Images(2)

The Royal Marines Gibraltar Badge

Period20th century

Classification(s)

Badges

Object TypeCrest Badge

Registration NumberMMM 004022

DescriptionThe Royal Marines are the Infantry land fighting element of the Royal Navy, tracing their origins back to 1664 during the Anglo-Dutch Wars. They were and still remain an integral part of the Great Britain’s Armed Forces. The badge is a commemoration of the history of the Corps. In the middle of the heraldic badge, there is the ‘Great Globe’ to symbolize the Corps. The laurel leaves where chosen by King George IV himself to honour the Marines’ successes and victories, especially during the capture of Belle Isle, off Lorient from April till June 1761 and all the honours they have received.

The word ‘GIBRALTAR’ refers to the 1704 Siege of Gibraltar. The badge for the Royal Marines bears the date 1930, below the banner which contains the Latin motto ‘PER MARE PER TERRAM’, which translates into ‘by land by sea’. This motto demonstrates the Marines’ ability in fighting both on land and on-board ships. It is believed that it was first used in 1775. The motto is on a blue banner written in yellow.

Comparing this badge to others which belong to the Royal Marines, it normally contains a representation of a lion, however, in this case, it was either never part of the crest or was chipped off. Parts of the crown are chipped off. Both the lion and crown elements symbolize a Royal regiment.InscriptionsOn recto "The Royal Marines Gibraltar Per Mare Per Terram 1930"Annotations and MarksOn verso, centre, number "5" in yellow.Material

Wood, paint

Technique

Carved in wood, hand painted on a wooden plaque.

DimensionsOverall: 51.5 × 70 cm, 4.6 kg

Alternate ID Numbers