Watch List notes:

Great Britain, Royal Marines Light Infantry, 1830-55, officer's shoulder belt plate in gilt, with incuse maker's mark of 'fleur-de-lys' on reverse. Very fine.

The Royal Marines served in Australia and New Zealand over a longer period than any other military unit. A small party of marines landed with Captain Cook in Australia and New Zealand during 1769-70. Four companies of Marines sailed with the First Fleet and landed at Sydney in 1788 and were relieved by the New South Wales Corps in 1791. A small detachment of Royal Marines also served on Melville Island 1824-29 and a similar force was stationed at Port Essington from 1837-54. The last force of Royal Marines to serve in Australia was stationed at Cape York 1862-70. With research.