345 jaar - Mariniersmuseum

Message to RNLMC
345 jaar
Among the brotherhood of Marines, no relationship is so longestablished
or as close as the bond between the Royal Marines and
the Korps Mariniers.
Since the formation of the Korps Mariniers, the fifth regiment of
maritime infantry to be formed in Europe, the Dutch and British
Marines have shared the dangers of the battlefield and the ocean,
although not always on the same side. But the capture of Gibraltar
in 1704 by a combined Anglo-Dutch force under the command
of Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt set the template for future
collaboration which reached its pinnacle in 1973 with the creation
of the UK/NL Landing Force. Today this organisation still represents
a model of best-practice for international co-operation on defence
matters.
Through operating and exercising together at sea and on land, in
the baking desert sun or the cold of an Arctic winter; and through
joint training and officer exchange appointments, the Royal Ma-
QUA PATET ORBIS - 1665-2010
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rines have come to view their ‘Cloggie’ counterparts as loyal allies
and steadfast friends. Not bad for two organisations that won
their first battle honours on opposite sides of the same conflict.
It is a great pleasure for me to convey the congratulations and best
wishes of every Royal Marine on your 345th anniversary and I look
forward to many more years of friendship and co-operation.
United We Conquer.
Maj Gen Buster Howes
Commandant General Royal Marines