Royal Marines Band Service

Royal Marines Band Service
source
Unit name	Royal Marines Band Service
Dates	1903–present
Country	United Kingdom
Branch	United Kingdom
Type	Military band
Role	Ceremonial and operational support
Command structure	Royal Navy
Garrison	HMS Nelson, Portsmouth
Garrison label	Headquarters
Motto	Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea By Land)

Royal Marines Band Service. It is the musical wing of the Royal Navy, providing the principal musical support for the British Royal Family, the Royal Marines, and the wider Senior Service. Established formally in 1903, its musicians, known as Royal Marines bandsmen, are unique within the British Armed Forces as fully trained commandos, combining musical excellence with frontline military capability. The service is renowned for its performances at major state occasions, including Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament, while also deploying on global naval operations.

History

The origins of organized music within the Royal Marines date to the mid-18th century, with drummers and fifers present in units like the Chatham Division. A pivotal moment came in 1903 when the Admiralty formally constituted the Royal Naval School of Music at the Eastney Barracks, centralizing training and establishing a standardized service. The bands earned distinction during both World War I and World War II, with musicians serving in roles ranging from stretcher-bearers to anti-aircraft gunners on ships like HMS Hood and HMS *Prince of Wales*. Following the tragic Deal barracks bombing in 1989, the headquarters was relocated to Portsmouth. The service has since evolved, with its musicians seeing operational deployments to conflicts including the Falklands War, the Gulf War, and the War in Afghanistan.

Organisation and structure

The service is headquartered at HMS Nelson in Portsmouth and is commanded by a senior Royal Marines officer, the Principal Director of Music. It comprises five major bands: the Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth, the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth, the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland, the Band of HM Royal Marines Commando Training Centre, and the premier Royal Marines Band Collingwood. Additional specialist units include the Royal Marines School of Music, which is the training establishment, and the elite Royal Marines Corps of Drums, which maintains the historical infantry drumming traditions. The service falls under the operational command of Commander Maritime Reserves.

Role and duties

The primary role is to provide musical support for the Royal Navy and the British monarchy, performing at ceremonies such as the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palaces and state functions. Operationally, bandsmen are trained as Royal Marines Commandos, serving as fully qualified medical assistants or logisticians on global deployments with units like the 3 Commando Brigade. They fulfill vital morale and ceremonial functions during port visits by ships such as HMS *Queen Elizabeth* and represent the United Kingdom at international events like the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and the D-Day commemorations in Normandy.

Training and recruitment

All recruits, who must pass a rigorous musical audition, undergo a 30-week course at the Royal Marines School of Music at HMS Nelson. This intensive program combines advanced musical instruction on a primary and secondary instrument with basic military training. Following this, they complete the demanding 32-week Commando Course at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, earning the coveted Green Beret and adhering to the standards of the All Arms Commando Course. This dual training ensures every bandsman is a deployable marine, qualified in fields like field medicine or combat logistics.

Uniforms and instruments

The ceremonial uniform is the iconic scarlet tunic and blue royal marine trousers, worn with the white Wolseley helmet for summer dress. The operational uniform is the standard Royal Marines Multi-Terrain Pattern combat attire with the Green Beret. The service employs a wide range of instruments from traditional brass band and military band ensembles, including specific models like the Besson Sovereign euphonium and Yamaha concert percussion. The Royal Marines Corps of Drums uses historically significant rope-tension snare drums and ceremonial swords.

Notable deployments and events

Bandsmen have been present at virtually every major state event, including the 1953 Coronation, the 1977 Silver Jubilee, and the 2012 Diamond Jubilee. They provided the musical backdrop for the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony and the 2021 funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh. Operationally, they have deployed aboard ships during the Falklands War, served in Camp Bastion during the War in Afghanistan, and participated in global engagements like Operation Telic and Exercise Cougar. They are also regular performers at the Royal Tournament and the Royal Windsor Horse Show.