The evolutions of the Marines as a separate force before the accession of Queen Anne are little known. The earliest mention of Marines as a distinct force occurs in 1664, being an Order in Council for the formation of a body of 1,200 men for the sea service. Many infantry regiments have in their early days served as Marines, but the separate Corps seems to have had a corporate existence since the date mentioned above. Splendid service has been rendered on land and sea ever since, and the Marines are as justly considered as being among the best fighting men the Empire has. Their records show them to have taken important parts in many a famous battle on land, whilst contributing their share to every victory afloat. The Royal Marines were, by the French, nicknamed "The Little Grenadiers," from the regiment wearing Grenadier caps. They are popularly known as "The Jollies." The Corps was originally raised for sea service alone. In 1664 it bore the name of "The Admiral's Regiment" in consequence, and "Neptune's Bodyguard." ORDERS & DECORATIONS WORN IN THE BRITISH ARMY The following are some of the principal medals, decorations and orders that have been worn, or are worn, by British soldiers:-- War Medals. General Service Medal, 1793-1814. India Medal, 1799-1826. Waterloo Medal, 1815. First Burmah War, 1824-6. Capture of Ghuznee, 1839. Cabul Medal, 1843. China War, 1842-1860. Afghan War, 1843-3. Sutlej Campaign, 1845-6. New Zealand, 1846-65. Punjaub, 1848-9. India General Service, 1852-95. South Africa, 1853-79. Crimea, 1854-56. Baltic, 1854-5. Indian Mutiny, 1857-8. Canada, 1866-70. Abyssinia, 1868. Ashanti, 1879-94. Afghanistan, 1878-80. Roberts Star, 1879. Cape of Good Hope. Egypt, 1882-89. Khedive's Star, 1882-89. N.W. Canada, 1885. W. Africa, 1890-1900. Matabeleland, 1893. Central Africa, 1894-98. India General Service, 1895-1898. Ashanti Star, 1896. Sudan (British), 1896. Sudan (Khedive's), 1896. East and Central Africa, 1897-99. China, 1900. S. Africa (Queen's), 1899-1902. Do. (King's), 1901-2. 3rd Ashanti, 1900. East African General Service, 1900-1904. India General Service, 1901-02. Tibet, 1903-04. Orders and Decorations. Victoria Cross. Order of the Bath. Order of St. Michael and St. George. Royal Victorian Order. The Distinguished Service Order. The Military Cross. Order of St. John of Jerusalem. Albert Medal. Territorial Officer's Decoration. The Jubilee Decoration. The Coronation Decoration. Distinguished Conduct Medal. Meritorious Service Medal. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Militia Long Service Medal. Yeomanry Long Service Medal. Volunteer Long Service Medal. Territorial Force Efficiency Medal. Royal Humane Society's Medal. Order of Osmanieh. Order of Mejidie. Legion of Honour. St. George's Medal (Russian). * * * * * [Illustration: MAPPIN & WEBB LTD]