Royal Marines Crest

Per Mare Per Terram 'By Sea By Land'

Per Mare Per Terram: Signifies the Corps' service both by sea and land. It is not known exactly when this motto was adopted, but it was worn on their caps by Marines at the Battle of Bunkers Hill in 1775.

The Lion and Crown: The original badge of the Marines. The Crown also denotes that the Marines are a Royal Corps, an honour which King George III bestowed upon them in 1802, in token of their many gallant actions against the French. (This applies also to the Crown above the Foul Anchor at the bottom.)

The Globe: Awarded by King George IV in 1827. Owing to the impossibility of inscribing on the Colours all of the 109 Battle Honours to which the Royal Marines are entitled the King personally chose 'The Great Globe itself' as a fitting emblem to describe the Corps' worldwide service. (The Globe displays the continents of the Eastern Hemisphere.)

The Laurel: Awarded in commemoration of gallantry displayed by the Royal Marines at the Battle of Belle Isle in 1761.

Gibraltar: The Battle Honour carried on the Royal Marines' Colours. This was awarded to commemorate the outstanding services performed by the Corps in the capture and siege of Gibraltar in 1704.

The Foul Anchor: Is the badge of the Lord High Admiral and denotes that the Corps is part of the Royal Navy. It was first used during 1747.

'History & Traditional Facts' Royal Marines Historical Society.