The document summarizes several memorable battles of the Royal Marines Corps before 1900, including the Capture of Gibraltar in 1704, the Battle of Belle Île in 1761, the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775, and the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It provides brief descriptions of the objectives, key events, and outcomes of each battle, noting things like naval bombardments, seaborne landings against opposition, heavy casualties sustained, and the Marines' role in targeting enemy officers. The purpose is to gain an understanding of the battles that shaped the Royal Marines into what they are today.

1. CORPS MEMORABLE BATTLES
BATTLES BEFORE 1900’S

2. OBJECTIVES
Aim – To be able to name, date and give a brief description of what
happened during the corps memorable battle before 1900.
Reason – To gain an understanding of what made the royal marines
what they are today.
Handouts will be given take
notes if you wish

3. CAPTURE OF GIBRALTAR
24th July 1704
•Gibraltar is located at the entrance of the
Mediterranean also known as the “Strait of Gibraltar”
•The British had been looking for a harbour in the
Iberian Peninsula so they could control the strait of
Gibraltar to enhance naval operations in the
Mediterranean.
•Capturing Gibraltar gave the british the
harbour they was looking for
•During the battle the Dutch and British ships lined up
from new mole to the old mole
•1,800 English and Dutch marines carried out the
landing on the island under naval bombardment
•The marines then cut off Gibraltar from the mainland.
•They then took and captured the rock.
•During the battle Cpt Fisher with 17 of his men
defended the Round tower against continues assaults
of 500 French Grenadiers
COMMANDER – Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt

4. BATTLE OF BELLE ÎLE (ISLE)
7TH June 1761
•During the battle of belle isle. The 3rd and 36th regiment of foot along with the 19th
Regiment made the first successful seaborne landing in the face of stiff French
opposition.
•Finally on the 7th June 1761 The Marine Battalions carried out a final storming on
Le Palais
•The marines then took part in all subsequent fighting on the island
•The annual Register 1761 said: No action of
greater spirit and gallantry has been performed
during the whole war.
•The laurel and wreath were awarded in
honour of the distinguished service the
corps displayed during this operation.
COMMANDER – Lieutenant Colonel John McKenzie

5. BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL
17TH June 1775
•On the night of 16th June 1775 a rebel American force occupied the high ground of bunker hill who
had constructed a fort.
•General Sir William Howe launched an attack to dislodge the Americans which was
unsuccessful and the British sustained heavy losses.
• A second attack was also attempted which was again
unsuccessful
•After Howe had been reinforced by a Marine Force
and 47th Regiment they finally took the position
•The marine force consisted of the first and second
marine battalions. Who suffered casualties of 29killed
and 87 wounded.
•The reputation of the Marine was never more nobly
sustained.
COMMANDER – General Sir William Howe

6. BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR
21st October 1805
•The Marines were present at Lord Nelson’s Victory over the combined fleets at
Trafalgar.
•The battle of Trafalgar was the most decisive sea fight in British history.
•The losses were particularly heavy on board the leading attack ships.
•Nelson’s flagship, the victory, 4 Marine Officers and 27 Marines were killed or wounded
during the battle.
•The total Marine casualties during the battle were 4 officers and 117 men killed or died of wounds.
•During the battle the marines would have been given the task
of targeting the enemy officers.
COMMANDER – Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson

7. QUIZ
Q: WHAT YEAR WAS THE BATTLE OF BELLE ISLE
A: 7TH JUNE 1761
Q: WHICH BATTLE DID CPT FISHER FIGHT OFF 500 FRENCH
GRENADIERS WITH 17 MARINES
A:CAPTURE OF GIBRALTER
Q: WHICH CONTRY DID THE BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL TAKE
PLACE
A: AMERICA
Q: WHICH BATTLE EARNED THE MARINES THE LAUREL’S
A: BATTLE OF BELLE ISLE

8. ANY QUESTIONS?