Royal Marines Historical Time Line website

Upon explaining to a fellow Royal Marine that my latest project was to try and put together an article about the Royal Marines history. His first response was to tell me that it's been done many many times before. His reply caught me off guard and made me even more determined to carry on with my project. I went on to explain that I believe I have something a little different. I then went on to explain that I was trying to record every single day of our 354 year history. As the Royal Marines have served in all parts of the world, something must have been happening every single day. While some Royal Marines were serving in Europe, others were serving in the Far East etc etc. I wanted to bring it all together on an enlarged 'Historical Time Line'. Although I do realise that this is a mammoth task and will probably take several years to complete. If in fact it can be completed. I hope to publish up dated editions whenever possible, or at least on a yearly basis.
My first attempt was to build a web site and to start gathering as much information as possible. I will try and keep it running as long as possible. Although my long term idea was to try and hand it over to a Royal Marine organisation, which I still hope is possible?

This web site is open to anybody who might be able to help correct the already posted or add new material (by word document if possible) along with proof of where the information has come from. Its also a possibility that some of the early dates might be wrong owing to the changes made to the English language during the early 1700's.

The Old Style (O.S.) way of dating events and documents known as the 'Julian Year' was changed in most Catholic countries in 1582. It was replace with a 'New Style' (NS) known as the 'Gregorian Year' that was adjusted to start on the 1st January. This change was also implemented in Protestant and Orthodox countries some time later. In England, Wales, Ireland and the British colonies, the change of the start of the year and the changeover from the Julian calendar occurred in 1752 under the Calendar (New Style) Act of 1750. In Scotland, the legal start of the year had already been moved to 1st January (in 1600), although Scotland continued to use the 'Julian calendar' until 1752. Many cultures and countries now using the Gregorian calendar have different old styles of dating, depending on the type of calendar they used before the change. During the first couple of hundred years the use of the English Language was different from today. As most of our early history is gained from books and letters of the time, I have used quotes, please allow for that.

"The National Museum of The Royal Navy needs the help of serving and former Marines"

They are committed to opening a new Royal Marines Museum in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, and our mission is well underway. Now is the time for us all to work together and support the need for the Royal Marines to have a museum that is worthy of its 355-year and unique history that recalls the sacrifice and service of the countless thousands of Royal Marines who have supported the nation through the darkest times.

The new museum will cost close to £10m to realise. We have already raised or earmarked £5m independently of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the project. Once funding is secured we will proceed as quickly as possible and aim to have the museum open by 2022.

THE NEW MUSEUM

The new Royal Marines Museum, at the very heart of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, will place the 355-year history of the Royal Marines firmly within the story of the Royal Navy.

For the first time the story of the Royal Marines – a national story, but also a story with impact across the globe – will be told in a building appropriate to its scale. The National Museum’s vision for the museum has developed following extensive audience research, consultation and activity planning and will transform access to this story, developing exciting new programmes and activities, and increasing visitors four-fold.

The museum will be at the heart of sharing the on-going story of the Royal Marines. We will be a new national centre to inspire learning, enjoyment and engagement, with the Corps, its operations, its ethos, its people and their unique history and achievements. We want visitors to understand that:

Since 1664 the Royal Marines have developed a distinctive capability, tradition and identity - one of ‘soldier and sailor too’.
The Royal Marines are the nation’s amphibious force which has made, and continues to make, an impact around the globe at sea and on land, in peace and in war.
The versatility of the Corps of Royal Marines has enabled it to evolve and embrace many different roles across four centuries.
Unique training earns Royal Marines Commandos the Green Beret and creates the ‘Commando Spirit’ – marked by courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in the face to adversity.

Help us tell the Royal Marines story inside a brand new museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. We need you! We need to raise another £5 million to make our aspirations a reality. Current funders include Heritage Lottery Fund (first round only), LIBOR Fund, Lockheed Martin, BAE Maritime Services, BMT and a range of individual, corporate and charitable trust donors.

Our message is simple; we have £5m and need to raise a further £5m to proceed.

At some time in the near future it is hoped that all can be handed over to an RM Organisation.

This web site and the books are all free. It would be much appreciated if you could donate