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First Amphibious Landing in Marine Corps History
April 24, 2017 Grunt.com Admin

First Amphibious Landing in Marine Corps History

The first amphibious landing in Marine Corps history came on March 3, 1776, when a force under Captain Samuel Nicholas stormed the beaches of the British-held island of New Providence in the Bahamas. The 220 Marines had journeyed to the Caribbean with a Continental Navy flotilla in search of military supplies. After landing unopposed near Nassau, they captured the town and took possession of its two forts, both of which surrendered after a token resistance. New Providence’s British governor managed to ship more than 150 barrels of gunpowder out of the town before the Marines arrived, but Nicholas and his band successfully seized several brass cannons and mortars that were later put to use by George Washington’s Continental Army.
Filed in: Marine Corps Stories
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Comments

Stoney Brook - April 13, 2020

Ray, it seems this set the precendent for future landings where the Marines were tasked with “showing the flag.” We’d sit aboard ship, clean gear, stand inspections, get vague orders and hear “Land the Landing Force” … Climb into landing craft, spend hours circling off the beach; not a few Marines puking over the gunwales.Hit the beach at high port, trudge through ankle-deep surf and sand … The Washington politicians, admirals and generals would blow smoke about ‘Collaborative efforts to ensure peace and further democracy”. By Day 3, we’d consumed all the beer, impregnated the native women, and offended most local customs.

Ray Burrington - April 13, 2020

Visited site a couple of years ago. According to the historian, the Marines were onshore a very short time. They came, they conquered, and retired for some brew!

Robert McLeod - April 13, 2020

The days of iron men (Marines) and wooden ships! Yes you are an old Salt

Connly,David e - April 13, 2020

That’s me in the white shirt,sleeves rolled up and hauling on the landing craft which was an oar propelled LCVP! “Old Corps”!!

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