The Great War
The First World War (1914-1918) saw the Royal Marines in action across the globe.
The Royal Marines involvement in The Great War was significant, and the display at the Museum highlights the social, military and personal aspects of the conflict.
Explaining the tension and build up to the war, the display includes a reconstruction of a recruiting tent so that visitors can appreciate the zeitgeist of the time. With period music playing, and posters from the era adorning the display, visitors can see how the war impacted on the men and women of Britain.
The display highlights the involvement of the Royal Marines at sea in the Battle of Jutland; on land at the Western Front; and in amphibious operations at Gallipoli and Zeebrugge.Numerous exhibits are on show, from weaponry and gas masks, to captured personal armour and a Field Surgeon's kit. Personal items, like postcards, playing cards and photographs are on show - as are some ship's biscuits from the time! The display also features a reconstruction of a First World War trench; film of trench warfare and an evocative model of the Zeebrugge Raid.
During the First World War the Royal Marines fought in every part of the conflict. They performed their traditional role as sea throughout the war, including the Battle of Jutland in 1916. They also formed infantry battalions for service on the Western Front. Specialist units operated huge howitzers and anti-aircraft guns. In 1918 and 1919 Royal Marines were deployed to North Russia on operations.