The Royal Marine Historical Society was founded in 1964 by a small group of enthusiasts who were keen to exchange information on Corps history. Over the past four decades the society has grown into a thriving body of some 270 members who all share a passion for the history, traditions and uniforms of the Corps.
In 2002 the RMHS published ‘A Short History of the Royal Marines’. This well illustrated booklet traces the development of the Royal Marines from soldiers who served at sea to the modern day Commando force that provides the manpower of Britain’s amphibious capability. This Short History has now been adopted by the serving Corps, each young officer and recruit passing through CTCRM being given a copy as part of his introduction to Corps history.
In 2003 the Society has published the history of ‘The Royal Marines Band Service’ a fully illustrated hard-back book It is now 100 years since the band of HMS Impregnable, under the baton of Bandmaster H E Lidiard, marched through the gates of Eastney Barracks, to form the newly established Royal Naval School of Music. To mark the centenary this new history has been written by John Ambler, the photographic librarian in the RM Museum and a member of the Society. John Ambler has had the full cooperation of the Band Service past and present and the book contains 288 pages with over 100 illustrations including 16 pages in colour and a foreword by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, our Captain General.
Perhaps best known for its publications, the Society’s work stretches beyond these. It has been responsible for producing a register of Royal Marines killed in both World Wars, establishing a photographic record of known RM graves and memorials from around the world. It has assisted in marking the site of the old RM Barracks at Chatham and the escape route of the two survivors of the Cockleshell Heroes raid.
With the ever increasing time and financial constraints placed on both the serving Corps and the Royal Marines Museum, the Royal Marines Historical Society has taken on a broader role in researching, preserving and presenting Corps history. Current projects include; providing each RM affiliated cadet unit with a copy of the Short History; working alongside the RM Museum and RM Association in compiling an Oral History of the Corps; helping to bring to publication a much needed history of 42 Commando; as well as current research on Royal Marines who have won the Meritorious Service Medal. Members of the society are currently compiling an index to The Globe and Laurel, from the first issue in 1892 to the present day. Without the support and generosity of our members little of this work would be possible.
The Royal Marines Historical Society is open to all who are interested in Corps history. Members receive newsletters, journals and special publications. Meetings are held annually in Portsmouth and the West Country. For details write to RMHS, Royal Marines Museum, Eastney, Southsea, Hants, PO4 9PX or see www.rmhs.info
