MarinesMarines, or soldiers, aboard the First Fleet were given the task of preserving good order amongst the convicts as well as protecting the settlement against the Indigenous population.
There were four companies of British Marine Corps who arrived with the First Fleet in 1788. Within these companies soldiers had different ranks: officers, sergeants, corporals, drum and fife players, and privates. By many accounts the marines were generally well disciplined and well behaved during their service. The marines physically helped to build the early colony, sharing in the hardships and fears of the first settlers. Many of the marines were former tradesmen and became the first school teachers, armourers, police, ship-builders and masons. Some marines brought their wives and children on the voyage whilst others opted to take convict women as wives or mistresses during their time in Sydney. The uniform of the marines is the traditional red coat, white trousers, black gaiters and a bicorn hat. The facings were white, indicating a naval or marine unit. Marines also wore white cross belts with a “fouled anchor” on the cross-plate. The marines were armed with a ‘Brown Bess’, a type of musket. |
Activity: Character profile of a Marine
Questions to consider when creating your marine profile:
1. Why did you decide to join the First Fleet? Did you have a choice?
2. Did you have an income? What was it?
3. What did your uniform look like?
4. What was your role on the First Fleet?
5. Were you given any weapons?
1. Why did you decide to join the First Fleet? Did you have a choice?
2. Did you have an income? What was it?
3. What did your uniform look like?
4. What was your role on the First Fleet?
5. Were you given any weapons?
Websites for information:
- Marines and personal profiles of marines
- List of marine names on the First Fleet - click on the names to find out more information
- Personal journal of First Lieutenant Ralph Clark
- Archives of 17 marines on the First Fleet
- Archives of officers and privates on the First Fleet
- Journal entries from First Lieutenant William Bradley
- Journal entries from Second Captain John Hunter
- Journal entries from Seaman Jacob Nagel