The Royal Marines already had almost 200 years of history under their belt when in 1855 the infantry forces were renamed the Royal Marines Light Infantry (RMLI).
The Royal Navy had become interested in Naval Brigades, wherein the function of the Royal Marines was to land first and act as skirmishers ahead of the sailor infantry and artillery. This skirmishing was the traditional function of light infantry.
By the early 20th century the RMLI had achieved a high professional status. Their primary role was the traditional one of providing shipboard infantry for security, boarding parties and small-scale landings. Specialist positions on board ship, such as postmen, barbers, lamp trimmers and butchers, were also reserved for Royal Marines. After 1903 the Royal Marines provided bands for service on board battleships and other large vessels.
Enlistment was for at least 12 years, with entitlement to a pension after 21 years of service. After basic training new recruits were assigned to one of three land-based divisions and from there to warships as vacancies arose.
During the First World War, in addition to their usual stations aboard ship, Royal Marines formed part of the Royal Naval Division which landed in Belgium in 1914 to help defend Antwerp and later took part in the amphibious landing at Gallipoli in 1915. They also served on the Western Front.
In 1923 the RMLI was merged with the Royal Marine Artillery to form a unified Royal Marines.
