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The Royal Marines were a regiment of men trained to work along side the Royal Navy.
These men had their own officers and senior rates and worked as a group within the ships company.
The marines would provide the ceremonial guard when required, stand sentry outside the Admiral or Captain's cabin and would provide guards for the ships powder magazines and spirit room.
They were a fighting force ashore and would be assisted by seaman from the ship. The Royal Marines and sailors were a close knit working force at sea and ashore in much the same way as we see them today.
On joining HMS VICTORY
Adair, Charles William. Rank: Captain Royal Marines, ship’s book number M001, age 29, nationality Irish County Antrim. Killed at Trafalgar 21st October 1805. Received a Government grant of £161-0-0 and prize money of £65-11-0. Joined Victory on the 14th April 1803 from Chatham Head Quarters. Adair was an Irishman from a family of distinguished Royal Marine officers. His father was Colonel Benjamin Adair, Royal Marines. His uncle was Captain William Prowse, Royal Navy, who commanded the SIRIUS at Trafalgar.
Charles
William Adair joined the Royal Marines as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1782. He was appointed
to the VICTORY on her commissioning at Chatham in April 1803 in command of a
detachment of 144 Royal Marines nearly all from the Chatham and Plymouth divisions.
He was also at the same time Inspecting Officer for Recruiting in the Mediterranean.
His three officers were 1st Lieutenant James Goodwin Peake and 2nd Lieutenants
Lewis Roatley and Lewis Buckle Reeves.
At Trafalgar Adair behaved with great gallantry and as he stood on the Gangway
encouraging his men to repel boarders from the French ship REDOUTABLE which
was close alongside the starboard (right hand side). He was killed by a musket
ball in the back of his neck.
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