Continental Marines

The Continental Marines (Active November 10, 1775 - June 1785) were the Marine armed forces used by the American Colonies during the American Revolution of 1775 - 1783 to fight against the British Empire. They were the predecessor of the United States Marine Corps, the UN Marine Corps, and the UNSC Marine Corps.

The main purposes of these Marines were to act as guards for the Captain of a ship, defend against enemy boarders, and to snipe enemy crewmen from the mast. They also sometimes did amphibious raids on the British.

Their first and only Commandent was Captain Samuel Nicholas and their first barracks was located in Philadelphia.

It was in the era of the Continental Marines the the nickname "Leatherneck" was adopted. This was due to the Marines wearing heavy leather armor around their necks to provide basic protection from attacks.

Related Articles

 * United States Marine Corps
 * UN Marine Corps
 * UNSC Marine Corps