1894. Tuesday 27th March. James E Preston joined the Royal Marines. According to his  service records, he was born on the Thursday 20th June 1872, but his son Lt Col A J Preston USE of the 9th/12th Lancers, who for 23 years staged the Royal Tournament in London, claims that the date was the Sunday 18th December 1870 and the place was the south London suburb of Bromley. He became a clerk in the West India Docks, on the north bank of the Thames near the Blackwall tunnel, before attesting as a Marine on the Tuesday 27th March 1894 and then underwent initial training at Deal before joining the Portsmouth Division of the RMLI at Forton Barracks (Gosport) on the Sunday 11th November that same year, with the allotted official number P0 7358.
On the Monday 12th November the following year he joined the Royal Marines detachment onboard HMS Cordelia, a 2,380 ton corvette, which consisted of 2 Corporals, 1 Lance Corporal, a Bugler, and 28 Privates under the command of Lieutenant Reginald H Morgan RMLI and Sergeant John Hardy. Two years and 352 days later Preston returned to Forton on the Monday 28th November 1898, as a JNCO. During the cruise he had been promoted Lance Corporal on Monday 14th February and then Corporal on the Wednesday 20th July 1898.
He was soon back to sea again when on the following Thursday 16th February he joined HMS Orlando, an armoured cruiser of 5,600 tons, one of seven of that class, launched in 1 886 as a result of the mounting crisis created by Russian involvement with Afghanistan. Prime Minister William Gladstone was voted six million pounds by Parliament to strengthen the Royal Navy. Due to the heavy armament, Orlando could barely maintain a speed of 18 knots, which was about 4 knots below normal at that time and carried two 9.2 inch and ten 6 inch guns, plus ten 3 pounders. With a two to three inch protective steel decking she was built like a tank compared with modern ships and having just returned to the UK from being the Flagship on the Australian Station was now undergoing a refit. This took place in Portsmouth Dockyard, prior to sailing for the China Station under the command of Captain James H T Burke RN. The total 500 complement included 30 officers, and a Royal Marines detachment of 66 Consisting of Sergeants R J Carpenter and J Harkins, Corporals T G Hicks, J Johnson and J E Preston, plus 58 Privates and 2 Buglers. The OCRM was Captain L S T Halliday RMLI. On joining this ship Preston was paid as a Lance Sergeant and promoted to Acting Sergeant on Sunday 20th May the following year, 1990.
Within two months of sailing they arrived in Hong Kong, but due to unrest in the Peking area their stay there was curtailed, and they sailed on to the mouth of the Peiho River where they anchored off Taku, accompanied by another cruiser HMS Endymion and several warships of other nations; they were later joined by the battleship HMS Centurion, flying the flag of Admiral Sir Edward Seymour the Senior Naval Officer of the station. The Hong Kong that they had briefly experienced was then just a sparsely populated fishing port frequented by pirates.
With their country being plagued with unwanted foreigners such as the Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch, French and Americans, as well as the British, it is small wonder that the natives were beginning to murmur and revolt. A force known as 'The Fists of Righteous Harmony' or 'The Big Knife Society' (because of the huge swords they carried) became active; this was later abbreviated to 'The Boxers', though who coined this title, American or British, is obscure. Encouraged by their Dowager Empress and led by Prince Tuan whose son was the heir apparent to the Chinese throne, they targeted all 'foreign devils', especially Christians.
The British were the leading contenders for Chinese territory and in addition to Hong Kong they had taken also Wei-Hei-Wei further north, on the Shantung province peninsular, as a naval port and coaling station, which was held until 1930. The Portuguese similarly 'squatted' in Macau and the Germans in Kiau Chau.
The Orlando sailed for Amoy (Hsia-Men) about 300 miles northwards in the Formosa Strait, arriving off Wei-Hei-Wei about lOam on Monday 28th May (1900) only to be ordered to 'up anchor' again by the SNO and sail on to the mouth of the Pei Ho River where the Taku Forts guard the access to Tientsin, about 20 miles upriver. Some 70 miles further on lay the Imperial city of Peking. The ship anchored at 1 3Opm next day, and Sergeant Preston, who had been planning a drill exercise ashore, now became involved in organising an operational landing party which disembarked into a tugboat at 4pm in marching order with their hammocks and bags. Crammed below deck out of sight they passed the forts without trouble and entered the river; then about 10pm they transferred into a filthy flat bottomed 'lighter', towed by a smaller tug, which took them on to Tientsin. The estimated time of arrival there of2am was thwarted by their running aground and having to wait for high tide to release them; so it was 7.30am before they made it. Taking refuge (and a cold breakfast) in a local theatre made available to them, they were surprised to see a party of seamen from their ship arrive just as they finished eating, for they had left the ship much later! Joining them too were men from the Aurora, Barfleur and Centurior
When later that afternoon they boarded a train, 25 men were left behind, including the naval officer Lieutenant Wright RN; the remainder (including the 'Blue Jackets' with their 9 pounder ML gun) set off for Peking. Other train loads were to leave later bearing troops of American, Austrian, Italian, Russian, French and Japanese reinforcements, for all these countries had established Legations in Peking. The summer heat was at its fiercest and rail progress was slow due to the line being damaged in several places by the rebels, and although they hovered in the distance, they made no attempt to attack whilst the men made temporary line repairs, assisted by Chinese workers.
Captain L S T Halliday RMLI and his detachment from HMS Orlando eventually arrived at their destination at 7pm on the 31 May and, after a five mile march from the station through crowded streets, they reached the British Legation compound at 9pm, having left most of their baggage under guard at the station for later collection. The next day German and Austrian guards arrived, and eventually a total of 464 defensive allied troops faced the rioting mob. Mindful of the fact that the British Legation was the largest, had a 10 ft high wall, and five good water wells, it was chosen as the last line of defence if all the others fell. The RMLI contingent was made up of Captain B M Strouts and his 25 men of the 'Winter Guard' already in Peking, plus Captain Halliday's 50 men from the Orlando and Captain E Wray's 25 men from the Alger; however because 25 men had been left behind at Tientsin the British force was just 79 marines and the three officers. The Americans had 48 marines and 3 sailors under Captain John Myers USMC, also 51 German and 24 Japanese marines; 72 Russian, 45 French and 30 Austrian seamen were included in the total strength. (These figures alter slightly according to which report you study!)
Early on the morning of Sunday the 17 June the Taku Forts were taken and this news quickly reached Peking to inflame the situation there, and at 4pm on the 19th all European Ambassadors were ordered by the Chinese Government to vacate their Legations within 24 hours. The Chinese attacked Tientsin station area and Private Robinson, one of the Orlando men left behind there, was killed in the assault on the Military College from where Chinese were firing.
Admiral Seymour's expedition following on became trapped at Yang-Tsun, outnumbered by the Chinese and cut off by the destruction of a rail bridge, and his Flag Captain (later Admiral of the Fleet, Viscount Jellicoe) was badly injured. Now there were troops battling all along the line from the Taku Forts to Peking. News that Admiral Seymour's reinforcements were trapped at Tientsin coincided with the murder of a Japanese secretary on the 10 June, then followed an attack by 300 Boxers on Wednesday the 13th. As much has already been written about the actual episode at the Legation, I will confine myself to the role of our subject, Sergeant Preston. When at 10.30pm next day the Boxers rushed down the dusty lane to the north of the compound screaming "Shasha" (kill kill), one bearing a large pike leapt up onto a bridge where Captain Halliday stood, and Sergeant Preston shot the intruder at just four feet distance. Five more were killed and two wounded to be left there as a warning to other Boxers.
Next day a party of marines was sent out to rescue Christians, but for many it was too late; mutilated bodies of men, women and children lay about. At 9am on the 20th Baron von Ketteler, the German Ambassador, set off for the Tsungli Yamen (Foreign Ministry) in his official chair with only his secretary and two liveried Chinese servants. They were escorted by three Imperial Guard escorts, one of whom shot the Ambassador through the heart. No further attempt was made to leave from any Legation, and as the ultimatum had been ignored by the other Ambassadors, the Boxers were now augmented by the Imperial Guard.
The siege began about 4pm that day, and by 8am on the 22nd, all the Legation guards, except the Japanese, had congregated in the British building. Private Scadding of the RMLI was the first Briton to lose his life here, as a bullet struck him while he kept guard on the stable roof. On Sunday the 24th, Captain Halliday was shot in his left shoulder, damaging his lung, having killed 4 assailants himself. Sergeant Preston's moment of glory came on the 14 July when the Chinese had been driven off a 12 ft high barricade near the West Hanlin, and he climbed onto the barricade to capture the enemy's banner. Unable to reach it, he called for his rifle to be passed up to him, subsequently keeping some 50 Chinese at bay whilst an American gunner called Mitchell retrieved the flag after a struggle with the rebels who were grasping the other end. Preston jumped down to assist him. It was an action of bravery which although making no gains, proved a morale booster for the marines, and deflation for the Chinese. The sergeant's only injury was temporary stunning from a brick aimed at his head. It was for this action that he was awarded the CGM.
This large black silk flag with a Chinese 'Artillery' emblem eventually came to the Corps Museum, but it is interesting to note that a few years ago there was a claim that another one had come to light in the USMC Museum in Washington! We naturally assume ours to be the real one! The British flag which flew over the Legation was later presented to Queen Victoria.
Four days later came news that the relieving force was nearing Peking, but the beleaguered garrison had to wait until the 14th August before they arrived, and this included about 250 men from a battalion of Royal Marines under Major Luke RMLI, and soon it was all over. Casualties were:- Killed - Captain B M Strouts; Privates A Scadding, C W Philips and G Sawyer (died. Of wounds later); Wounded - Captains L S I Halliday & E Wray, Sergeant J E Preston, Corporals W Gregory, and D J Gowney, Lance Corporals A Sparkes and T R Allen, and 15 privates of RMLI. Tributes came from many, but I quote (abridged) that of Sir Claude McDonald the British Minister as follows:- "They were exposed day and night for two months to the most arduous, irksome and responsible duties, which they fulfilled with cheerful alacrity and with a courage and endurance which excited the admiration of everybody. This high state of excellence was undoubtably in a great measure due to the officers and NCOs".
Britain and other foreign powers continued to exercise influence in China until WW2 when these extra-territorial rights were abolished, leaving only Hong Kong as the British foothold until 1997.
sergeant Preston returned with the detachment to HMS Orlando and on the 16 January 1901, whilst at Wei-Hei-Wei, on the recommendation of Captain Wray, was presented with the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal on behalf of Queen Victoria, who was to die just eight days later. This entitled him to a £10 Annuity. Confirmation to the rank of Sergeant had come on the 21 December 1900, just after the siege. In addition, Corporal Preston was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the siege, as were Sergeant T Murphy, Corporals D J Gowney and F Johnson, and Private T A Myers, while Captain Halliday was awarded his VC.
The ship returned to England, and after 3 years and 160 days aboard her Sergeant Preston disembarked to return to Forton Barracks. He received the China Medal and Defence of Legation clasp on the 4 July 1902, and Long Service and Good Conduct Medal on the 11 November 19085 by which time he had been promoted to Colour Sergeant on 1 1 April 1907. Although no courses or special qualifications are recorded on his service certificate, one report claims that he "Holds a 1st class certificate of education and has every prospect of  brilliant career before him ".
He was to serve in two more ships, the Powerful and Hermione, but for 45 and 62 days only respectively, and on the 9 June 1909,  he married Cissie, who was to bear him two sons. Promotion to SM Sergeant came on 5 February 1911, then Sergeant Major on 20 September 1914 as WW1 started. During this he was to earn the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal to add to his collection. Winston Churchill, as First Lord of the Admiralty, drew up a plan known as 'The Mate System' to raise men from the ranks to commissioned status for the first time (Order In Council 08/10/14), and Preston was thus commissioned on the 5th May 1915 as a Lieutenant RMLI (Quartermaster), and joined the RM Brigade at HMS Victory, naval barracks at Portsmouth on the 25 May 1915, returning to the Portsmouth Division (Forton) on the 1 November 1917.  His next move was to HMS Egmont, a shore base ship moored alongside Fort St Angelo at Malta, commissioned in 1904 until 1933, where he served from the 1 May 1919 until the 8 June 1922 when he went back to the Portsmouth Division again at Forton. During his time at Malta he was made Captain RMLI on the 6 January 1921. He retired from the service, at his own request, on the 30 September 1922, and settled with his wife at Haslemere, in Hampshire, where he died on the 8 July 1944.
James Edward Preston had served exactly 20 years and 177 days in the Corps of which 13 years and 288 days were spent ashore. A short obituary to him appeared in 'The Globe & Laurel' of September 1944 (p 236) and his medals are in the Royal Marines Museum collection. There is a memorial monument to the men of HMS Orlando in Victoria Park at Portsmouth. The Battle for Gavrelle Windmill on Saturday 28th April 1917. 335 Royal Marines killed on the one day. by Kyle Tallett (RMHS)

The result of the action on 28th April was mixed one, the northern attack was a complete failure, the southern attack was a success in the sense that the Windmill the main objective was gained, but was a failure from the point of view that the other gains were lost through running out of men. The casualty figures are ones that : I have deduced from a few sources and relate to the 28th April only. I suggest that at the start of the action both RM battalions had a strength of about 750 all ranks maybe less as the Division had been in the line and probably lost some of its strength through normal wastage.
The following is calculated casualty figures for the action:
1RMLI
5 officers and 161 other ranks Killed.
150 Wounded and about 150 prisoners of war.
2 RMLI.
5 officers and 164 other ranks killed 72 Wounded.
4 officers and 208 other ranks prisoners of war.
The casualties didn't stop there, over the next couple of days the figures grew higher as badly wounded men died of wounds, amongst them was Lt Col F 3 W Cartwright DSO of 1 RMLI who died on 30th April.
Total honours for the Royal Marines for this action was 3 Military Crosses (Lt G A Newling, Capt. E 3 Huskissori and 2nd Lt E A Godfrey) 2 DCMS (Pte G Davies, L/Cpl T Salt) and 19 MM'S. It can be argued that Lt Newling could feel hard done by with an MC when a DSO would have seemed more appropriate.
It can be concluded then that the Northern attack was a failure for the following reasons. The barbed wire in front was untouched by the artillery preparation so the tendency to head for the gaps occurred. The gaps were to the north, so the attack swerved northwards which exposed the marines to the strongpoint on the railway and they got caught from behind and the flank by heavy machine gun fire. Having got into the Germans trenches there were more Germans than anticipated; it was as though large reserves were set aside to counter-attack. So, having taken the front line the marines were faced with a counter-attack of huge numbers and came off worse despite resisting strongly. As stated before there were no survivors of those who penetrated the front line, so the exact events are still unclear. The 2 RMLI attack was a success in that its main objective was taken. They were caught by heavy machine gun fire on the south where some 500 yards of flank was exposed. The official history from the German records states that they saw large bodies of British troops in echelon along the Gavrelle-Fresnes road and they cut many down with machine guns. These troops were obviously 2 RMLI. Other accounts, particularly one by Able Seaman Downe of Anson battalion who witnessed masses of troops surrendering to the north behind enemy lines. These were obviously 2 RMLI who had been trapped in the pincer. The enemy artillery was exceptionally heavy and ranged in so that heavy casualties were sustained. Lastly reading war diaries and other contemporary material the first thing which strikes me is the communications difficulties. In this day and age, a commander can be in touch by radio with all units and maintain some overall cohesion. At Gavrelie the war diaries contained many sentences along the lines of "nothing heard from 1 RML.” etc. It was apparent that Brigade HQ was totally in the dark to most events as absolutely no information was coming back; news was obtained from the wounded which was out of date obviously by the time the wounded had made it back. Also observation by eye was used and the HAC were particularly good at this and their war diary account of the total action is most enlightening - all 30 pages of it!
The cost though was severe to the Royal Marines. The Corps by its nature, like the rest of the RND, was a close knit family and big losses were sorely felt. As was the case with the Marines, regulars rotated through the battalions to add some strength to the short service men, and about a quarter of the losses were to these regulars. The casualties from this battle were the worst the Royal Marines have suffered in its history. It saw the death of the few remaining Gallipoli and Ancre veterans (Horace Bruckshaw of the Bruckshaw diaries fame was amongst them). Most of the casualties are listed on the Arras memorial as they have no known grave, although some are buried in local cemeteries. There is a good possibility that a large portion of those on the Arras memorial are buried in the many graves that contain an unidentified soldier. In 1990 a memorial was built at Gavrelle for the men of the Royal Naval Division, it contains a large anchor donated by the Navy which is surrounded by a brick wall symbolising the village that was fought for. The memorial was built by the Marines of a later era.
The Marines had to rebuild their shattered remnants', but the spirit of the Marine corps did not die at the Windmill , the torch was handed on to the replacements and was carried until 11th November 1918 when the Marines found themselves near Mons where it had all began four years previously.

Appendix
Citations for Military Crosses awarded for Gavrelle 28-4-17_!ridon Gazette 18 July 1917
Temp 2nd Lt Ernest Allan Godfrey Royal Marines
For conspicuous gallantry and resource during operations when he worked his guns with great skill and endurance for 60 hours without rest, and under a heavy enemy barrage, against a strong point which eventually surrendered.
Capt. Edward John Huskisson RMLI
For conspicuous gallantry when reconnoitring, under a heavy shell fire, a position and organising guides prior to an assault. it was mainly owing to his coolness and courage that the battalion was successfully placed in alignment in the face of the greatest difficulties.
Temp 2nd Lt George Arthur Newling R.M.
For conspicuous gallantry in an attack, when he led his platoon with great courage and skill, and held the objective, when captured, against numerous counter-attacks.
Citations for Distinguish Conduct Medal awarded for Gayrelle 28-4-17 London Gazette 18 July 1917
Pte (L/Cpl) Thomas Salt RMLI
For conspicuous gallantry in operations when he crawled backwards and forwards for three hours through heavy H.E. barrages in order to signal the effect of the Stokes mortar fire. He was wounded.
Pte Glyndwr Davies RMLI.
For conspicuous gallantry. He advanced alone to an enemy strong point, demanded it's surrender and single handed he bought in fifty prisoners.

1895. August. Major Denny and a detachment of the West African Regiment landed on Sacrifice island on the Bass River.

1895. Friday 1st November. A Glimpse From The Past taken from the Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No 1, Vol III.
In the operations on the East Coast of Africa against the chief Muburak-bin-Rashid, in June of this year, Colour-Sergt. Batton RMLI of HMS Swallow had command of the Marines, 50 in number. The Senior Naval Officer in charge of the operation reports very favourably on him as being a thoroughly capable non-commissioned officer.
Our former comrades who have left us to join the Indian Staff Corps are constantly making themselves known to the world by their deeds in the wars, big and little, which take place so frequently on the Indian frontiers. Only recently Major Townsend's name was in the mouth of everyone; now we have news of Lieut. E. LeMesurier, late RMLI, who joined the Corps 1st sept. 1885, and left us for the I.S.C., in October 1888. We append a cutting of 15th August last, giving an account of Lieut. LeMesurier's deeds in Kelat:
"Sardar Gowher Khan, the famous rebel and scourge of Kelat, was killed on the 11th instant, together with his eldest son, Yoosaf Kahn, in a fight which took place between his men and 50 men of the new infantry lately raised by Lieut. LeMesurier, of Jacob's Horse, whose services were lent to Kelat last year, and who is now acting Political Agent in Kelat. According to authentic accounts received, the Khan of Kelat, with advice from Lieut. LeMesurier, despatched 50 of his troops under Mir Pasand Khan, a newly appointed Chief of the Jhalawan tribes, to effect Gowher Khan s apprehension. The outlaw had hidden himself with a number of his men in the hills about 70 miles beyond Kelat. The Khan's troops, reaching the spot after a week's search, surrounded Gowher Kahn, who had fortified himself in Gharmup, and who at first made a stand. On the 11th a fight ensued between the parties resulting in Gowher Khan and his son being killed. Thus an outlaw who has been devastating the country and causing anxiety to the Khan of Kelat and the Government for 25 years, had his career brought to an end."
First Lieutenant - "How do you like the horse you brought from me last week?'
Second Lieutenant - "Very much. He might hold his head a little higher though."
First Lieutenant - " Oh! he'll do that alright - as soon as he's paid for!"

1895. Sunday 15th December. A Glimpses of the past from the Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No Z, Vol III -15th December 1895.
The small force destined to effect the submission of King Prempeh and teach that sable and very foolish monarch wisdom and manners, is now well on its way to the Gold Coast. The force is small, but judging from the care with which those comprising it have been selected, with regard to physique, capabilities of marching. and proficiency in shooting, it should be thoroughly sufficient for the purpose.
The war clouds in other parts of the globe seem to have cleared off for the present; the outlook being very different to what it was a few weeks ago. H.M. the Sultan appears to be doing his utmost to keep peace and administer reforms in his dominions, instigated to this by the united action of all the great powers. In the far East absence of war rumours seem to point to a more peaceful solution of difficulties without recourse to arms. The "Great War" which we so often hear of as being imminent, is therefore not likely to commence in 189. Under these circumstances we feel safe in wishing all our readers a ``Mercy Xmas and Happy New Year," and we feel sure they in return will wish a prosperous new year to the Globe and Laurel and Corps Gazette.
Apropos of the Ashanti War now about to take place, probably one of the oldest surviving officers of the corps who was in action in those regions is Quarter-Master and Hon. Major George Maggs, late RMA, who took part in the attack upon Lagos, 26th December 1 85 1. The operations were directed against some slave dealers. and very dangerous «warfare it proved to be. In a softie. Major Maggs was one of those who. in the ['ace of a heavy tire, attacked the enemy's guns, and spiked them. In the action he received a severe wound. For this sere ice he obtained the meritorious medal and a gratuity of,L'100. Major Maggs we are pleased to hear is still living in excellent health at Southsea.
The senior naval officer, East Coast of Africa, has reported (4th November), that Ch. Private C.H.W. Chowne, HMS "Pcebe, " was killed at night by the firing on the camp of the Naval Brigade, when returning from a three days expedition to a place between Mombassa and Jakamya.
At the Stanley Cycle Show, at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, there is on exhibition a new tandem tricycle -- carrying two Maxim guns. The following description of the machine appeared in the "N & M Record. "
The machine is an ordinary tandem tricycle (Rudge-Whitworth) with steering wheel in front, and about half as wide again as the ordinary pattern. The two guns are fired one on each side of the rear rider, between the hind wheels, and with their muzzles pointing to the rear. To come into action the machine is, of course, turned around, and the "hind legs" of the guns are unstrapped, so as to fall down and fix firmly in the ground as a support. The men then dismount and seat themselves in the small saddles which are fixed to the "hind legs." The ammunition is carried in ten leather cases, five to each gun, which are carried under the hind legs. After firing, the latter are drawn up and strapped. and the men ride away. As an alternative to this procedure, the guns can be detached altogether from the tricycle and fired in the ordinary way upon a tripod stand, which when not in use, is strapped between the rear wheels. Each gun weighs 271bs, the tripod stand weighs 91bs, and the total weight. including ammunition, is 2001bs. It is claimed that a particularly good target can be made from the tricycle owing to the slight give of the pneumatic tyres.
(Editor - the mind boggles at this one!)
The D.A. General has approved of the promotion to Sergeant of the Plymouth Division. Corporal John Charles Clui'f RMI,I of HMS "Bury" for special service on the East Coast of Africa. Corporal Guff was left in charge of the settlement of Ribc, at a time when it was threatened by the rebels during the late disturbances on that coast. He directed the natives, and with their assistance threw up an earthwork 776 feet in length, and, by the time a party could be detached for the defence of that place, he had completed the fortifications. He is reported by the captain of the "Barrow, " to be a most capable N.C. officer and deserving of promotion. Corporal Cluff had passed an examination in Field Works and Building.
Among those who lost their lives in the terrible disaster to the launch of HMS "Edgar," on the 13th November, at Chemulpo, was Bugler George F. Warren, Plymouth Division, RMLI, Bugler Warren's photograph appeared in our last issue, in the group of members of the Legation Guard at Peking. (See photograph in June issue of Sea & Land)
Five thousand stand of arms have been sent from Portsmouth Gunwharf to Malta, for distribution among the Mediterranean Fleet. The magazine rifles and bayonets were so packed that each ship on station can promptly receive her own consignment, and the same rule was observed at Woolwich, whence the ammunition was sent. The Channel and the Mediterranean Squadrons have now been supplied with the magazine rifle, and the China Squadron will next be supplied.
The Pall Mall Gazette are keeping up a crusade against cordite. The P. Al. G. of 27th November contains the following - The military correspondent of an Indian paper has been asking a pertinent question or two about cordite. He is quite ready to admit that its behaviour was satisfactory during the late Chitral campaign. but he points out that the thermometer may have had a good deal to do with this. Only', the behaviour of the thermometer in the Malakand Pass is one thing, and its behaviour at .facobabad, say, is another. The regulations provide that when a thermometer and cordite get together, the first must always mind what it is about. and by no means exceed the sate limits of the century. In Malakand it didn't. At Jacobabad and elsewhere it does; and this is not only out of doors, and what is humorously called the "shade," but also in the privacy of the magazine, and even of the limber-box. And, in consequence of this, the cordite becomes discomposed, and even decomposed, and will either fizzle feebly out at the muzzle, or burst forth explosively at the breech-block. The correspondent wants to know how the Ordnance committee propose to reconcile this conduct on the part of the thermometer with the emergencies of' the service? And, further, how the committee is going to deal with the even more marked indications of being above its business which this misguided instrument affords in the magazine of a battle-ship? It is quite clear to the interrogator that either thermometers or cordite will have to go, and he would like to have an authoritative decision as to which of them it is to be. For the matter of that - So should we.
On November 21st, at the Portland Hall, Southsea, Professor Boys gave a lecture on photographs of bullets in flight . The lecture was illustrated by the magic lantern, and was interesting mainly from a photographic point of view. By a simple invention of his own, Professor Boys succeeded in obtaining photos of bullets, allowing an exposure of only one thirteen millionth part of a second. The air waves were most distinctly defined, the wave in front of the bullet much resembling the bow wave of a steamer. The photo was taken when the bullet had only left the muzzle a few feet. In the course of his lecture, Professor Boys mentioned one or two points which may not be generally known. (1) Gunpowder will not burn in vacua. (2) It burns much quicker when subject to great pressure. This accounts for some time fuzes not giving the same results when in the head of a shell in flight as they did when tested in a laboratory. Perhaps the most interesting part of' the lecture was a series of 'photographs of the Lee-Metford bullet as it passed through a 1/2inch sheet of glass. Just before the bullet touched the sheet, the air wave cut a disc of glass about -half the diameter of the bullet clean out. At the same time the glass around the hole made was crushed into powder, and driven backwards at the rate of 10,000 feet per second. The glass stuck to the bullet for a short time after it had passed through, the disc being driven on in front of the "bow wave." In this experiment the waves, caused by the vibrations of the glass, were very clearly seen. A photograph of the bullet after it had cleared the glass by nine inches, skewed the remainder of the glass intact. When the bullet had proceeded another 16 inches the sheet of glass was seen to break and fall to pieces.
Major-General J. Phillips C.B., who retired on November 20th, on the expiration of three years in command of the Portsmouth Division, entered the service as 2nd Lieutenant 24th December. 1856; was promoted Captain 19th June 1.872; Brevet-Major for War Service 29th June, 1879: Brevet-Lieut.-Col. For War Service 11th July 1882; Colonel-Comdt. 20th November] 892; Hon. Major-General on retirement. Major-General Phillips saw a considerable amount of war service, more than any other officer of his standard. As O.C. detachment of HMS "Shah," he was present at the only purely ship engagement that has taken place in the British service in modern times. viz,: in action with the Peruvian rebel turret-ship. "Huascar" off the Coast of Peru, on 29th May. 1877. While the "Shah "was on her way home to pay off, she was ordered to proceed to the "Cape." the Zulu War having broken out. Captain Phillips commanded the Marines of the Squadron landed for service with the land forces during the campaign, forming part of the Flying Column which relieved Ekhowe present at the Battle of Gingihlovo, April 2nd, 1879; Relief of Ekhowe, April 3rd; and destruction of Dabulamanzi's great Military Kraal, April 4th. afterwards accompanying General Crealock's Column. (Mentioned in despatches, brevet of Major. C.B.,(Zulu medal and clasp).

1895. "Bandmasters will, invariably, be in uniform when leading their Bands". The Bandmasts of the time usually wore civilian cloths whilst conducting the bands.

1896. Tuesday 7th January. The Globe and Laurel No 3 Vol. III. Information has been received from the Edgar, that a Lieutenant R.M.L.I., and 15 men, have been landed in Korea, to act as a Legation Guard, under almost the similar conditions to the Guard there last winter. The men composing this Guard left England last year.
Mr William Marriott, who has been promoted to Quartermaster with the honorary rank of Lieutenant, joined the Royal Marines in 1869, and by successive stages reached the rank of Staff-Sergt.
In 1880. He was Sergt-Major of the Royal Marine battalion stationed in Ireland in 1881, and 1882.
In 1884 and 1885 he served as Sergt.-Major with the Royal Marine battalion in the Soudan and took an active part in the defence of Suakim. He also accompanied General Graham's expeditionary force. He was engaged in reconnaissance work at Hasheen, March 20th, the battle of Tofrek, March 22nd (McNeill's Zareba) and the capture and burning of Tamai. (Note: An article on McNeill’s Zereba is in preparation.)
He was engaged on convoy duty on March 24th, and again on the 26th, the convoy being heavily attacked on. Each occasion.
In June 1888, Mr Marriott was appointed Sergt.-Major of the Portsmouth Division of Royal Marines, which post he continued to hold up to the time of his selection for a Quartermaster ship in the Chatham Division, where he takes up his new duties on Friday. Lieut. Marriott wears the Egyptian War medal with two bars, the Kedive Star and the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
The United States Navy Department has decided to reduce the number of Marines carried by men-of-war in the U.S. Navy.
This is taken as an indication of its intention ultimately, to dispense with the services of the Marines Corps afloat and is meeting with strong opposition from the officers of the Corps, who maintain that Marines are as much needed on board war vessels now, as ever they were, though their functions may be somewhat altered.
In large ships the numbers carried will be limited to thirty men, a proportionate reduction being made in smaller vessels.
ec~001 'Zrectt
The children of the Divisional Schools at Plymouth had their Annual Christmas entertainment in the Divisional Theatre, on Thursday, 19th December 1895. Each of the children were given a packet of sweets and an orange, which they all seemed to fully appreciate. The band under the direction of Corporal Ockland, enlivened the evening by several selections of popular airs. Songs were very ably rendered by Privates Anderson and Smith. A stump oration by Private Foster brought forth roars of laughter. Private T. Smith in his bird imitations was excellent. Sergeant G.A. Parsons gave a capital song and dance. The banjo solo of Sergeant Moore was very nicely rendered. Bugler Ryan as a clown was very good. Bugle-Major Jas. Howe simply kept his audience in convulsions for half­ an hour with his ventriloquism, which by the way, would do credit to any professional stage. At the conclusion, Mr Westaway, Schoolmaster, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Major C.B.G. Dick R.M.L.I.; for his great kindness in providing such an excellent entertainment, and called for three cheers from the children, to which they heartily responded.
The following extract is from a private letter received from Buluwayo: ‑
"I arrived up here last week, after a most awful journey by coach form Mafeking. I don't think I shall go down again till the railway arrives here, it is a journey of over 600 miles over the most awful roads and is supposed to take five days and a half, but the coach I was in took seven days and a half, as we broke down twice, both times in the night, and we had to wait till morning to patch up and go very slowly till we arrived at a mule station. The coach is drawn by ten mules, which are changed every fifteen or twenty miles, and you travel night and day, so you can imagine one doesn't get much rest, especially when the coach is full as it was. Nine inside is all they hold, and then you are packed in to one another like sardines. The heat was awful, and the dust too. The fare is £25; quite enough for the shaking you get, and then you have to pay for your food on the way. There are only ten wayside 'stores on the road, and they are very rough shanties. Well, I came up here to start a branch business, as I heard things were so good. This is truly a marvellous place when you consider that it is only two years ago to-day that the troops marched into Bulawayo. The town is not exactly on the site of Lobengula's old kraal, which is about a mile and a half away.
I suppose this is the most wonderful town that has ever sprung up in any country.
It covers an area of about six square miles, the population is about 10,000 white, and people are coming in daily from all parts. There are sixteen hotels, all of which are full, and it is very hard to get a bed anywhere. They charge you from

12 to £17 a month. The buildings are very fine, all a great deal better than Mafeking, and they are still hard at work building. The Post Office and Stock Exchange are wonderful buildings for this outlandish part - 600 miles from any rail. There is a staff of twenty men in the Post Office. There are three banks, none of the staffs of which are under ten in number, so you can gather what business is going on. There are two breweries, a steam laundry, mineral water factories galore, and skating rink; huge waterworks in course of erection. They are also putting up the electric light, and three recreation grounds, a race course, and a park are being constructed. I was thunderstruck when I arrived, as I couldn't imagine a place like this in the wild of Matabeleland. Where two or three years before only a few white men had ever been seen. Just to give you some idea of the prices of some things here, eggs are from 12s to 17s per dozen, butter 16s to I7s per lb., little new potatoes you pay 6d a piece for, and so on; but the place is chock full of money. I only hope some will stick to me. I have not started business yet as. I am waiting. For my stock to arrive, it takes at least ten weeks by wagon from Mafeking now, as the `Veldt' is very bad, and there is no water - rain is wanted very badly all over the country. In Johannesburg, I hear, there is a water famine; water is selling at 3s per two gallons. My partner is still carrying on in business in Mafeking, but after the railway passes, I think we shall sell out unless the Malmain gold-fields go ahead. Quite 75 per cent. Of the population here are gentlemen, which is very nice. I am sending you the Bulinvayo Chronicle this week. I will send you all of them next week, there are six a week published, though we haven't got a daily yet."
The Commanding Officer of a regiment was much troubled by the persistent untidiness of one of his men. Reprimand and punishment were unavailing. The man remain as dirty as ever. At last a brilliant idea struck the Colonel. "Why not march him down the whole line of the regiment and shame him into decency`.'' So, it was done. The untidy soldier was marched along the line by the Colonel, who, when he came to an end.
Having marched along the entire line. Paddy marched up to the Colonel, saluted, and said in the hearing of the whole regiment, with the utmost cangfinid, "I hir-tiest Regimint I hiver hinspected, Sor" (Sic)

1896. January - June. The Island of Crete being in a very unsettled state on account of the insurrection against the Turkish Government, an International Gendarmerie was formed and Major Bor RMA was appointed to organise and command it in January 1897. He resigned his position in March, and took command of the European troops holding the fort of Izzedin during the insurrection. During the insurrection Major C.C. Britain RMLI with Lieutenants P. Molloy and F.A. Nelson landed with 1,400 N.C.O’s and men from HMS Rodney, HMS Revenge and HMS Balfleur to assist in the occupation of Canea by the European Powers and remained there for five weeks.

1896. Friday 7th February. No 4 Vol. III The Globe & Laurel. Hard indeed it is to shake the faith of' the ignorant African native in the wisdom and practices of his forefathers. Nywiliso, Chief of the Pondos, was recently greatly troubled by the long-continued drought and the appearance of locusts, and being quite convinced that these evils were due to the fact that the rain and locusts, doctors were not allowed to exercise their charms, he wrote to major Elliot, C.M.G., late R.M.L.I., to that effect, and requested permission for his "doctors" to be allowed to work their spells, to bring down rain, and to destroy the locusts. Fortunately, rain fell while the Magistrate was thinking what answer to make. Had the Major refused the Chief's request, and had the drought continues, there would possibly have been further trouble with the Pondo natives.
The Commander-in-Chief notified recently several alterations in the Queen's Regulations which affect the practice of route marching at home. Troops on home service are to be practised at least twice a week in route marching, between October 15th and March 15th. The marches are to be progressive, beginning with nine miles in October, with a gradual increase to sixteen miles in January. Marching order is to be worn, and with immature men the carrying of a full kit is also to be progressive. In doubtful cases medical opinion is to be taken. The marches are to be combined with some tactical operation, and where the march exceeds twelve miles, biscuits are to be carried in the haversack. At the close of the route marching season officers and men, in fair or foul weather, will march fifteen miles a day for six consecutive days. Halts are to be made every half an hour after a forced march, afterwards once an hour for five minutes each time, and when the march exceeds six hours, a halt is to be made for a meal. The fitting of the men's boots is to be specially attended to, and special care used in noting the condition of the men individually. This order is being carried out at our several Head-Quarters. combined with Tactical exercises, which add greatly to the interest of the marches.
Sergi.-Major Charles Wiltshire, of the Port Elizabeth Artillery, who is reported a prisoner for attempted participation in the recent rising in the Transvaal, is an old and well-known non-commissioned officer of the
Plymouth Division, R.M.L.I. For many years he was Gunnery Instructor at the Division, and relinquished his appointment to embark in the Raleigh on the Cape of Good Hope Station. A love of adventure and an offer of his present appointment induced him to obtain a free discharge by relinquishing his seventeen years' service in the Royal Marines, thus forfeiting all claim to pension.
It would appear from the following extract from the Annual Register of 17b 1, that Hannah Snell was not the only Hannah who served as a Marine:‑
"Leeds, October 20th (1761). A few days ago, a young woman about 20, dressed in a man's clothes, was impressed at Plymouth and sent to Corpl. Toby in this town. On her arrival she was committed to prison; but not liking confinement she discovered her sex and was discharged. She gives the following account of herself:- That her name is Hannah Whitney; that she was born in Ireland; had been a Marine on board different ships for upwards of five years, and would not have discovered her sex if she had been allowed her liberty."
From an article in the Standard on the Ashanti Campaign we extract the following:‑
"One element in the last Expedition is, we notice, with regret, absent. At that time the Seamen and Marines, artillery and infantry, played a very conspicuous part. It was they who, long before the coming of the Inf2r_try of the Line, drove back the Ashantis from Elmina, and, followed them, burned their villages. It was they who relieved Abracrampa, and under Colonel Festing, fought some severe engagements. Lastly, it was the Naval Brigade who, under the supervision of Major Home and his Engineers, built the bridge, and upon the whole of the upward march cheered the column by their fun and light-hearted gaiety. Why ships on the station are not represented, if only by a small contingent, is difficult to understand"
Another of the survivors of the Six Hundred who took part in the famous Balaclava charge has passed away in the person of William Henry Faulkner. whose death has occurred at Chatham. Born in Inverness. Faulkner, at the age of seventeen, joined the 4th Light Dragoons. I sent out to the Crimea. In charging the Russian guns at Balaclava he received a bullet in his neck, where it remained until the day Chis death, being deeply imbedded in the muscles. The young Dragoon attacked the Russian who fired the shot and cut him down. The horrors of war were too much for a young fellow of Faulkner's age, and he was invalided home, suffering from mental aberration. He was taken to Fort Pitt Hospital, Chatham, and was among the wounded visited by Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort.
Upon his recovery Faulkner was the recipient of an anonymous gift of a £5 note and a suit of clothes, and throughout his life he always held the conviction that his unknown benefactor was none other than her Majesty. Upon his restoration to health, Faulkner, joined the Royal Marines, and again saw active service in the Indian Mutiny.
He was present at both the Relief of Lucknow (Nov. 17th. 1857) and its recapture (March 21st, 1858). He also fought at Cawnpore in the battle of December 6th, 1857, and, after deadly work with his bayonet, was severely wounded by a heavy blow from a club wielded by a giant Sepoy.
Faulkner completed 21 years service in the Royal Marines, and retired on a small pension, afterwards getting employment as a labourer.
The naval authorities, in recognition of his gallant services to his country, admitted him to the Melville Hospital during his last illness, and a party of Royal Marines in uniform bore his body to the grave. The deceased was fifty-nine years of age.
Vanity Fair, of January l 6th, contained an interesting letter about the Lee-Metford rifle and its effects at Chitral. A Surgeon's evidence is quoted to show (1) That owing to the high initial velocity and extreme hardness of the bullet, it passes at short ranges through everything, except large bones, without giving any shock to the victim. (2) Although the wound may eventually prove fatal, it would hardly at the time impair his fighting power. It is kind not to quote the name of the Surgeon who reported these things - a bullet which passes through a man's heart or wind-pipe. without giving the victim any shock. would indeed and these arc i:t;l'liitllly not large bones. vUiics. I iii yi:ra argument in the letter is a very familiar one to military readers. A big bullet is advocated instead of a small one, because it is said to stop a man better. Education and musketry training has done so much for us all, that one wonders how so many people manage to miss the whole point of the question. A small bullet gives increased velocity, which means a flatter trajectory. With a flatter trajectory the danger zone is longer and the chance of hitting very much increased. Surely a small bullet that hits a man is more likely to stop him than a big one that misses him.
An interesting letter has been forwarded to us from Sergt. Boxwell, RMLI, late Sergeant in charge of the Marine Guard left behind at Pekin by Major Milne RMA. Sergeant Boxwell and his men appear to have found life rather dreary' after the withdrawal of the remainder of the Legation Guards; but we are glad to see that the little detachment worthily maintained the traditions of our Corps, always so remarkable whenever small bodies are detached on special service, by being quiet and orderly in their behaviour. The Guard was finally withdrawn from Pekin on August 18th. and after sundry delays, and being transferred from one ship to another, at length reached Edgarat Woosung, on October 11th, only, however, to find that they were at once to proceed to Seoul, again as a Legation Guard, under the command ufl, icuienanl Meister RMLI. The strength of the Guard is ! Sergeant (Sergt. Boxwell), l Corporal (Corpl. Kent) and l3 Privates. They have comfortable quarters, with a compound to themselves with apparently not much to do; plenty of healthy exercise being obtained by climbing the surrounding hills.
Quaint Orders (From an old Gibraltar Orders Book)
No Officer or soldier on duty to carry an umbrella.
A loose ball and a charge of powder is to be issued to each man on guard to save their cartridges. The loose ball is to be carried in the cock of their hats.
On account of the scarcity of flour, soldiers are not to have their hair powdered until further orders.
The skeleton of a soldier - supposed a deserter - was yesterday discovered at the foot of the Rock, so much broken and otherwise disfigured that there remain no marks to distinguish the Corps to which he belonged, except the letters J.Y. on his stockings.
Any Corps 'who have lost a man etc! The following incident is reported to have occurred during the early part of the Egyptian affair in 1882.-
The famous Regiment. arrived at Alexandria with its glorious colours inscribed with its victories of centuries, more or less, and having to leave them at the base, was ordered to place them in safe keeping on board
MSHellcon. Guarded by six kilted 1-lighlanders and two officers with drawn swords, the sacred banners were taken in state alongside.
With the hospitality that characterises UIcr Majesty's Navy, the officers were taken into the ward-room for refreshments, and the bosun was ordered to see to the precious charge.
Jack looked over the side. and. to the horror of the hearers. veiled.
`Ere, you marines. bring up the bloody flags!!’
From an article in the Standard on the Ashanti Campaign we extract the following:‑
"One element in the last Expedition is, we notice with regret, absent. At that time the Seamen and Marines, Artillery and Infantry, played a very conspicuous part. It was they who, long before the coning of the Infantry of the Line, drove back the Ashantis from Elmina, and, following them, burned their villages. It was they who relieved Abracrampa, and , under Colonel Festing fought some severe engagements. Lastly, it was the Naval Brigade who, under the supervision of Major Home and his Engineers, built the bridge, and upon the whole of the upward march cheered the column by their fun and light-hearted gaiety. Why the ships on the station are not represented, if only by a small contingent, is difficult to understand."
The recent Ashantee expedition. recalls to our minds the successful way in which the late Sir Francis Pest ng's advance was conducted in the former campaign. With a few additions to the present equipment and stores in charge of the Corps, it seems so easy to carry out a whole little war of this nature. By using a force of Marines alone. Plenty of able officers would be forthcoming to conduct such campaigns. but the question is whether the Admiralty could spare the men from their strictly naval duties. Probably! they could not.(Sic)

1896. Saturday 7th March. The Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No 5 Vol. III.
Information has been received from the S.N.O. , East Coast of Africa, that Ch.6230 Bugler W.C. Tinsdall of HMS Phoebe, who was dangerously wounded at Mioele, on 17th August last, by a shot through the chest, is now convalescent. He was for many weeks in a most critical condition, and was treated by Dr MacDonald, of the British East Africa Protectorate Government Hospital, at Mombasa, and it is owning to that gentleman's care and treatment that Bugler Tindall's recovery is due. A letter conveying the thanks of their Lordships for the careful treatment of this Bugler has been sent to Dr MacDonald.
BY Captain G.G. Aston R.M.A.
What sort of guns have they got in the Transvaal ? Judging by the evidence of one witness against the Johannesburg Committee they must be up to date enough to go in for field mortars or howitzers. This witness said he saw a gun only three feet long but gig enough to put his head in. Another said that the piece of ordnance in question might certainly have been used as a water pipe, but it was without doubt a gun. We have heard of men who did not know the difference between a gun and a pump, and they seem to be common in South Africa.
We all know the old nautical joke, by which our brothers of the sister Service try sometimes to draw us, in calling an empty bottle a dead Marine. In an old volume we find the following anecdote of the Sailor King:‑ William the Fourth seemed in a momentary dilemma one day, when at table with several other officers, he ordered one of the waiters to "Take away that Marine there," pointing to an empty bottle. "Your Majesty!" inquired a Colonel of Marines, "do you compare an empty bottle to a member of our branch of the Service ?" "Yes," replied the monarch, as if a sudden thought had struck him; " I mean to say it has done its duty once, and is ready to do it again."
The first of a series of monthly smoking concerts was held at the Wanderer's Club, Strada St, St Paulo, Valletta, by the non-commissioned officers of the Mediterranean Fleet, on Thursday the 6th February, and it proved to be a most enjoyable evening, everyone remarking "that a more enjoyable evening could not be spent " This success was mainly due to the very energetic chairman (Sgt. Major Blackman), who very soon found out those possessing vocal and elocutionary talents, and no fewer than thirteen turns were got through in the course of the evening.
The following N.C. officers and friends provided the different items in the programme:- Sergeant Major Blackman, Sgts. Morton, Champ, Latto, Ware, Corporals Lee, Whittier, Black Edge, Dansey and Greasley, Mr Burnard R.N., Mr Burke R.N., and Mr Marchant R.N. Corporal Black presided at the piano, and accompanied the various songs in his usual able manner. A most pleasant evening was brought to a conclusion by the singing of the National Anthem and "Auld Lang Syne."
Everyone regretting that the time had passed so quickly, but promising their support for the concerts on the future.
The Cuban revolutionists are said to have proved that a dynamite charge effectively employed will do more work in a fraction of a second than a rifled cannon can be expected to accomplish during its whole term of life. The problem as I see it however, is that you have to get your enemy to stand around your dynamite charge before he can come too much harm. Then too, there is a considerable chance of you blowing yourself up with it.
Charges against men for articles of arms or accoutrements lost or rendered unserviceable by neglect or culpable mismanagement, will be made for proportionable value of the unexpired period of wear; no charge will, however, be reduced below a quarter of the full value, and the unexpired period will be calculated in half years, any period of less than six months being charged as a full year.
There is undoubtedly demand in this country for a Corps of Marine Artillery Volunteers - men who are efficient gunners afloat but not necessarily "seamen". Such a Corps could be raised without difficulty and would cost very little. If any patriotic retires officer would undertake to "bell the cat" the advantage to the country could hardly be over­estimated. There is a great future for a movement of this kind if properly taken up. Those who joined would learn a great deal about the Navy, and spread their knowledge about the country in peace time. In war they would be invaluable. Besides a few more of the population would learn what the Royal Marines are and what they do, which would be an advantage. Which of us does not recognise the three sentences: "What a magnificent Barracks;" "What a splendid body of men;" "But what do you do?" We cannot always be explaining that the country would find it hard to get on without us!
(Editor: 60 years after this article was written I was standing at a bus stop outside Waterloo Station, in blues, when an old lady asked inc what number bus went to Cricklewood. When I said I didn't know, she demanded to know what type of London Transport bus inspector I was, if I couldn't answer a simple question like that.
Another flying machine is reported from the United States. It is of steel, and driven by a steam engine, and, bulk for balk, is considerably heavier than the air which it displaces. Owing to the scale on which it is built there is no condensing arrangement to use the water more than once, and enough can only be carried for a very brief flight. For this reason the actual flights taken during the experiments in May last do not appear to have exceeded half a mile, and on the last occasion the speed was about twenty miles per hour. The results appear to justify further experiments in the same direction, but it is to be hoped that these machines will never be made on a large enough scale to carry bodies of troops armed with high explosives. With melinite shell on land and torpedoes at sea there are quite enough unpleasant inventions to be met with in war as it is.
CORPS ADVERTISEMENTS
Wanted Man and Wife Man as a working butler, wife as cook and general servant. ` Pay ? 5shillins per week: board themselves.
Apply: Staff-Captain, Dockyard, Pembroke Dock.

1896.Tuesday 7th April. Taken from The Globe & Laurel of bygone years. No 6 Vol. III 7th April. 1896. The following extracts are of interest to the Corps having been gathered from the estimates of (£896-97. The total sum voted for the year, for the whole of the Naval Forces, amounts to £21,823,000, an increase of £3,122,000 on the preceding year. The increase in numbers amounts to 4,900, of which 500 are to the Royal Marines, viz, RMA - 200; RMLI -291 and 9 Staff Officers.
By Captain N G.G. Aston R.M.A.
New Zealand politicians are taking a move in the right direction when they talk about a contribution to the Navy. If within fifty years all our colonies contribute annually towards the fleet, either in men, money or material, or better still all three, then we shall indeed be strong as an empire.
So many people seem to be in favour of the proposal in last month's Notes about establishing a Royal Marine Volunteers, that there is a great temptation to extend the proposal to our colonies -especially those with a sea-coast population. The worst of it is that it is so very easy to sit down with a pen and propose these things, but so very difficult really to put them through. Even volunteers cannot be kept up without spending a little of the tax-pavers money, and we all know what a business it is to get hold of that. (Editors underlining)
When the Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers were abolished, rumour had it that they were given the chance of becoming Royal Marine Artillery Volunteers, but refused to be turned into "mere landsmen" as the newspapers put it. This was a little hard on the RMA, who spend most of their time at sea.
The French will soon be in a good position to make out penetration tables for the Lebel rifle. A drunken soldier, the other day, elected to let off his rifle in his barrack room. The bullet went through the ceiling, through the bed of a comrade in the room above, through his body and his hand ,which was on his chest, and then through the floor above. Truly, as the latest writers on tactics say, it is not an advantage nowadays to put men behind inadequate cover; better advance on the enemy as quickly as possible, and not let him get off too many rounds.
Twenty-four Maxim guns and three hundred cases of rifles seems a large supply to be got into three "small" oil-tanks. Evidence was given in a trial at Pretoria of the Johannesburg Reform Committee, that this amount of war material was produced out of the oil-tanks; so it must be presumed that it was got into them. Either imaginations or oil-tanks must be on a large scale in that country.
Somebody in Germany is reported to have invented a means of representing the cloud produced by the discharge of a field gun using smokeless powder, to be used at sham fights. It is described as a kind of air pump, emitting a cloud of dust - or more familiarly, perhaps we might call it a squirt. It would be rather useful to start a few of these dust-squirts for the enemy to shoot at, while one's guns were firing at him from somewhere else. When one reads of these things, one.does not trust even the statements in the Tactic book, that - one of the chief results of the use of smokeless powder will be the absence of smoke on the battlefield. Until recently it seemed a rather obvious truism.
The Prussian general staff is said to be enthusiastic over Count Zeppelin's steerable balloon, which can rise 1,200 yards, travel eleven miles per hour, carry two tons, stay up full a week -, and ascend and descend without throwing ballast or losing gas, but the principal novelty is a secret preparation, or sizing, making "silk entirely gas-tight. The cost of one will be $75,000.
A. and N. Journal, New York.
The fact is, that slowly and surely the seaman and marine are drifting togther. The former spends some time in barracks now, and the latter spends a larger proportion of his time afloat than he used to do. The change will be a slow one, and perhaps will not be brought about in our generation, but when it comes, the sea-soldier and the seamen will both be as perfect as is humanely possible.
(Editor's Comment: We are! Why am 't the Matelots ? )
We regret to record the death of Sergt. James Robertson, (late R.M.L.I..) The body of this N.C.O. was found completely cut in two on the railway near Woodside, by Aberdeen, on the 13`'' March, the unfortunate man having evidently been run over by one or more passing trains.         Sergt. Robertson was born at Fochaber, Elgin, N.Q., and enlisted in the R.M.L.I. at Liverpool on the 26'1 December 1866. He re-engaged on the 6't' October 1876, was promoted Corporal on the 1st January 1872, and to Sergeant on the 13th July l876. He had no war services, and for the latter part of his service was at the R.M. Depot.
He was awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal on the 23rd February 1877 and was discharged to pension on the 30th December 1887. He was afterwards employed as night watchman at Kittybrewster Station. Being possessed of a good education he shortly obtained a post of Sacrist of Mareschal College, at Aberdeen, which appointment he held for seven years, gaining the esteem of all with whom he came in contact by his obliging and congenial manner.
We are indebted to Sgt. J Smith R.M.L.I. of HMS Melita, for the following account of a visit to Massowah. The Melita was at Massowah, on the 27th February last, and whilst there, Camel and Mule races took place, in which the R.M's distinguished themselves in one way or another, Pte W.J. Ricketts winning the 300 yards race. Great activity prevailed in the Italian garrison, large numbers of troops arriving in crowded transports. The general appearance of the Italians with their heavy packs, on which are slung small tenter d'abri , was very serviceable. These troops were armed with the magazine rifle, and, among them Were many youthful conscripts who had lately left their happy homes. The Italian Governor inspected the detachment of ours serving in HMS Melita, and highly complimented on the fine physique and smart appearance of the men.
HMS S Porpoise HBM Consulate, Seoul, Corea. Feb. 18th, 1896.
Dear Sir,
I hope you will find this of sufficient interest to insert in our valuable and well-read journal.
On Feb. llth, the Russians having landed over 100 men from the Admiral ivoehinoff, and despatched them to Seoul, the forenoon of the 12th brought an order for sixteen Royal Marines to proceed to Seoul at once. We ci Col.-Sgt., 2 Corpls., I Bugler. and 12 Privates) with Lieut. R.E.R. Benson, RN in charge, left the ship just after 5 p.m. with bags and bedding to march there.
A start was made from the landing place at Chemulo exactly at 6 p.m. Until clear of the town very slow progress was made, but once outside were able to march at a very decent pace. By this time it was completely dark; the ground very rough; and the first time of going over it, it soon became hard work.
A halt was made for ten minutes at the Gap, which is one of the hardest hills to climb on the road, and we continued on until we reached the Oricole Hostelry, where a stay was made till the morning - a distance of 15 miles being accomplished in four-and-quarter hours, over rough and unknown roads and with full marching order.
At 6 a.m. another start was made. Marpu was reached at 8-30 (where the river had to be crossed by means of a ferry) and Seoul at 09­30, a distance of 10 miles from the halting place; the baggage arriving at 1 l a.m. With the exception of two with blistered feet, all arrived in Al condition. The barracks are close to the Consulate gate and very comfortable.
Next day, a sentry was posted at the gate and each man told off to his station, should the Consulate be attacked. At 11 p.m. The alarm was sounded, and every man was at his station in eight minutes.

1896. June. The following letter was published in the Globe & Laurel, in the June Edition of 1896, and is probably the earliest reference of an Australian serving in the Corps:
Being an Australian, Sydney, N.S. Wales being my place of birth, and residence of my parents, relatives and friends, proud of my native country and the grand decision arrived at by our Premier, which has been received by the Colonial secretary and published to the world at large, I, in my present position, cannot rest without bringing to your notice the following regarding my civil, volunteer, military and naval career during the past 36 years, with a view that you will be pleased to peruse the same and publish it, being ready at any moment to again rally round the Standard. In the year 1860, being then 17 years of age (born in 1843), 1 joined (as a member) of the volunteer Corps on its first formation in Sydney, N.S. Wales, and during the same year we were called upon to perform various duties, mounting guards, patrols, escorts Etc., during the absence of the military, who were suddenly called away to the gold fields for the purpose of suppressing the riots between the miners and the Chinese. In 1861, having had some experience at cricket, I had the distinguished honour of being selected as one of the team to represent the Colony of N.S. Wales, to play against the first All England Eleven that visited Australia under the captaincy of H.H. Stephenson (Surrey). In 1863, on the breaking out of the war in New Zealand, volunteers from the Australian Colonies were called for by the New Zealand Government, for active service with the Imperial troops, I obtained H.M. commission with the rank of ensign, and left Sydney on board a chartered ship the "Kate," in charge of the first detachment of men that left the shores of Australia for the seat of war.
In the month of April 1865, after the storming and capture of Orakan Pah, then being under the command of the late Major General Carey, H.M. 18th Royal Irish, I obtained special promotion to the rank of Lieutenant, for my conduct with the 'flying column' in the field and at this engagement (In possession of medal with commissioned rank on edge). In 1866, at the termination of hostilities and the withdrawal of the troops, I returned to Sydney, N.S. Wales. In 1867, a special Mounted Police force was about to be enrolled to scour the bush and put down bushranging in the interior of the Colony. I formed one of a party for this dangerous and hazardous duty, until their career was checked by the apprehension of the ringleaders, execution of the brothers Clarke, death and transportation for life of the remainder of the gang after their long reign of terror in the southern district of New South Wales. In the month of May 1868, I left Sydney for Melbourne, and assisted in the transport of horses, forage etc., purchased for the government of India, for conveyance to Bombay for commissariat work during the Abyssinian campaign, obtaining an appointment in the civil service. After the capture of Magdala and return of the troops to Bombay, I remained in the Bombay residency until 1872, and in the month of November of that year, I paid my first visit to England, arriving a complete stranger on the 19th December. In January 1873, being then 30 years of age, not tired of military life, I made application to join the Royal Marines, and obtained a special order of enlistment on account of my past service. During my time in that distinguished and respected corps for a period of 21 years (ashore and afloat), I did my duty, and was discharged to pension as a non-commissioned officer on the 15th January 1894, and since that time have been employed in the dockyard reserve, Chatham. In conclusion, I am ready (as an Australian should be), to again undertake (being in my 54th year of age), any military or naval duty on behalf of my queen and country, for the glory honour and welfare of the constitution. I beg to subscribe myself:  Robert John Coulter, Late Corporal R.M.L.I. New Brompton, Chatham, Tuesday 21st April 1896. (Sic)

1897. Wednesday 10th February – Saturday 20th February. The Benin Expedition.

1897. Friday 7th May.  Globe & Laurel: A correspondent writes from Bermuda:
In Bermuda the Marines shoot their fish from the ramparts surrounding the Commissioner's House. Sergeant Little, R.M.L.I., has shot two within the last week, the first weighing 42 lbs. and the second 60 lbs. They are called rock cod and lie usually about a foot below the surface of the water. Daybreak is the best time for sighting them. Sometimes the tide carries the dead fish away from the shore, then it is a case of swimming 300 or 400 yards to secure the prize.

1897. Friday 25th June. The Royal Marines. An extract from "Navy and Army Illustrated By Major A F Gatliff.
The Expansion of the Empire. - From the days of Elizabeth down to this Jubilee year of our Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria, the British Empire has never ceased to expand, and in the process of Empire building so markedly characteristic of this glorious reign, the Royal Marines have played a very considerable part.
Whenever the realm over sea has been a-making, that force whose proud motto is "Per Mare, Per Terram" has been represented, and except on the Indian frontier, wherever hard knocks were to be given or got in any quarter of the globe, "Er Majesty's Jollies" have been strenuously engaged, bearing themselves nobly as seasoned warriors. Small wars, big wars, have been all as one to those who are "Soldiers and sailors too".
Especially has it fallen to their lot to do and die manfully in the numerous un-news papered expeditions,
"Where Africa's sunny fountains
Roll down their golden sands"
expeditions now long forgotten, whose only record is in the musty archives of the past, and in lone graves by swamp and jungle. Constant experience of warfare in divers’ countries and sundry places, now part of the Queen's dominions, has given them a readiness and resource proverbial throughout our Sovereign's Service.
Some Fights and a Moral. - Merely to enumerate the warlike exploits of the great Sea Regiment would fill pages, and it will only be possible to briefly refer to a few of their achievements during the past sixty years. In 1837 a battalion of Royal Marines - clad in gorgeous, tight-waisted, high stocked coatees, white trousers, and lofty, outspreading shakoes - co-operated with the Spanish Forces under Sir De Lacey Evans and took part in the battles of Ametzagana and Eruani and Irun, on one occasion successfully withstanding an attack by the whole Carlist Army. The following extract from general orders proves that discipline was as conspicuous a Marine virtue at the beginning of the Queen's reign as now: -"The unshaken firmness of the British Royal Marines in repulsing, as they did, four times their number afforded a noble example of the irresistible force of military organisation and discipline which the Army should be proud to emulate." Two years later detachments of the corps took part in the operations about Bushire, in Persia, and helped to capture the Biblical sea-ports of Tyre and Sidon. More than half a century afterwards those historic cities which had experienced British prowess in war were witnesses of British sorrow in peace, for it was almost within sight of them that the "Victoria" sank for ever below the sun-lit waves of the Gulf of Tripoli. In that terrible disaster the splendid discipline of the Royal Marines was again manifested, and the 68 men of the corps who were drowned went to their doom like heroes. In 1842 a Marine detachment was the first to occupy the newly-acquired island of Hong Kong, which had come under British rule as a result of two years' empiring in China. Here a fight and there a fight, with operations in Burma and the taking of Prome and Pegu, filled in the time till the Russian War. In that struggle the Marines had a brigade at Balaclava and Sebastopol, and others of them took part on ship board in the Baltic and Black Sea bombardments. For their services generally during the war the Red Marines were made Light Infantry in 1855.
Work in Asia and Africa. - During the Indian Mutiny the Marine detachment of the "Pearl" acted valiantly in the bloody fights at Bhoolpoie and Fort Belawa, while their comrades serving in China performed prodigies of valour at the Peiho, at the White Cloud Mountain and at the taking of the Taku Forts, with a welcome and lucrative interlude spent in sacking the Summer Palace at Pekin. New Zealand and the Maoris at the Gate Pah, and Japan, where Simonosaki is not a pleasant memory, next occupied the attention of the corps, which in 1862 was definitely divided into two branches, the Royal Marine Artillery being established in that year and located at Eastney. Little was done in the way of fighting till 1873, when trouble arose on the West Coast of Africa. In the Ashanti War the gallant Sir Francis Festing prepared the way for the march to Coomassie and fought a battle on his own account before the chief arrived. King Koffee's sovereign red umbrella which was taken by the corps is now at Windsor Castle. Difficulties occurred at the end of the seventies with various headmen - black and white - in
Perak, Zululand, and the Transvaal, and it is a satisfaction to the Royal Marines to remember that while they were successfully engaged at Rathalma, Ekowe, and Ginginhlovo, the corps took no part in the disastrous operations against the Boers.
The Egyptian Campaign. - In 1882, during the stirring events in Egypt, the Royal Marines were very much to the fore in every way. Firstly, at the bombardment of Alexandria; secondly, in the rescue of that city from fire and pillage; thirdly, in every battle up to and including the crowning victory of Tel-el-Kebir, where alas many fell and finally in the reviews in Cairo and London. To mark Her Majesty's appreciation of the brilliant services of the corps in the campaign, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh was appointed its honorary colonel. Both in Egypt and in the military operations that took place three years later at Suakin and up the Nile, the Marine Force was attached to the Brigade of Guards, with whom also in peace manoeuvres a close intimacy has since been established. Teb and Tamaii, Abu-Klea and Abu-Krea, Gubat and Metemmeh, Hasheen and Tofrek, are all names well known to the corps from the experiences of the Guards' and Marines' Camel Regiment. In 1894 the brilliant little expedition against Fodi Silah on the Gambia was successfully carried through by the corps; and last year, when the advance to Dongola was decided upon, the Sirdar of the Egyptian Army confided the command of one of his brigades to a Red Marine, and the command of one of his gun-boats to a Blue Marine,
The Sea Regiment. - Finally, in this the sixtieth year of this famous epoch, the process of Empire making is still going on with unabated vigour, resource, skill, and heroism, and the recent little campaign in Benin has proved that the officers and men of the corps are just as ready and willing as ever to lay down their lives for Queen and country. In civil disturbances the Marines have rendered notable service and were specially thanked by the Viceroy for what they did in Dublin at the time of the Invincibles. Steadfast amidst turbulence at home, foremost in honour abroad, they have proved an inspiring source of confidence wherever employed. A great leader has said of them, "There never was an appeal made to them for honour, courage, or loyalty that they did not more than realise my highest expectations." The corps will never cease to be proud of the great honour of having received new colours from the Queen's own gracious hands, and it may confidently be affirmed that Her Majesty has no more loyal and devoted servants than her Royal Marine Forces. (Extract from "Navy and Army Illustrated" Friday 25th June 1897 (Submitted by Henry I Shaw Jr, Chief Historian USMC)

1897. Captain B S Green became Bandmaster of the Royal Marine Artillery band. Having become a musician at the age of 12 in the Hussars, and risen through the ranks. When he retired from the Royal Marine Artillery in 1919 he had fifty seven years of service in military bands.

The band, under Captain Green, played at many prominent events such as the funeral of Queen Victoria, King Edward VII's Coronation and on a Royal tour to India. Whilst Green was a Director of Music the band visited and played for those serving on the Western Front on several occasions during the First World War.

The energy, musical skills and leadership of Green raised the standard of the RMA Band, gaining both public and royal recognition. The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth carried on this Royal legacy, playing on subsequent Royal Yachts, denoted by the badge 'Royal Yacht'. When the last Royal Yacht was decommissioned the Queen stated the badge 'Royal Band' should continue to be worn as a mark of the association.

1897. The Globe & Laurel:
A Marine belonging to one of her Majesty's gunboats lying in Hobson's Bay gave an amusing defence when charged at the Melbourne Police Court with disorderly conduct in a public-house. He said that he was singing the "Death of Nelson" when three foreigners, one of whom he thought, was a Frenchman, interfered with him. He fought the three and beat them. An excellent character reference was given for the accused by the Master-at- Arms of his ship, and the bench let him off with a fine of 5 Shillings.

1898. Captain Oldfield and N.C.Os of the Royal Marine Artillery, under took an Operation on the Nile.

1898. Tuesday 6th September. The Attack on British Forces at Candia.

1898. Wednesday 23rd November. Major Plumbe and 213 Royal Marines were in Belmont South Africa.

1898. Friday 25th November. During the Battle of Graspan Major Plumbe is killed. While Captain Marchant RMLI brings the Naval Brigade out of action.

1898 - 1901. The Boxer Rebellion was a violent anti foreign and anti Christian movement which took place in China towards the end of the Qing dynasty between 1898 and 1900. It was initiated by the Militia United in Righteousness (Yihetuan), known in English as the 'Boxers', and was motivated by proto-nationalist sentiments and opposition to foreign imperialism and Christianity trying to take over their country. The Eight Great Powers that were trying to dominate the eastern part of the world at that time consisted of Austria-Hungary, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and all had a military presence to protect their share of the country.

1899. Wednesday 11th October. The start of the Second Boer War, by the United Kingdom against the South African Republic (Transvaal Republic) and the Orange Free State. The British war effort was supported by troops from all over the British Empire. The war ended in victory for Britain and the annexation of both republics. Both would eventually be incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910. The Royal Marines were with the Naval Brigade with a Corps strength of 19,000.

1899. Saturday 25th November. The Battle of Graspan. The brigade played a supporting role in the Battle of Belmont, but a few days later on 25th November the Royal Marines were able to show their worth at the Battle of Graspan.
After bombardment from the Boer forces, the Royal Marines and seamen of the Naval Brigade advanced with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry over a large veldt offering no cover towards the Boers hidden in the small hills, or kopjes, of the South African terrain.
Advancing over open ground made them a very easy target for the Boer sharpshooters and during the battle Boers managed to kill the brigade commander and wound his second in command, who were both Royal Naval officers.
The Boers also killed Captain Guy Senior RMA and Major Plumbe RMLI; leaving Captain Alfred E Marchant RMLI in command. Marchant was promoted Major whilst and assumed command of the naval brigade.
The Naval Brigade incurred high losses during the Battle of Graspan. There were 102 casualties, 86 of them being Royal Marines. This figure represented 45% of the strength of the brigade.
Below is a signal received by Major Marchant following the Battle of Graspan, November 1899. The telegram reads:
'Highest congratulations on the magnificent work done by Grand old Corps. Your heroic losses excite universal admiration; forty per cent can't be beat for bravery anywhere. Am immensely proud of your success.'
At the time the use of highly trained and skilled marines and seamen as an assault force likely to incur heavy losses was criticised. In September 1900 the men of the Naval Brigade returned to their ships and the remainder of the war saw little involvement from Royal Marine forces. (author unknown)

1899. Four RMLI Buglers were amongst the force that fought its way onto the Graspan heights during the South African War.