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From Royal Marine Records 1755 - 1792.
24 June 1778: Ten companies added, five each to Portsmouth and Plymouth, thus accounting for 110 men. Total Corps strength 15,300.
Order-in-Council (14 December 1778): Fifteen more companies added, five each to Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. Total Corps strength 17,300.
Despite those increases, ‘letters show that soldiers were also being embarked as Marines, among other regiments the 50th.’ (Keppel’s letters reflect difficulties in maintaining manning levels.)
28 April 1778: Orders given to relieve Marines from the guards at Haslar and Forton Prison. 150 men thus made available for the squadron.
Letter (16 July 1778): “I would have sent Captain Walsing transports of soldiers ashore and given him a complement of Marines, indeed they would have been raw and indisciplined men as well as the soldiers but yet as men really belonging to the Fleet they must be more desirable!”
Plymouth Orders (29 October 1778): Regulation on the duties of soldiers. “Entrenchments, roads, making posts, clearing grounds are part of a soldier’s duties and are not paid; building Forts and Fortresses and any other public works are paid at the rate of 9d per hour.”
Letter (10 August 1778): Lieutenant Colonel Collins suggests training in heavy guns by Marines, to aid in manning the Fleet. Similar suggest made in 1773 by Captain Wood (of the Marines), that practise batteries ashore should be had.
1779: 70,000 men, including 17,389 Marines, voted for the Navy by Parliament.
Order-in-Council (20 August 1779): Ten more companies added, five each to Portsmouth and Plymouth. 125 companies now in existence.
13 September 1779: Increase of field officers approved. Colonel Commandant as second in command added to each Division. Number of lieutenant colonels raised to nine and that of majors raised to twelve.
1779: A lieutenant colonel and several other officers sent to Ireland specially to recruit. Recruitment act passed and Marines given first choice of men in both cases.
Plymouth Orders (30 June 1779): Three-deep formations still in use. “Ranks to be 6 paces or 12 feet asunder, files 6 inches asunder.”
Order (12 July 1779): order with instructions for making ball cartridges:
One whole barrel of powder will make “4266 cartridges for Musquets”.
20 June 1780: Captain Allen, of Portsmouth, appointed Barrackmaster at Chatham.
2 September 1779: Some barracks-rooms deemed fit for occupation, thus indicating Chatham barracks now completed.
Order-in-Council (1 July 1779): Five companies added, one to Chatham, two each to Portsmouth and Plymouth. Now thirty-four companies at Chatham, fifty-nine each at Portsmouth and Plymouth. Total Corps strength 20, 586.
Ruling (30 June 1780): Marine officers not required to pay tax on men servants for their batmen.
End of 1780: Admiralty requests casualty returns from the Divisions.
1781: Foreigners and prisoners of war permitted to enlist, as long as they weren’t French.
Majority of ships commissioned at Portsmouth. Constant orders for drafts of men from Chatham and Plymouth. Lack of Corps-wide officers’ sea roster a source of regular trouble.
20 August 1781: HM the King reviewed troops at Chatham. Held levee where sea and Marine officers were presented to him.
Order-in-Council (27 June 1781): Companies increased by two men each, for total of 292 men.
Order-in-Council (16 November 1781): Five companies added, one to Chatham, two each to Portsmouth and Plymouth. Total Corps strength 21, 497. Also a ‘considerable number’ of Line regiments embarked, in addition to Marines.
July 1782: Companies increased from 100 to 140 privates each.
Order-in-Council (19 July 1782): Six more companies added, two to each Division. Total number of companies now 157, with 161 men in each. Total Corps strength: 25,290.
August 1782: First orders modifying drill and formations:
1783: 111,000 seamen, including 25,290 Marines, voted by Parliament.
10 February 1783: Demobilisation begins quickly:
‘This last provision led to trouble with the Commander in Chief at Portsmouth who, because the Irishmen had received this money, refused to give them free passage to Ireland; he was promptly sat on by the Admiralty.’
26 February 1783: Orders to senior naval officer to discharge to Headquarters ‘all Marine Officers from ships under orders for foreign service whose commissions bore date subsequent to:
‘Others of like rank, whose commissions bore date prior to those dates, to be embarked in lieu, so that again the juniors were placed on half-pay.’
Paying off of ships in large numbers causes problems. Complaint (25 February 1783): “as crowding more Marines together in Quarters than can properly be provided for must be inconvenient to the Publicans and unhealthy for the men.”
Clarence Barracks at Portsmouth was small; Stonehouse Barracks at Plymouth not yet occupied. Plymouth’s Commanding Officer directed to quarter men at The Common Gosport, Southampton or Chicester as ‘most convenient’.
‘Apparently riots broke out among the paid-off seamen and at Portsmouth and Plymouth, and many ships - as well as several regiments - mutinied.
21 March 1783: Commandant at Portsmouth receives letter from the Admiralty. Gives Their Lordships “very great satisfaction to hear of the obedient and soldier-like behaviour of the Officers and Marines of the Portsmouth Division which you have represented, and they desire you will cause it to be given out in Public Orders”.
The riots, March 1783: “In all the mutinous and disorderly proceedings at Portsmouth none of the Marines joined in that disgraceful affair; on the contrary they conducted themselves in so becoming a manner (when both Navy and Army shook off all discipline) that they were employed in keeping the peace and guarding the Town; for which their Officers were particularly thanked by Lord George Lennox who commanded. The Commanding Officer, having acquainted the Admiralty with this, received instructions to assure his men that Their Lordships highly approved their conduct.”
- Beatson (?)
'Matters were composed by Lord Howe, the First Sea Lord, going to Portsmouth and interviewing the men.’
“To the spirit of compromise then pursued may be traced in part that predilection for revolt which riddled the minds of our seamen during the late contest. Demonstrations of loyalty and zeal in every Marine Detachment still evinced a readiness to seal with their lives in the support of good order ... Fatal means, which were used to appease the spirit, hushed the murmurs indeed, but invigorated the growth of the untamed monster.”
- Alexander Gillespie (1803)
22 March 1783: Portsmouth Commandant requested “to suppress some outrages threatened to be committed by a disorderly body of seamen who are assembled on Portsmouth Common.” The Commandant reports “though the trouble had subsided without his interference yet it might be renewed.” Further, “as the Marines were quartered in houses which rendered them liable to intoxication and other debauchery”, he’d gotten permission from the GOC to quarter surplus Marines at Hilsea Barracks. Marines also used as garrison guards in the Lines. Admiralty gives approval but notes “Parties will shortly be required for ships fitting out, and that therefore it may be attended with inconvenience to employ them on other services.”
April 1783: Marine complements for different ship classes laid down:
June 1783: Captain’s Guard ordered mounted in the Dockyards, with the same regulations “as were practised in the last peace”. Board order (24 December 1783) followed: Marines “to do duty in the Dockyards of Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham in like manner and under the same regulations as were practised in the former peace”. Further: “Same may greatly contribute to safety of HM Magazines and Stores as well as the safety of the Ships in the said Yards. Guards to be of same strength as in former peace. The Guard Houses and Watch Houses now occupied by Officers and Watchmen to be given to the Marines and such alterations and additions to be made as shall be necessary for their accommodation aand convenience.”
31 July 1783: Order-in-Council and Admiralty Orders are issued regarding peace-time reorganisation of the Corps. These take effect on 1 September 1783. Officers receive new commissions dated 31 August 1783.
30 July 1783: Officers in the Establishment the longest were the first ones considered for sea duty.
31 December 1783: Embarkation Muster Roll modified; each Division receives new form “to show debts brought from former ships and prevent mistakes in putting debts in proper columns in Ships’ Books.”
Order (20 February 1784): Guard or harbour ships only to be relieved once a year, on 30 June.
May 1783(?): Practise of Marine officers applying to the Admiralty for leave ended. Such requests now to be made to their commanding officers.
December 1783: Stonehouse Barracks taken over by Plymouth Division. First guard mounted on 5 October 1783. Order to take over barracks given by the Admiralty on 2 December 1783. Officers’ quarters short; subalterns sent in a list of those wishing to live in and those wishing to lodge out. Subalterns ordered to “double up in quarters” in 1784. Dogs not allowed in the barracks. Officers’ servants lodged in the garrets above their masters’ apartments. One Barrack-woman allowed per room. ‘They were to do their washing in the salt water tank at rest of the barracks and not with fresh water.’
6 December 1783: Division ordered to march at 10 AM, Monday morning, into Stonehouse Barracks. 6 sergeants, 6 corporals, and 10 privates left to guard Spur Battery, Infirmary, and Milbay Prison.
Orders (7 December 1783): “Men to be on parade tomorrow clean, short gaiters. Baggage carts for Officers on Town Parade at 8 am till 10 am. Three carts for men’s baggage will be on road behind glacis. First troop at 7.30 am, second at 9.30 am.”
8 December 1783: Barracks guard, consisting of one lieutenant, one sergeant, two corporals, one drummer, and twenty privates, was mounted.
Plymouth Orders (6 May 1784): “School to be opened at Orderly Room tomorrow at 9.0 am for benefit of such children of NCOs and Men as may be of proper age to be instructed in reading and writing. Soldiers who desire to qualify for promotion can also attend provided it does not interfere with their duties.”
Sergeant Jewell appointed schoolmaster. The school’s hours were from 9 AM to 12 noon, and then from 2 PM to 5 PM. Disciplinary reports were made to the Adjutant.
27 June 1784: Defaulter sheets introduced. Captains of Companies receive “The Black Book”, most likely for this purpose.
2 October 1784: Adjutants’ duties laid down. “The Adjutants to be in two distinct departments, one to superintend the business of the Office, the other the Field.” Further, on 27 March 1785: “The Field Adjutant to attend the Drill and Exercise of NCOs and Men; attend all parades and do necessary duties of them. Take Band and Drum and Fifes under his entire care as to Dress, Interior, Economy, and Beating of Drummers; executive part of Music of Band to be under Lieutenants Gibson and Gordon, “who have volunteered and undertaken to make them a Martial Band and Capable of Softer Music”. The Master of the Band is as heretofore to instruct the Fifers in Martial Tunes only. The Office Adjutant to keep the books of the Division regularly, and make usual reports and returns; attending Commanding Officer on all Public Service and every contingency in his Department. Keep and regulate the Roster under Directions of the Major of the Division.”
Order (28 December 1784): The Admiralty “decided that the Dockyards were to be guarded in future by Warders, Rounders and Watchmen being Labourers and others belonging to the Yard; with the addition of a Subaltern’s Guard of Marines (36 Privates with proportion of NCOs) to serve as Patrols within the Dockyard Walls as directed by the Commissioner.”
28 December 1784:
Letter to Admiralty (28 February 1785): Request that “no reduction might be made in the Officers, whose length of service with the toils and dangers they have experienced, may be taken into consideration.” No reply noted to have been given.
Order-in-Council (1 March 1786): Ten companies reduced, along with ‘6 field officers, viz: 3 Lieutenant Colonels and 3 Majors (who are Captains of Companies).’ Remaining sixty companies reduced by one sergeant, one corporal, and two privates. This leaves two sergeants, two corporals, two drummers, and fifty privates in each company. Five companies each taken from Portsmouth and Plymouth.
Orders (April 1785?): Reduction of one sergeant and one corporal in each company is deferred.
Order-in-Council (2 June 1786): One sergeant and one corporal retained but two privates per company are reduced. The Commandant at Plymouth, in April, made a report of the state of his Division’s sergeants:
The new Establishment only allowing for forty-two sergeants, this left none for guards, drilling, or recruiting.
Men who were discharged granted twenty-one days’ pay. Officers allowed full pay until 30 April (1785?).
Officers reduced by four captains, six captain lieutenants, twenty first lieutenants, and ten second lieutenants.
11 October 1785: Lord Howe and the Board of Admiralty made an inspection of the Plymouth Division. The Colonel Commandant so pleased by the outcome that he granted “one pint of beer for each man and for the Sergeants some punch”.
Admiralty Order 7 May 1785: “The Marines of the Three Divisions shall from and after the 1st July next be supplied with necessaries of the same quality and charged at the same price; the necessaries shall be furnished according to samples that will be lodged at each Division by a Contractor in London appointed by the Board. Notice to be given to the person or persons who now supply the Marines of the Divisions with necessaries.” The given date extended to 1 October 1785.
Admiralty Order (1 August 1785): Two sergeants appointed to each Division and called Squad Sergeants, taking over the duties of the Squad Officers, each of the latter were “to close his accounts as soon as possible. The Sergeants to be of proved ability and integrity according to the 15th Article of the Regulations for Marines on shore established this day. The Sergeants to have an allowance First Sergeant £30, Second Sergeants £20 per annum in addition to their pay and in lieu of poundage and all other perquisites and emoluments.” Later, a ruling given that “Squad Sergeants are to have nothing to do with the disbursement of money further than to check the amount.”
Further, Quartemasters made officially responsible for issuing necessaries to the men. Squad Sergeants not considered satisfactory; each Division obstructed the system where possible.
30 June 1785: “Quarterly List of Remains” established. Further, a new form for clothing demands established, having in it a column to show when each Marine’s becomes due.
1 August 1785: Hospital Sergeant established as an appointment.
5 August (1785?): Printed copies of Regulations and Instructions (for men serving afloat) and a copy of Regulations for Marines on Shore sent to each Division. Each Marine officer who embarked received a copy of the Sea Instructions.
10 April 1786: Copy of Standing Orders for the Divisions issued.
‘Two Colonels Commandant-en-second had been appointed to the Division in 1782, viz - Colonel Collins and Colonel Carruthers.’
February 1786: Each Division authorised to have a grenadier company. Issue of caps and accoutrements for officers and men approved by the Board.
Plymouth Order (7 April 1784): Grenadier officers have a button and grenade on their turnbacks, with a grenade on their pouches and belts, these being fastened by black roses. Battalion companies had roses and buttons on their turnbacks, with Corps-pattern pouches and ‘ornaments’. The Light Infantry had their coattails short.
Regulations (10 April 1786): Allowances of fuel and light described. [Nothing included of this beyond the mention of it here.] ‘Besides the Allowance for Officers, there were officers for the Adjutant, Pay or Squad Office, Quartermaster and Barrackmaster. In the Infimary - kitchen and washouse, men’s wards, sergeant’s and matron’s room, surgery; mess house, Committiee Room when used, Msic and Fifters’ practice room; schoolroom, armourer’s and barbers’ shop; washouse, “tailor’s shop”; inhabited rooms, uninhabited rooms, guard rooms (a)Officer’s, (b) Men’s.’
‘Although all the Barracks were new, the provision of officers’ quarters was very inadequate. At Plymouth Subalterns were doubled up and at other Divisions requests to use vacant rooms were refused as they might be wanted for Privates.’
Letter (16 November 1786): Statement that the Marine barracks in each Division to be supplied with beds and all bedding, of similar pattern. A tender submitted by a Mister Prate was accepted:
Regarding the beds, a report from the Carpenter of the Dockyard (13 May 1788): “If the Bottoms instead of being boarded close were made with deal battens they would be lighter and much easier cleared of vermin.”
‘In March 1787 a Memorial was got up by the officers of the 3 Divisions as to the hardships caused by there being no provision for Retired Pay; officers unless they went on half-pay continued serving until they dropped in their tracks. The Memorial began “from age long service and infirmities acquired in foreign climates, incapable of doing their duty according to their wishes...” After signature by the Commandants it was presented by General Mackenzie to the Admiralty, but no relief was afforded until 5 November 1791 when the Earl of Chatham obtained from the King the concession that a certain number of Field Officers, Captains and Subalterns could retire on the full-pay of their rank. A considerable number of officers took advantage of this concession, but it was not enough, because in May 1802, even after further concessions, we find the Commandant at Plymouth reporting “that few of the officers here are under sixty years of age.” ’
August 1787: Commandant at Portsmouth reported his inability to provide detachments for HMS Bedford and HMS Magnificent. The Board asked ‘(1) What Guards are mounted? (2) Why 40 Privates at Portsmouth are “necessarily employed when Plymouth has 30”? (3) Why 27 Privates are sent on recruiting service with 8 parties when Plymouth only have sent 12 with 11 parties? Please consider reduction.’
31 August 1787, report on state of the Employed:
“Give your reasons for employing so many? ... The Board intend to reduce them unless reasons are very satisfactory to same as at Plymouth. Privates on recruiting service to be reduced to 2 per party. You also have 5 men on short leave; none to be granted whilst so short.”
Further, an order:
‘Servants to FOs and Staff Officers to be placed in Returns in same manner as other Divisions’.
Letter (undated): “Sergeant Majors are shown as necessarily employed at other Divisions. Their Lordships presume there are Sergeant Majors at Portsmouth; therefore report why you do not return them in the same manner as other Divisions.”
September 1787 (?): Dockyard guards withdrawn. Returned in March 1788 for patrol duties Relieved on 31 May 1791 but returned on 3 April 1792.
11 January 1788: HRH The Prince of Wales inspected Plymouth Divisions. Approved ‘of the appearance and the cleanliness of the Barracks.’
Letter (14 May 1788): Addressed to Portsmouth. ‘The Board picked up a charge in the accounts of £6-16-2 for Lace for Sergeant Major and Drum Majr’s clothing and for cutting, making and trimming for the said uniforms £2-17-1.’ Noted, “No charges are found in accounts of other Divisions ... the Quartermaster is not to make such charges, expense ought to be defrayed at Portsmouth” in the same manner as done at other Divisions.
Plymouth Orders (3 February 1789): More about the Eighteen Penny Fund. Marines not permitted to work more than one mile from their quarters or for longer than two months at a time, ‘as work debases the ideas of a soldier, except artificers appointed to work for the Division.’
Order (10 November 1791): Men who were allowed to work were stopped 1/6 a week to support the Divisional Fund. This stoppage was later raised to 3/- a week.
Order-in-Council (21 May 1790): “Each of the 64 Companies to be increased by one Second Lieutenant, one Sergeant, one Corporal, one Drummer, and 20 Privates”. Further, on 8 July 1790: The 64 companies increased to 70, each to consist of five sergeants, five corporals, four drummers, and one hundred privates. Companies No. 65 and 68 assigned to Chatham, No. 66 and 69 assigned to Portsmouth, No. 67 and 70 to Plymouth. At the same time, HMS Victory commissioned at Portsmouth with one captain, two subalterns, four sergeants, five corporals, two drummers, and one hundred and fifty privates.
1 June 1790: Twenty-two second lieutenants commissioned.
Recruiting Warrant of 1790.
31 May (1790?): Levy money for recruits increased to five guineas. Recruiting parties ordered to be sent out.
October 1790: Three lieutenant colonels and fifteen officers sent to Ireland to recruit (Dublin and Cork). This was troublesome, ‘because amongst the recruits so raised were the “United Irishmen” who took such a prominent part in the great Mutinies of 1797 and 1800.’ [This point uncertain; prove/disprove with further research]
Order (July 1790): Frigates not to be supplied with Marine detachments owing to numbers being short. This was later overturned.
Detachments of soldiers frequently embarked aboard ships to offset shortage of Marines.
Order (20 August 1790): Detachments of Marines sent to two ships, on which the New South Wales Corps were embarked apparently in error.
Order-in-Council (6 September 1791): Companies reduced to three sergeants, three corporals, three drummers, and fifty-nine privates each. Guardship complements also reduced.
22 December 1791: Companies reduced to fifty-four privates each.
Order-in-Council (14 February 1791): Companies reduced by one second lieutenant and four privates each.
24 December 1791: Colonel W. Souter becomes Commandant at Portsmouth, replacing Colonel Commandant H. Smith, the latter being appointed Commandant resident in Town. Colonel Tupper becomes Commandant at Chatham. (Colonel Carruthers dies on this date.)
Plymouth Orders (15 April 1791):
1 May 1792: Approval given for grenadier caps.
24 May 1792: Draft of two captains, four first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, six sergeants, six corporals, six drummers, and one hundred privates (or two complete companies) were sent to Portsmouth from Chatham (by Assistance).
Order-in-Council (22 June 1792): Increase in rations and allowances for necessaries is made. Further, an Act of Parliament (18 July 1792) enables Marines afloat to allot pay, &c. to relatives ashore.
July 1792: Lieutenant Dawes and thirty-six men return from Australia. They received discharges, ‘in accordance with the original promise’. Another party returns in November.
‘Apparently a more humane power was at the Admiralty, because after ordering certain accommodation for officers to be allocated in barracks (at Portsmouth one Captain, 4 Subalterns, and the Surgeon’s Mate) the other officers were granted lodging money instead of being billetted in the inns, etc.
Orders (5 December 1792): ‘To complete at Portsmouth alone 5 battleships taking 5 Captains, 10 Subalterns, 20 Sergeants, 20 Corporals, 15 Drummers and 550 Privates, the other Divisions to act similarly.’
9 January 1793: The Army assumes responsibility for providing guards at the Dockyards and Hospitals. Further, 14 January 1793: ‘a new scheme of complement for all classes of ships was issued’.
Order-in-Council (20 February 1793): Companies increased by one second lieutenant, two sergeants, two corporals, one drummer, and fifty privates each.
March 1793: War declared on France.
Order-in-Council (17 April 1793): Thirty companies added to the Corps. Thus, Chatham has thirty companies, Portsmouth has thirty-five, and Plymouth has thirty-five. The total is one hundred. Each company consists of one captain, two first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, five sergeants, five corporals, four drummers, and eighty privates.
28 February 1793: Standard height of the Marine Corps fixed:
This standard not maintained.
Plymouth Orders (11 June 1793): “Children of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and men over six years of age may be shown on musters of Drummers; they will be struck off as soon as service required it, those of mature age and fitness can be raised.”
24 June 1778: Ten companies added, five each to Portsmouth and Plymouth, thus accounting for 110 men. Total Corps strength 15,300.
Order-in-Council (14 December 1778): Fifteen more companies added, five each to Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth. Total Corps strength 17,300.
Despite those increases, ‘letters show that soldiers were also being embarked as Marines, among other regiments the 50th.’ (Keppel’s letters reflect difficulties in maintaining manning levels.)
28 April 1778: Orders given to relieve Marines from the guards at Haslar and Forton Prison. 150 men thus made available for the squadron.
Letter (16 July 1778): “I would have sent Captain Walsing transports of soldiers ashore and given him a complement of Marines, indeed they would have been raw and indisciplined men as well as the soldiers but yet as men really belonging to the Fleet they must be more desirable!”
Plymouth Orders (29 October 1778): Regulation on the duties of soldiers. “Entrenchments, roads, making posts, clearing grounds are part of a soldier’s duties and are not paid; building Forts and Fortresses and any other public works are paid at the rate of 9d per hour.”
Letter (10 August 1778): Lieutenant Colonel Collins suggests training in heavy guns by Marines, to aid in manning the Fleet. Similar suggest made in 1773 by Captain Wood (of the Marines), that practise batteries ashore should be had.
1779: 70,000 men, including 17,389 Marines, voted for the Navy by Parliament.
Order-in-Council (20 August 1779): Ten more companies added, five each to Portsmouth and Plymouth. 125 companies now in existence.
13 September 1779: Increase of field officers approved. Colonel Commandant as second in command added to each Division. Number of lieutenant colonels raised to nine and that of majors raised to twelve.
1779: A lieutenant colonel and several other officers sent to Ireland specially to recruit. Recruitment act passed and Marines given first choice of men in both cases.
Plymouth Orders (30 June 1779): Three-deep formations still in use. “Ranks to be 6 paces or 12 feet asunder, files 6 inches asunder.”
Order (12 July 1779): order with instructions for making ball cartridges:
Powder 3 Drachms (1/2 oz) Ball 1 lb of lead to make 14 1/2 bullets Fine Paparer One sheet to make 16 cartridges Thread 1 oz will tied 1,000 cartridges
One whole barrel of powder will make “4266 cartridges for Musquets”.
20 June 1780: Captain Allen, of Portsmouth, appointed Barrackmaster at Chatham.
2 September 1779: Some barracks-rooms deemed fit for occupation, thus indicating Chatham barracks now completed.
Order-in-Council (1 July 1779): Five companies added, one to Chatham, two each to Portsmouth and Plymouth. Now thirty-four companies at Chatham, fifty-nine each at Portsmouth and Plymouth. Total Corps strength 20, 586.
“It was at this period and has since been too prevalent a custom to embark recruits, not only unscienced in discipline, but utterly untrained to arms; such deficiencies can only be compensated for by native valour, aided by the care of officers in rendering them good marksmen, and by that punctual system which prevails in our ships of war. A few regular-built soldiers should always be intermingled with every detachment, a rule that can only be observed by maintain- ing a sufficient strength during peace or a prompt levy at the commencement of hostilities.” - Alexander Gillespie (1803?)
Ruling (30 June 1780): Marine officers not required to pay tax on men servants for their batmen.
End of 1780: Admiralty requests casualty returns from the Divisions.
1781: Foreigners and prisoners of war permitted to enlist, as long as they weren’t French.
Majority of ships commissioned at Portsmouth. Constant orders for drafts of men from Chatham and Plymouth. Lack of Corps-wide officers’ sea roster a source of regular trouble.
20 August 1781: HM the King reviewed troops at Chatham. Held levee where sea and Marine officers were presented to him.
Order-in-Council (27 June 1781): Companies increased by two men each, for total of 292 men.
Order-in-Council (16 November 1781): Five companies added, one to Chatham, two each to Portsmouth and Plymouth. Total Corps strength 21, 497. Also a ‘considerable number’ of Line regiments embarked, in addition to Marines.
July 1782: Companies increased from 100 to 140 privates each.
Order-in-Council (19 July 1782): Six more companies added, two to each Division. Total number of companies now 157, with 161 men in each. Total Corps strength: 25,290.
August 1782: First orders modifying drill and formations:
The Order of the troops in future to be Two-Deep. Slow March 75 paces per minute. Quick March 120 steps per minute. Parade movements to be as short and simple as possible.
1783: 111,000 seamen, including 25,290 Marines, voted by Parliament.
10 February 1783: Demobilisation begins quickly:
To Commanding Officers “Whereas it is probable a reduction will soon take place in the Marine Forces; you are directed and ordered, as any parties of Marines are landed from ships at the several ports, to discharge such as belong to your division on their arrival at Headquarters as shall appear to you from their age, size, or any other consideration unfit to be continued in the Marine service; taking care that they are (a) accounted for their sea pay, arrears, and other just pretensions (b) furnishing them with passes, and (c) paying them the usual bounty of twenty-one days’ pay each to carry them to them to their homes.”
‘This last provision led to trouble with the Commander in Chief at Portsmouth who, because the Irishmen had received this money, refused to give them free passage to Ireland; he was promptly sat on by the Admiralty.’
26 February 1783: Orders to senior naval officer to discharge to Headquarters ‘all Marine Officers from ships under orders for foreign service whose commissions bore date subsequent to:
Captains 1 January 1780 First Lieutenants 1 January 1781 Second Lieutenants 1 August 1780
‘Others of like rank, whose commissions bore date prior to those dates, to be embarked in lieu, so that again the juniors were placed on half-pay.’
Paying off of ships in large numbers causes problems. Complaint (25 February 1783): “as crowding more Marines together in Quarters than can properly be provided for must be inconvenient to the Publicans and unhealthy for the men.”
Clarence Barracks at Portsmouth was small; Stonehouse Barracks at Plymouth not yet occupied. Plymouth’s Commanding Officer directed to quarter men at The Common Gosport, Southampton or Chicester as ‘most convenient’.
‘Apparently riots broke out among the paid-off seamen and at Portsmouth and Plymouth, and many ships - as well as several regiments - mutinied.
21 March 1783: Commandant at Portsmouth receives letter from the Admiralty. Gives Their Lordships “very great satisfaction to hear of the obedient and soldier-like behaviour of the Officers and Marines of the Portsmouth Division which you have represented, and they desire you will cause it to be given out in Public Orders”.
The riots, March 1783: “In all the mutinous and disorderly proceedings at Portsmouth none of the Marines joined in that disgraceful affair; on the contrary they conducted themselves in so becoming a manner (when both Navy and Army shook off all discipline) that they were employed in keeping the peace and guarding the Town; for which their Officers were particularly thanked by Lord George Lennox who commanded. The Commanding Officer, having acquainted the Admiralty with this, received instructions to assure his men that Their Lordships highly approved their conduct.”
- Beatson (?)
'Matters were composed by Lord Howe, the First Sea Lord, going to Portsmouth and interviewing the men.’
“To the spirit of compromise then pursued may be traced in part that predilection for revolt which riddled the minds of our seamen during the late contest. Demonstrations of loyalty and zeal in every Marine Detachment still evinced a readiness to seal with their lives in the support of good order ... Fatal means, which were used to appease the spirit, hushed the murmurs indeed, but invigorated the growth of the untamed monster.”
- Alexander Gillespie (1803)
22 March 1783: Portsmouth Commandant requested “to suppress some outrages threatened to be committed by a disorderly body of seamen who are assembled on Portsmouth Common.” The Commandant reports “though the trouble had subsided without his interference yet it might be renewed.” Further, “as the Marines were quartered in houses which rendered them liable to intoxication and other debauchery”, he’d gotten permission from the GOC to quarter surplus Marines at Hilsea Barracks. Marines also used as garrison guards in the Lines. Admiralty gives approval but notes “Parties will shortly be required for ships fitting out, and that therefore it may be attended with inconvenience to employ them on other services.”
April 1783: Marine complements for different ship classes laid down:
Guardships 17 April 1783 90 guns 1 Capt 2 Subs 2 Sgts 2 Cpls 1 Dr 45 Ptes 74 guns 1 ” 1 ” 2 ” 2 ” 1 ” 40 ” 64 guns 1 ” 1 ” 2 ” 2 ” 1 ” 35 ” Frigates 1 ” 1 ” 12 for “Centinels” Sea-going Ships 29 April 1783 60 or 50 guns 1 Capt 1 Subs 2 Sgts 2 Cpls 1 Dr 50 Ptes 44 guns 1 ” 1 ” 2 ” 2 ” 1 ” 40 ” 36 guns 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 35 ” 32 guns 2 ” 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 30 ” 28 guns 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 25 ” 24 or 20 guns 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 20 ” Large Sloops 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 1 ” 16 ”
June 1783: Captain’s Guard ordered mounted in the Dockyards, with the same regulations “as were practised in the last peace”. Board order (24 December 1783) followed: Marines “to do duty in the Dockyards of Portsmouth, Plymouth and Chatham in like manner and under the same regulations as were practised in the former peace”. Further: “Same may greatly contribute to safety of HM Magazines and Stores as well as the safety of the Ships in the said Yards. Guards to be of same strength as in former peace. The Guard Houses and Watch Houses now occupied by Officers and Watchmen to be given to the Marines and such alterations and additions to be made as shall be necessary for their accommodation aand convenience.”
31 July 1783: Order-in-Council and Admiralty Orders are issued regarding peace-time reorganisation of the Corps. These take effect on 1 September 1783. Officers receive new commissions dated 31 August 1783.
Order-in-Council 2nd July 1783 The greatest part of Your Majesty’s Fleet, which was in commission at the time the Preliminary Articles of Peace were signed, being paid off, a considerable number of your Marine Forces have been discharged, and “it being still necessary that many others should also be discharged to reduce the said Forces to a number proportionable to the numbers of seamen, that will probably be employed in time of peace, which will require an establishment different from that which is now in force”. Following Establishment is proposed: 1. That they be divided into 70 companies each of one Captain, 2 First Lieutenants, one Second Lieutenant, 3 Sergeants, 3 Corporals, 2 Drummers, 52 Private Men = 64. 69 more companies = 4416. Total 4480 2. For their proper and regular management one General, one Lieutenant General, 3 Colonels, 4 Colonels Commandant one of whom to reside constantly in London to attend the Board of Admiralty in the nature of Adjutant General. 6 Lieutenant Colonels. 6 Majors. 6 Adjutants. 3 Quartermasters = Total 30. 3. The three Colonels Commandant at Headquarters of each Division, the Lieutenant Colonels and Majors to be allowed one of the Companies, with a Captain Lieutenant instead of one of the First Lieutenants as is now the practise; which will make the whole amount to 4510. 4. As a considerable number of the present Marine Officers will be reduced, we propose that they may be allowed Half- Pay whilst unemployed, as has been usual with regard to Officers of the Corps under similar circumstances. Signed. Keppel Hugh Pigot J. Lindsay
30 July 1783: Officers in the Establishment the longest were the first ones considered for sea duty.
31 December 1783: Embarkation Muster Roll modified; each Division receives new form “to show debts brought from former ships and prevent mistakes in putting debts in proper columns in Ships’ Books.”
Order (20 February 1784): Guard or harbour ships only to be relieved once a year, on 30 June.
May 1783(?): Practise of Marine officers applying to the Admiralty for leave ended. Such requests now to be made to their commanding officers.
December 1783: Stonehouse Barracks taken over by Plymouth Division. First guard mounted on 5 October 1783. Order to take over barracks given by the Admiralty on 2 December 1783. Officers’ quarters short; subalterns sent in a list of those wishing to live in and those wishing to lodge out. Subalterns ordered to “double up in quarters” in 1784. Dogs not allowed in the barracks. Officers’ servants lodged in the garrets above their masters’ apartments. One Barrack-woman allowed per room. ‘They were to do their washing in the salt water tank at rest of the barracks and not with fresh water.’
6 December 1783: Division ordered to march at 10 AM, Monday morning, into Stonehouse Barracks. 6 sergeants, 6 corporals, and 10 privates left to guard Spur Battery, Infirmary, and Milbay Prison.
Orders (7 December 1783): “Men to be on parade tomorrow clean, short gaiters. Baggage carts for Officers on Town Parade at 8 am till 10 am. Three carts for men’s baggage will be on road behind glacis. First troop at 7.30 am, second at 9.30 am.”
8 December 1783: Barracks guard, consisting of one lieutenant, one sergeant, two corporals, one drummer, and twenty privates, was mounted.
Plymouth Orders (6 May 1784): “School to be opened at Orderly Room tomorrow at 9.0 am for benefit of such children of NCOs and Men as may be of proper age to be instructed in reading and writing. Soldiers who desire to qualify for promotion can also attend provided it does not interfere with their duties.”
Sergeant Jewell appointed schoolmaster. The school’s hours were from 9 AM to 12 noon, and then from 2 PM to 5 PM. Disciplinary reports were made to the Adjutant.
27 June 1784: Defaulter sheets introduced. Captains of Companies receive “The Black Book”, most likely for this purpose.
2 October 1784: Adjutants’ duties laid down. “The Adjutants to be in two distinct departments, one to superintend the business of the Office, the other the Field.” Further, on 27 March 1785: “The Field Adjutant to attend the Drill and Exercise of NCOs and Men; attend all parades and do necessary duties of them. Take Band and Drum and Fifes under his entire care as to Dress, Interior, Economy, and Beating of Drummers; executive part of Music of Band to be under Lieutenants Gibson and Gordon, “who have volunteered and undertaken to make them a Martial Band and Capable of Softer Music”. The Master of the Band is as heretofore to instruct the Fifers in Martial Tunes only. The Office Adjutant to keep the books of the Division regularly, and make usual reports and returns; attending Commanding Officer on all Public Service and every contingency in his Department. Keep and regulate the Roster under Directions of the Major of the Division.”
Order (28 December 1784): The Admiralty “decided that the Dockyards were to be guarded in future by Warders, Rounders and Watchmen being Labourers and others belonging to the Yard; with the addition of a Subaltern’s Guard of Marines (36 Privates with proportion of NCOs) to serve as Patrols within the Dockyard Walls as directed by the Commissioner.”
28 December 1784:
“It is unnecessary to retain any Marines supernumerary as soon as Civilians have taken over, Officers and Men now at Headquarters supernumerary are to be discharged, taking care that they are properly accounted for as regards their pay. Those retained to be the stoutest, healthiest and fittest men. None to be discharged who are over five feet six inches in height and under forty years of age.”
Letter to Admiralty (28 February 1785): Request that “no reduction might be made in the Officers, whose length of service with the toils and dangers they have experienced, may be taken into consideration.” No reply noted to have been given.
Order-in-Council (1 March 1786): Ten companies reduced, along with ‘6 field officers, viz: 3 Lieutenant Colonels and 3 Majors (who are Captains of Companies).’ Remaining sixty companies reduced by one sergeant, one corporal, and two privates. This leaves two sergeants, two corporals, two drummers, and fifty privates in each company. Five companies each taken from Portsmouth and Plymouth.
Orders (April 1785?): Reduction of one sergeant and one corporal in each company is deferred.
Order-in-Council (2 June 1786): One sergeant and one corporal retained but two privates per company are reduced. The Commandant at Plymouth, in April, made a report of the state of his Division’s sergeants:
On board ships 31 Usually on Command after deserters 4 Squad Office 2 Infirmary 1 Quartermaster’s Office 1 Adjutant’s Office 1 Sergeants-Majors 2 42
The new Establishment only allowing for forty-two sergeants, this left none for guards, drilling, or recruiting.
Men who were discharged granted twenty-one days’ pay. Officers allowed full pay until 30 April (1785?).
Officers reduced by four captains, six captain lieutenants, twenty first lieutenants, and ten second lieutenants.
11 October 1785: Lord Howe and the Board of Admiralty made an inspection of the Plymouth Division. The Colonel Commandant so pleased by the outcome that he granted “one pint of beer for each man and for the Sergeants some punch”.
Admiralty Order 7 May 1785: “The Marines of the Three Divisions shall from and after the 1st July next be supplied with necessaries of the same quality and charged at the same price; the necessaries shall be furnished according to samples that will be lodged at each Division by a Contractor in London appointed by the Board. Notice to be given to the person or persons who now supply the Marines of the Divisions with necessaries.” The given date extended to 1 October 1785.
Admiralty Order (1 August 1785): Two sergeants appointed to each Division and called Squad Sergeants, taking over the duties of the Squad Officers, each of the latter were “to close his accounts as soon as possible. The Sergeants to be of proved ability and integrity according to the 15th Article of the Regulations for Marines on shore established this day. The Sergeants to have an allowance First Sergeant £30, Second Sergeants £20 per annum in addition to their pay and in lieu of poundage and all other perquisites and emoluments.” Later, a ruling given that “Squad Sergeants are to have nothing to do with the disbursement of money further than to check the amount.”
Further, Quartemasters made officially responsible for issuing necessaries to the men. Squad Sergeants not considered satisfactory; each Division obstructed the system where possible.
30 June 1785: “Quarterly List of Remains” established. Further, a new form for clothing demands established, having in it a column to show when each Marine’s becomes due.
1 August 1785: Hospital Sergeant established as an appointment.
5 August (1785?): Printed copies of Regulations and Instructions (for men serving afloat) and a copy of Regulations for Marines on Shore sent to each Division. Each Marine officer who embarked received a copy of the Sea Instructions.
10 April 1786: Copy of Standing Orders for the Divisions issued.
‘Two Colonels Commandant-en-second had been appointed to the Division in 1782, viz - Colonel Collins and Colonel Carruthers.’
February 1786: Each Division authorised to have a grenadier company. Issue of caps and accoutrements for officers and men approved by the Board.
Plymouth Order (7 April 1784): Grenadier officers have a button and grenade on their turnbacks, with a grenade on their pouches and belts, these being fastened by black roses. Battalion companies had roses and buttons on their turnbacks, with Corps-pattern pouches and ‘ornaments’. The Light Infantry had their coattails short.
Regulations (10 April 1786): Allowances of fuel and light described. [Nothing included of this beyond the mention of it here.] ‘Besides the Allowance for Officers, there were officers for the Adjutant, Pay or Squad Office, Quartermaster and Barrackmaster. In the Infimary - kitchen and washouse, men’s wards, sergeant’s and matron’s room, surgery; mess house, Committiee Room when used, Msic and Fifters’ practice room; schoolroom, armourer’s and barbers’ shop; washouse, “tailor’s shop”; inhabited rooms, uninhabited rooms, guard rooms (a)Officer’s, (b) Men’s.’
‘Although all the Barracks were new, the provision of officers’ quarters was very inadequate. At Plymouth Subalterns were doubled up and at other Divisions requests to use vacant rooms were refused as they might be wanted for Privates.’
Letter (16 November 1786): Statement that the Marine barracks in each Division to be supplied with beds and all bedding, of similar pattern. A tender submitted by a Mister Prate was accepted:
Bed, Bolster and Flocks £1- 2-0 9 x 4 Blankets 13-0 9 x 4 Coverlid 8-3 1 pair sheets 12-9
Regarding the beds, a report from the Carpenter of the Dockyard (13 May 1788): “If the Bottoms instead of being boarded close were made with deal battens they would be lighter and much easier cleared of vermin.”
‘In March 1787 a Memorial was got up by the officers of the 3 Divisions as to the hardships caused by there being no provision for Retired Pay; officers unless they went on half-pay continued serving until they dropped in their tracks. The Memorial began “from age long service and infirmities acquired in foreign climates, incapable of doing their duty according to their wishes...” After signature by the Commandants it was presented by General Mackenzie to the Admiralty, but no relief was afforded until 5 November 1791 when the Earl of Chatham obtained from the King the concession that a certain number of Field Officers, Captains and Subalterns could retire on the full-pay of their rank. A considerable number of officers took advantage of this concession, but it was not enough, because in May 1802, even after further concessions, we find the Commandant at Plymouth reporting “that few of the officers here are under sixty years of age.” ’
August 1787: Commandant at Portsmouth reported his inability to provide detachments for HMS Bedford and HMS Magnificent. The Board asked ‘(1) What Guards are mounted? (2) Why 40 Privates at Portsmouth are “necessarily employed when Plymouth has 30”? (3) Why 27 Privates are sent on recruiting service with 8 parties when Plymouth only have sent 12 with 11 parties? Please consider reduction.’
31 August 1787, report on state of the Employed:
Portsmouth Plymouth Sgts Cpls Ptes Sgts Cpls Ptes Clerks in Offices 3 1 5 2 - 1 Quartermaster Sergeants 2 - - 1 - - Taylors - 1 9 - 1 6 Boatmen 1 - 9 - 1 6 Sutlers - - 3 - - 1 Superintendents 2 1 3 2 - - Hospital and Infirmary Attendants on Staff and Field - - 8 None at Plymouth Officers
“Give your reasons for employing so many? ... The Board intend to reduce them unless reasons are very satisfactory to same as at Plymouth. Privates on recruiting service to be reduced to 2 per party. You also have 5 men on short leave; none to be granted whilst so short.”
Further, an order:
12th September 1787. 1 Sergeant in QM’s office to return to duty. 1 Private may remain in Infirmary. Reduce 3 Taylors and 3 Boatmen.
‘Servants to FOs and Staff Officers to be placed in Returns in same manner as other Divisions’.
Letter (undated): “Sergeant Majors are shown as necessarily employed at other Divisions. Their Lordships presume there are Sergeant Majors at Portsmouth; therefore report why you do not return them in the same manner as other Divisions.”
September 1787 (?): Dockyard guards withdrawn. Returned in March 1788 for patrol duties Relieved on 31 May 1791 but returned on 3 April 1792.
11 January 1788: HRH The Prince of Wales inspected Plymouth Divisions. Approved ‘of the appearance and the cleanliness of the Barracks.’
Letter (14 May 1788): Addressed to Portsmouth. ‘The Board picked up a charge in the accounts of £6-16-2 for Lace for Sergeant Major and Drum Majr’s clothing and for cutting, making and trimming for the said uniforms £2-17-1.’ Noted, “No charges are found in accounts of other Divisions ... the Quartermaster is not to make such charges, expense ought to be defrayed at Portsmouth” in the same manner as done at other Divisions.
Plymouth Orders (3 February 1789): More about the Eighteen Penny Fund. Marines not permitted to work more than one mile from their quarters or for longer than two months at a time, ‘as work debases the ideas of a soldier, except artificers appointed to work for the Division.’
Order (10 November 1791): Men who were allowed to work were stopped 1/6 a week to support the Divisional Fund. This stoppage was later raised to 3/- a week.
Order-in-Council (21 May 1790): “Each of the 64 Companies to be increased by one Second Lieutenant, one Sergeant, one Corporal, one Drummer, and 20 Privates”. Further, on 8 July 1790: The 64 companies increased to 70, each to consist of five sergeants, five corporals, four drummers, and one hundred privates. Companies No. 65 and 68 assigned to Chatham, No. 66 and 69 assigned to Portsmouth, No. 67 and 70 to Plymouth. At the same time, HMS Victory commissioned at Portsmouth with one captain, two subalterns, four sergeants, five corporals, two drummers, and one hundred and fifty privates.
1 June 1790: Twenty-two second lieutenants commissioned.
Recruiting Warrant of 1790.
31 May (1790?): Levy money for recruits increased to five guineas. Recruiting parties ordered to be sent out.
October 1790: Three lieutenant colonels and fifteen officers sent to Ireland to recruit (Dublin and Cork). This was troublesome, ‘because amongst the recruits so raised were the “United Irishmen” who took such a prominent part in the great Mutinies of 1797 and 1800.’ [This point uncertain; prove/disprove with further research]
Order (July 1790): Frigates not to be supplied with Marine detachments owing to numbers being short. This was later overturned.
Detachments of soldiers frequently embarked aboard ships to offset shortage of Marines.
Order (20 August 1790): Detachments of Marines sent to two ships, on which the New South Wales Corps were embarked apparently in error.
Order-in-Council (6 September 1791): Companies reduced to three sergeants, three corporals, three drummers, and fifty-nine privates each. Guardship complements also reduced.
22 December 1791: Companies reduced to fifty-four privates each.
Order-in-Council (14 February 1791): Companies reduced by one second lieutenant and four privates each.
24 December 1791: Colonel W. Souter becomes Commandant at Portsmouth, replacing Colonel Commandant H. Smith, the latter being appointed Commandant resident in Town. Colonel Tupper becomes Commandant at Chatham. (Colonel Carruthers dies on this date.)
Plymouth Orders (15 April 1791):
Orders for Reviews
Ranks to be at 2 paces; files just touch at elbow; Reviewing Officer
received with “Rested Arms” and “General Salute” - “Shoulder Arms” - “Close
Ranks” - Battalion forms open column by wheeling to right by Grand
Divisions. Arms to be carried.
March Past
1. By Grand Divisions in slow time; officers to salute.
2. By Companies in quick time; ranks closed Senior Officers in front,
Subalterns in rear.
3. File off into Indian File; front rank first. On arrival on original
ground, firings will begin:
Twice from flanks to centre by Companies.
Twice from flanks to centre by Grand Divisions.
Once by Wings standing.
Other firings, volley and charge.
General Salute.1 May 1792: Approval given for grenadier caps.
24 May 1792: Draft of two captains, four first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, six sergeants, six corporals, six drummers, and one hundred privates (or two complete companies) were sent to Portsmouth from Chatham (by Assistance).
Order-in-Council (22 June 1792): Increase in rations and allowances for necessaries is made. Further, an Act of Parliament (18 July 1792) enables Marines afloat to allot pay, &c. to relatives ashore.
July 1792: Lieutenant Dawes and thirty-six men return from Australia. They received discharges, ‘in accordance with the original promise’. Another party returns in November.
‘Apparently a more humane power was at the Admiralty, because after ordering certain accommodation for officers to be allocated in barracks (at Portsmouth one Captain, 4 Subalterns, and the Surgeon’s Mate) the other officers were granted lodging money instead of being billetted in the inns, etc.
From 1 December 1792: Commanding Officer 20/- a week Field Officers 12/- a week Captains 8/- a week Subalterns 6/- a week
Orders (5 December 1792): ‘To complete at Portsmouth alone 5 battleships taking 5 Captains, 10 Subalterns, 20 Sergeants, 20 Corporals, 15 Drummers and 550 Privates, the other Divisions to act similarly.’
9 January 1793: The Army assumes responsibility for providing guards at the Dockyards and Hospitals. Further, 14 January 1793: ‘a new scheme of complement for all classes of ships was issued’.
Order-in-Council (20 February 1793): Companies increased by one second lieutenant, two sergeants, two corporals, one drummer, and fifty privates each.
March 1793: War declared on France.
Order-in-Council (17 April 1793): Thirty companies added to the Corps. Thus, Chatham has thirty companies, Portsmouth has thirty-five, and Plymouth has thirty-five. The total is one hundred. Each company consists of one captain, two first lieutenants, two second lieutenants, five sergeants, five corporals, four drummers, and eighty privates.
28 February 1793: Standard height of the Marine Corps fixed:
5 ft 5 in for men 20 to 30 years of age. 5 ft 6 in for men 30 to 38 years of age. 5 ft 4 in for growing lads. Grenadier Companies 5 ft 10 in. Light Companies 5 ft 7 in.
This standard not maintained.
Plymouth Orders (11 June 1793): “Children of Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and men over six years of age may be shown on musters of Drummers; they will be struck off as soon as service required it, those of mature age and fitness can be raised.”
