HIGHLAND BRANCH

ROYAL MARINES ASSOCIATION

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Royal Marines Cap Badge Explained

  
Royal Marine Globe and Laurel  

The cap badge of the Royal Marines differs from the corps crest in that it does not include the motto or the battle honour Gibraltar. It is therefore merely a simplified version of the crest, cast in bronze or in plastic (anodized). The cap badge is worn with well-deserved pride on the hard-won green beret and on caps with dress uniforms when on parade. Officers' and Warrant Officers' cap badges have been in two parts, with the Lion and Crown seperated from the Globe and Laurel Wreath, since the amalgamation of the RMLI and the RMA in 1923.

The Lion and Crown This denotes a 'Royal' regiment. Admiral Lord St Vincent, recognising the great service which the Corps had given to that point, recommended to King George III that they should be given this title. It was granted to the Corps by Royal Command on 29th April 1802.

 

Laurel Wreath It is generally accepted, but not certain, that the Laurel Wreath was awarded to the Corps in recognition of the gallantry of the Marines at the battle and capture of Belle Isle in 1761.

 

The Globe In 1827 HRH The Duke of Clarence presented new Colours to all the Grand Divisions. In doing so he announced that HM King George IV had directed that the difficulty of selecting Battle Honours amidst so many glorious deeds was too great, so the Corps should have the 'Great Globe itself' as its emblem on the crest, to be surrounded by the Laurel Wreath. The Globe also represents the fact that Royal Marines were, and still are, involved in conflicts all around the world.

 

The Foul Anchor Incorporated into the emblem in 1747, the Foul Anchor (an anchor entangled in a rope) is the badge of the Lord High Admiral and indicates that the Corps is part of the Royal Navy.