After enduring many insults, and witnessing the hostile measures which were preparing in the ports of France, the energies of the British nation were again aroused, and in the spring of 1755 considerable augmentations were made in the Army and Navy, and fifty companies of Marines were directed to be raised and placed under the control of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty. These companies were formed into three Divisions, and stationed at Chatham, Portsmouth, and Plymouth, and an Act of Parliament was passed for the “Regulation of the Marine forces while on shore.”[47] From the 5th of April, 1755, the Marine corps have constituted a branch of the permanent national force, and have been provided for in the annual votes of the House of Commons, on distinct estimates produced at each session, of the Navy, Army, and Marines. War was declared against France on the 18th May in the following year (1756). * * * * * The foregoing pages contain accounts of the services of the _Corps of Marines_ from the earliest period of their formation, to the year 1748, when they ceased to form a portion of the establishment of the Army. These historical details afford numerous instances in which the gallant exertions of the Marines have materially contributed to the successes obtained by the Navy and Army, and to the honours and advantages which have resulted from their combined operations. The services of the present Marine forces have been, as in former years, highly useful and efficient, and by their uniformly good conduct they have obtained the approbation of the Sovereign, and the confidence of the Country. [Sidenote: 1802] As a lasting mark of approbation, His Majesty King George III. was pleased, in 1802, to direct that they should be styled “_The Royal Marines_,” as announced in the following Order, issued by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, and inserted in the London Gazette, dated “_Admiralty Office, 29th April, 1802._ “His Majesty has been graciously pleased to signify His Commands, that, in consideration of the very meritorious services of the Marines during the late War, the Corps shall in future be styled ‘THE ROYAL MARINES.’ “By Command of their Lordships. (Signed) “EVAN NEPEAN.” On acquiring the title of _Royal_, the facings of the Marines, which had been _White_, were changed to _Blue_, as in other Royal corps of Infantry.[48] [Sidenote: 1827] On the 26th of September, 1827, New Colours were presented to the Division of Royal Marines at Chatham, on the part of His Majesty King George IV., by His Royal Highness the Duke of Clarence, then Lord High Admiral of Great Britain, and General of Marines, afterwards King William IV. After alluding to the services of Marine regiments from the period of their formation to the present time, His Royal Highness caused the New Colours to be unfurled, and concluded his address in the following terms: