 11th July. The
Battle of Boyne took place in Ireland, between the Catholic James II of England
and VII of Scotland and the Protestant William III of England and II of
Scotland, who, with his wife, Mary II (who was his cousin and James's
daughter), had overthrown James in England in 1688. The battle took place
across the river Boyne near the town of Droghedaon on the east coast of
Ireland, and resulted in a victory for William. This turned the tide in James's
failed attempt to regain the British crown and ultimately aided in ensuring the
continued Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. William's forces defeated James's
army, which consisted mostly of raw recruits. The symbolic importance of this
battle has made it one of the best known battles in the history of the British
Isles and a key part of the folklore of the Orange Order. Marines were at one
time involved in the fighting. It was also the last battle between two rival
claimants for the throne.
1690. James II of England (James
VII of Scotland) and Ireland departed for France from Kinsale, following his
defeat at the battle of the Boyne by William III of England also William III of
the House of Orange.
1690. Prince George of Denmark's
Maritime Regiment (1984 - 1689) proposed uniform for the 1st and 2nd Marines.
(taken from 'Britain's Sea Soldiers: Vol 1 by Cyril Field RMLI).
1690. Wednesday 12th July. The
Siege and Capture of Jacobite controlled Cork in Ireland, was taken by the same
two Marine Regiments led by John Churchill 1st Duke of Marlborough, who had
fought at Beach Head earlier in the year. Marlborough reached Cork by sea on
Thursday 21st September. His English forces were 5,000 strong and he also had
at his disposal a fleet which blockaded the port of Cork. While entering Queens
Town Harbour the British fleet was fired upon by an eight gun battery near the
entrance, and after a few broadsides went on to capture Cork. He landed his
troops at Passage West on Sunday 24th September and set up his base at Red Abbey,
to the south of the walled city. Approaching from the northern landward, side
were 4,000 Danish troops under the Duke of Württemberg.
The Williamites took the forts (such as Elizabeth Fort) which
commanded the hills around Cork and commenced a bombardment of the city from
the heights. When a breach was opened in the city walls, the towns garrisoned
opened surrender negotiations, asking to be allowed to leave Cork and join the
main Jacobite army at Limerick. Marlborough refused the request, although Württemberg
was in favour of granting the terms. A few days later, the Williamites mounted
a joint English-Danish assault of the breach from the south. When the
Williamites reached the walls, the Governor of Cork, McElliot, opened new
surrender talks and agreed that the garrison would become prisoners and would
surrender their arms and stores. Marlborough accepted, and the town
surrendered. In spite of this, the Williamite troops, sacked the city, and
carried out a great deal of damage looting property and abusing the Catholic
inhabitants. Many civilians were killed before Württemberg and Marlborough
could restore order.
1690. Sunday 15th October. The
Capture of Skinsdale along the South East Coast of Ireland. The Williamites
went on to take nearby Kinsale which was strongly defended by two forts, the
Old Fort, also known as James Fort, and the New Fort or Charles Fort.
Marlborough assaulted these fortifications but was unable to take them by
storm. The Old Fort, defended by the Governor Colonel Cornelius O'Driscoll,
fell after an assault was made possible by an accidental explosion in its
gunpowder magazine, which killed 40 of his men. After some 200 others were
slain in the following assault including Colonel O'Driscoll, the rest
surrendered. However, Charles Fort held out for a further ten days and
surrendered only after receiving guarantees that its 1,200 strong garrison
could march away to Limerick. It was defended by the elderly and experienced
Governor Sir Edward Scott, and his Deputy Governor Colonel Daniel O'Donovan.
1691. Wednesday 21st February.
Commodore Wrenn engaged M. de Blenac.
1691. Thursday 12th July. The
Battle of Ashram on the East Coast of Ireland.
1691. Sunday 22nd July. The
Battle of Aughrim was the decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. It
was fought between the Jacobites and the forces of William III near the village
of Aughrim in County Galway. The battle was one of the more bloody recorded
fought on Irish soil. With over 7,000 people killed. It meant the effective end
of Jacobitism in Ireland, although the city of Limerick held out until the
autumn.
1691. The Marine Regiment which
according to another account published in 1691, was a detachment of the
frigates, 400 strong, would seem to be what we should now call a Naval Brigade,
but on the other hand, one would hardly expect the men to be called Marines.
Probably both seamen and Marines acted together as they had constantly done on
other occasions. Captain Keigwin though here called a sea commander, had a
commission in a Marine Regiment. However, in those days would not have debarred
him from a Naval Command, it was rather a reason for giving it to him. He went
on to take part in the capture of St. Helena as a Commander of our Land Forces.
1692. Two Foot Regiments were
raised Comanded by General John Mordaunt and Brigadier-General William Seymour.
1692. May. The French fleet of 44
ships of the line under the command of Admiral Anne Hilarion de Costentin,
Comte de Tourville, was preparing to transport an invading army of Franco Irish
troops to restore James II to the English throne. Despite Tourville being in
command of the fleet, strategic decisions were to be taken by James II,
François d'Usson de Bonrepaus and Bernardin Gigault de Bellefonds. The French
victory at the Battle of Beachy Head two years earlier, in June 1690, had
opened up the possibility of destroying the allied fleet and landing an
invading army. Tourville boldly engaged the 82 vessel Anglo-Dutch fleet at
Barfleur. After a fierce but indecisive clash that left many ships on both
sides damaged, Tourville disengaged. He slipped off into light fog and for
several days tried to escape the superior forces. The French fleet scattered,
and fifteen were lost, three at Cherbourg and a further twelve at La Hougue.
The threat of invasion of England was lifted.
1692. Monday 19th to Wednesday
4th June. The Marines played a major role in the related naval battles of
Barfleur and La Hogue off the Coast of France. When the Anglo Dutch fleet
defeated the French. Forcing its ships into La Hogue where four days later, two
hundred boats manned by Marines and seamen continued the rout, in which the
French lost 15 ships.
1692. September. Detachments were
drawn out of the two Marine Regiments to go with Colonel Faringdon’s Regiment
to Jamaica.
1692. November. Colonel’s
Lillington and Norcutts were sent to Jamaica each with 100 Marines. While a
further 500 Marines were sent to Admiral Russell in Jamaica for duty’s afloat.
1693. Saturday 27th June. The
Battle of Lagos was a sea battle that took place during the Nine Years' War off
the Coast of Portugal during the Nine Years' War. When a French fleet under
Anne Hilarion de Tourville defeated an Anglo-Dutch fleet under George Rooke.
Rooke's squadron was protecting the 'Smyrna Convoy', and it is by this name
that the action is sometimes known. During the spring of 1693, a large convoy
was organised to transport English and Dutch merchant ships which were bound
for Spain and the Mediterranean.
1693. Monday 29th June. Throwing the dice for Execution. This custom seems to have been the usual procedure for executions in the 16-1700's. Luttrell records (29th June 1693) that, "Yesterday three soldiers of Prince Hesse's regiment were bought to St George's Fields being condemned by court-martial for deserting their colours. The three of them were required to throw the dice on to the drum. The one throwing the lowest number was shot to death." Again "Barclay (in his `Icon Animarum' tells the story of an Englishman on the Spanish side in Flanders, taken prisoner amongst other soldiers. Dice was given them to throw for their lives. The Englishman took the dice before all the others and threw high thereby escaping death. He saw one of the Spanish prisoners shaking from fear and offered to throw his dice for him for twelvepence and he threw high again thus surviving."
An earlier instance can be quoted from Strada, who is speaking of the strict discipline enforced by the Duke of Alva in the Spanish Army. In a march from Italy to the Low Countries the one and only crime committed against civilians was the stealing of three sheep in Lorraine. The three culprits concerned were ordered to be hanged, but on intercession of a Lorraine officer " the three were compelled to throw dice upon the drum head to decide which should die. As fortune would have it the lot to be hanged fell on the one who had enticed the other two to commit the crime. (Sic)
1693. Monday 29th June. The
Battle of Landen in Belgium, took place during the Nine Years' War, fought in
present-day Belgium between the French Army of Marshal Luxembourg and the
Allied Army of King William III of England. The French assaulted the allied
position three times before the French cavalry finally penetrated the allied
defences and drove William's army from the field in a rout. The battle was
costly on both sides, with the French losing 9,000 men and the Allies 19,000.
The French failed to follow up on their victory, allowing William to escape.
1693. Thursday 26th November. The
attack on St. Malmo south of Jersey off the coast of France. 6 Officers, 25
Sergeants and 250 Marines embarked for this service, including the Grenadier
Company.
A fleet of 30 English and Dutch ships appeared off Cap Frehel.
They cannonaded Fort-la-Latte and Ébihens Island, and then sailed towards Saint
Malo. Three days later, the Anglo Dutch force captured Fort de la Conchée and
Cézembre Island. For their attack on Saint Malo the English had brought a
vessel packed with gunpowder to use as a floating mine against the city's
defences, but it ran aground short of its target. The crew of the vessel were
able to set off their bomb, but it was too far from its target to do any harm.
1694. Sunday 3rd - 4th January.
The Capture of the Nonsuch and the Falcon by the Francois.
1694. Wednesday 27th January. The
Capture of the Content and the Trident by an English Squadron.
1694. Thursday 14th February. An order was issued to all officers commanding Marine Regiments: “You are also required to cause your men to be frequently exercised at the Great gun for the better instructing them in that matter." (sic)
1694. Sunday 2nd May. Capture of
the Diligente by an English Squadron.
1694. Tuesday 8th June. An
English squadron under Lord Berkeley, was defeated in its attack on Brest on
the French coast. As soon as the Monk came within range of the enemies mortars,
the enemy began to fling their bombs at her from the Point des Fillette, and
the Western Point of Camaret Bay, in so much that when she came within three
quarters of a mile of the latter one of the bombs broke just above her, with a
large piece of it striking through the poop and two lower decks, before flying
out of the side and into the water near one of the stern ports, near one of the
standard ports, and killed two of the Marines Company and wounded a third, who
stood closed by him on the Poop.
1694. Friday 18th June. The
Battle of Camaret was an amphibious landing at Camaret Bay by the English and
Dutch in an attempt to seize the French port of Brest and destroy part of the
French fleet stationed there, during the Nine Years' War. It was successfully
opposed by Vauban (in his only ever field command.
1694. Tuesday 15th June. The
Bombardment of Havre de Grace.
1694. Monday 12th July. The
Bombardment of Dieppe off the coast of France. The castle Château de Dieppe.
1694. Sunday 18th July. The
capture of the HMS Scarborough by the Comte de Revel.
1694. Sunday 12th to Monday 13th
September. The Bombardment of Dunkirk on the coast of France.
1694. Tuesday 27th July. The Bank
of England is chartered after its founders lent the government £1.2 million to
help cover its soaring war debts.
1695. A Brass boxed compass was
first supplied to most ships of the Royal Navy.
1695. The Battle of Sardinia in
which HMS Plymouth Commanded by Captain James Killigrew, who was also a Captain
in the first Marines helped defeat two French ships.
1695. Thursday 27th January. The
Battle off Messina in Sicily. Captain James Killigrew a Captain in the 1st
Marines then in command of the HMS Plymouth carrying 60 guns, defeated the
French ships Content with 60 guns and the Trident with 52 Guns. He was killed
during the action and buried in Messina with full military honours.
1695. Saturday 16th April. The
Capture of the Hope by Duguay-Trouin.
1695. Sunday 3rd July. The Battle
off Jamaica in the West Indies.
1695. Monday 4th - 5th July. The
Bombardment of St. Malo.
1695. Monday 1st August. The
Bombardment of Dunkirk.
1695. Wednesday 17th August. The
Bombardment of Calais.
1696. Tuesday 3rd July. The
Landing on Isle of Groy to the North of France. 700 Soldiers and Marines were
landed and burnt twenty villagers. It was intended to attempt a landing on
Belle-Isle at the time, but the Admiral abandoned the idea as he only had 240
men lead by Colonel Norcutt. Knowing that the enemy had 25 Companies of the
Regiments of Picardy and 3000 armed islanders.
1696. Thursday 12th July. The
Battle of Aughrim in Galway Ireland.
1697. Friday 18th January. Half-pay was a gift decreed upon this day, and has subsequently involved many a doubt, whether as having been intended in the light of a retaining fee, or as a reward for past services. (Taken from An Historical Review of the Royal Marine Corps by Alexander Gillespie)
1697. Tuesday 28th May. HMS
Nevell engaged De Pointis off Cartagena.
1697. In this year half-pay was first granted to the officers of marines.
1697. Friday 20th September. With
The peace agreement with France two foot Regiments raised in 1692, Mordaunt's
Regiment and Seymour's Regiment were converted into Marines.
1698. Friday 18th July. An order was issued for the two Regiments of Marines that must have been considerably reduced in numbers, were combined in to one, and placed under the command of Colonel Thomas Brudenall. At the same time the three Regiments commanded by Colonel Edward Dutton Colt, William Seymour, and Henry Mordaunt, were turned into Marine Regiments and placed upon the naval establishment. These Regiments had a strength of 754 Officers, N.C.O.S. and men, so that the whole tour of them together were barely stronger than the one of the original Regiments whose place they had taken. Like the previous Marine Regiments, the new establishment was made the subject of various attacks by the pamphleteers of the day, and the transference of three of them from the line gave one of their most virulent assailants the pretext for alleging that “Their Land Methods have mightily interfere with the Navy Rules, and introduced pernicious notions into the Fleet Officers, such as Misratings, false musters, and other Abuses which Sea Officers formally were ignorant of, had all of them entered the service since the year 1668, when that monarch who “never said a foolish thing but never did a wise one,” remarked to the Duke of York: If ever you intend to man the fleet without being cheated by the Captains and Pursers, you may go to bed and resolve never to have it maned.” (sic)
1698. The advantages arising from
the Corps being trained to the use of arms on board of ship, as well as on the
land, were found when the British navy acquired superiority over that of other
nations of Europe, and as the safety of Great Britain, from its insular
position, chiefly depended 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.
1699.At the commencement of 1699, four regiments of marines were directed to be levied; but in consequence of the peace of Ryswick, such men as had been raised were shortly afterwards ordered to be disbanded. (Volume 1 Historical Records of the Royal Marine Forces by Paul Harris Nicolas Lieut. Royal Marines.)
