The first volume of a two volume anniversary history of the early Royal Marines The Royal Marines can trace their origins back to the formation of 'The Duke of York and Albany's Maritime Regiment of Foot' in 1664 which means the publication of this Leonaur edition of the history of the Royal Marines arrives appropriately in the 350th anniversary year of the birth of the corps. The Royal Marines as we know them today were formed in 1755 and since that time they have distinguished themselves in many conflicts fought by the British to the present day. Numerous books have been written about the exploits of the Royal Marines, particularly in the 20th century, but this special two volume edition concentrates on the earliest period of their history. The presence of red-coated marines was inseparable from the blue uniform of their naval comrades during the great age of sail and this book covers that period in detail including the American War of Independence. The great contest of the early 19th century was against Revolutionary, Consulate and Napoleon Bonaparte's First Empire of the French. The Royal Marines fought in every major naval engagement of that long war, all of which are detailed in these pages together with many minor engagements, the War of 1812 and the imperial campaigns including the Chinese Opium Wars. Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket.