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• The Battle of Jutland

The Battle of Jutland

The Corps had men involved in every naval action of World War One and were present at the Battle of Jutland on the 31 May 1916.

Over 5800 Royal Marines fought aboard ships of the Fleet that day. Major Francis Harvey RMLI posthumously received the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour for valour.

Harvey was serving aboard Admiral Beatty's flagship, HMS Lion, when a salvo from the German ship SMS Lutzow hit the Royal Marine-operated Q gun turret.

Damage sustained to the Q Turret of HMS Lion at the Battle of Jutland 31/5/1916. (RNM)

The salvo killed most of the turret’s gun crew and severely injured Major Harvey, blowing both his legs off. Major Harvey ordered the magazine doors to be shut.

His selfless actions prevented the ship from explosion, but sacrificed himself and his crew to be drowned inside.