Themes
The Navy at Home and Abroad
Learning
The Royal Marines Tercentenary, 1964
Article Highlights
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Introduction - Marking the 300th anniversary of the Royal Marines
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The Royal Review
The Royal Review
On the morning of 23 July a Royal Review took place in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace. Over 2000 members of the Corps – both serving and retired - attended the ceremony.
The Captain General of the Royal Marines wished that the Queen should see the Corps in its modern setting. He instructed the unit to appear in ceremonial uniform, Lovat dress and combat dress. A Display Party exhibited the weapons and special equipment of the Corps, highlighting the many tasks the Corps performed.
The Queen looks to the guests as she passes the ‘display company’ of 41 Commando RM paraded in combat dress. The Captain General, Prince Phillip had insisted that the Queen should also see the Corps in its’ modern setting, so this company along with a troop of the RMFVR paraded in this uniform with weapons and equipment. (RMM)
The Royal Marines Band Service also played a large ceremonial role that day. The Portsmouth Group Band and buglers and musicians from the bands of the Commander in Chief Portsmouth and HMS St Vincent accompanied the Royal Guard as they marched onto the lawn.
After the Royal Guard marched on carrying the Queen’s Colour of the Royal Marine Barracks, Eastney, the rest of the parade marched on. No. 2 Company wore the Royal Marines ceremonial blue uniform and escorted the Queen's and Regimental Colours of 41 Commando.
The next company, No. Three Company, escorted the Colours of 40 Commando wearing Lovat Dress. Number Four Company appeared in combat dress with their combat weapons. This company also included one troop was from the Royal Marine Forces Volunteer Reserve and escorted the Colours of 45 Commando. It was the first time for many years that spectators had seen the Colours on parade escorted by troops in their fighting dress. The Display Party followed on at the rear. Select the link to view details of the parade
Meanwhile, the CGRM General Sir Malcolm Cartwright Taylor and other high-ranking Royal Marines Officers waited in the Bow Room of Buckingham Palace.
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh entered the Bow Room where the Queen made presentations. She then came out on to the Terrace escorted by the Captain-General and the Commandant General, followed by the four General Officers.
As the Queen reached the top step of the terrace her troops received her with the Royal Salute. The Royal Guard reported to her, and after she had inspected it, she returned to a dais on the edge of the lawn. The parade then stood at ease and Her Majesty addressed them in a speech. Select the link to read the Queen’s Speech.
No.2 Company of 41 Commando RM under Major H N Cooper RM give three cheers to Her Majesty. This company appeared in the ceremonial blue uniform for the Buckingham Palace review. (RMM)
The Commandant General performed his own speech of thanks to the Queen and presented her with a brooch. The Queen then inspected the Parade where she took great interest and spoke with many of the men.
As Her Majesty returned to the top of the steps the whole Parade gave three cheers. The Royal Guard and Band stood fast as the rest of the Parade marched past. No. 2 Company led the Parade, followed by Numbers 3 and 4 Companies and the Display Party. The Royal Marines Association and Old Comrades brought up the rear.
As they disappeared round the corner of the Palace the Royal Guard gave Her Majesty a final salute and marched past followed by the Band. As the Queen left the Terrace to return indoors the whole Parade formed into columns of six to march back to Wellington Barracks.
