The Royal Marines A History Author:Richard Brooks From Captain Cook's voyage of discovery to the Boxer Rebellion, the beaches of Normandy, the assault at Suez, and hazardous duty in the Arctic waters, the Royal Marines have served the British Empire for more than 300 years with exceptional gallantry. Drawing extensively on the largely unpublished records at the Royal Marines Museum in Portsmout... more »h, England, this absorbing book tells the story of these soldiers of the sea from their origins in the era of Charles II to the present. A fascinating assortment of official accounts, personal journals, and individual letters bring to life this versatile service that survived not only the ravages of battles, but also the constant threat of dissolution during defense cutbacks. The Royal Marine's willingness to undertake almost any job, including ship's butcher and naval bandsman, and their ability to fight in disparate environments have helped to insure their place in history. This wide-ranging chronicle both informs and entertains.« less