Picture copyright Osprey / William Younghusband-used with permission

The historical NSW corps of Marines

The First troops to serve in Australia were four companies of the British Marine Corps who arrived in NSW with the First Fleet in 1788. They served as the convict guard in Britain from 1787 and became the first garrison of Sydney town between 1788 and 1792. They were well disciplined and behaved throughout their service, earning the trust and respect of the convicts and indigenous Australians and the praise of Governor Phillip. 

Unfortunately the ill-disciplined men of the NSW Corps which followed them destroyed much of this good work.  Marines shared most of the privations and fears of the convicts they guarded but never became oppressive or tyrannical.  Their many expeditions also opened up much of the Sydney plain for further settlement.  In recognition of their excellent service in NSW and other theatres of operation, the British Corps of Marines became the Royal Marines in 1802.

Uniforms and Equipment

The uniform of the Marines is the traditional red coat, white trousers, black gaiters and a bicorn hat. The facings were white, indicating a naval or marine unit. Marines also wear white cross belts with a fouled anchor on the cross-plate. The Marine’s colours are the same as that used at the battle of Belle-Isle, being a fouled anchor in a wreath of Rose and Thistles on a white background with a Queen Anne flag in the top canton. The Marines use the “Brown Bess” Musket, as well as an 1820 6lb Muzzle loading Carronade on a field carriage, on which all members are trained to crew and fire.

Today's NSW corps of Marines

The Unit has done displays for the Navy, Army, NSW Police, Councils, Schools, and various community groups -such as Family and Local History groups- as requested. The Garrison Church’s Australia Day activities and other special events have been a regular part of our calendar since 1996. The Unit has also been privileged to provide Guards of Honour for the current and previous Governors of New South Wales and Governor General

The Unit has also assisted the Reserve Forces Day Council in their celebrations of Australian Reserve Military History through their annual Reserve Forces day Parades. Also, we can say "as seen on TV", "The first christmas" an ABC special, and films such as "Irons" and "The Fort" have featured our members.