COLONIAL MARINES
After the Middle Ages, European powers began to expand their empires. They tried to conquer lands in Africa, North and South America, and Asia. Soon, they needed more soldiers than they had available back home. They began to recruit soldiers from the local people of these new lands.
In the sixteenth century, the Spanish explorer Hernando Cortez used American Indians called the "Tlaxcalans" when he fought the Aztecs. Britain and France used African slave labor to defend their colonies in the West Indies. Climate and disease were problems for the white populations, which made recruiting European soldiers difficult. Africans were found to be better suited to the hot West Indies climate. They also did not get sick as easily from yellow fever, which killed many European soldiers. The British recruited African slaves to keep the army as large as possible. Almost 20,000 men were needed to protect the West Indies colonies.
When Britain went to war with France in the late eighteenth century, it became even more important for the British to recruit local soldiers. This war led to the creation of all-black and mixed West Indies regiments that maintained defenses throughout the Caribbean islands. One regiment is composed of 10 companies, each comprised of 95 privates, the lowest rank. Each company had its own group of officers and staff.
The War of 1812 gave the British a chance to recruit from American slaves. The recruits came mainly from Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia. The British admired them for their courage and discipline. In 1814, Admiral Alexander Cochrane issued a proclamation inviting anyone not "satisfied" with living in America to join the British army. The British would take anyone who wanted to leave away from America and give them a new place to live. This proclamation was mainly directed at slaves. Cochrane hoped to cause problems with the American society and economy. He also hoped to make Americans uncomfortable with the idea of slaves carrying guns. The regiments created from American ex-slaves were called the Colonial Marines. They were trained for six weeks just like regular British soldiers. They were armed with the same weapons and equipment. The Colonial Marines also knew the local countryside and could act as guides for the British. This made them very valuable for fighting against America.
Britain wanted a lifetime commitment for Africans joining the army. For many, this commitment was better than life as a slave. Black West Indies soldiers were given equal status to white soldiers. They wore the same uniform as the white soldier, and they received the same pay and privileges as well. Their pay included a pension after they retired from the army. One of the most important items given to a soldier for joining the army was a new set of clothes. They were given a new set each year. For a slave, a new set of clothes was something they might never receive. It was very expensive to produce woolen clothes like the British uniforms. Most men, of any color, could not afford a new set every year. This was a big reason that men joined the British army. It was more than money or freedom: a new set of clean clothes gave them respect.
One of the battles the Colonial Marines fought was in Georgia. In January, 1815, Rear Admiral George Cockburn (pronounced "Co'burn") invaded Georgia with over 1,500 men. He marched on the battery at Point Peter near St. Marys. His army included black soldiers from West Indies regiments and the Colonial Marines. The Americans defending Point Peter attacked the British. After 20 minutes of fighting, the British forced the Americans retreat and took the battery. The British commanders praised the African soldiers for their bravery in the battle. This was one of the last battles the Colonial Marines ever fought in the War of 1812. Peace had already been signed in Europe. The war was over.
After the War of 1812, the British relocated over 700 free Black American settlers to the Caribbean island of Trinidad. These settlers were veterans of the Colonial Marines. As promised, they were given a new place to live. Local people knew them as "the Merikens" and the villages where they settled were called the company towns, after the companies of Colonial Marines.
The West Indies regiments were also settled in Trinidad. Some were sent to Sierra Leone in Africa. Others were sent to Nova Scotia in Canada. These were all British colonies. They were given food and land to start a new life. They were also paid for the rest of their lives for their service in the army. The descendents of the Black British soldiers can still be found living in these places today.
A sketch of a Colonial Marine.