User:Euryalus/marines2

Legacy
Sound record but marginalised in comparison with Navy and Army - not considered fit for long-term duties (M14)

(note for Marines article - reduction in strength post-AmerRev War - ten of seventy companies abolished and the remaining sixty reduced 58 men plus officers. Forty six officers on half-pay at 30 April 1786 - NSW marine officers were all from full-pay staff but aware of limited options. Incentives because Botany bay conidere da non-military psot with little chance of active service(M26), butt akeup excellent., means good takeup for volunteers for Botany bay

Marines for BB first proposed by Matra in 23 August 1783 proposal (M19) - 2 companies for what was at the time not intended as a penal colony.

On 8 October 1786 Sec of Admiralty (Stephens) wrote to marine commanders at Chatham, Plymouth and Portsmouth seeking volunteers for Botany Bay. Any shortfall in volunteers to be made up by compulsion. Serve three years and then discharge in either England or NSW. If England no guarantee of readmission to British marines, though in practice this occurred. If NSW then to be given and access to stores, to become a settler.

By 14 October 200 had volunteered, and by 8 November Admiralty letter to comamnders that no more volunteers accepted.

James Campbell second in command (from Carnatic) M26

12 October Ross applied and was named detachment commander.

Permission for wives and children toa ccompany marines - ultimately numebereing 28 wives and seventeen children (M29)

First to board - Lt Johnston with 30 marines to Penrhyn and Alexander at Woolwich 28 November 1786. First convicts arrived aboard Alexander 6 jan 1787.

29 November 1786 Collins named Judge Advocate to marine corps and colony (no legal training)