RM Experience Museum, Portsmouth
The RMHS has recently made a significant £5000 donation to the RM Experience Museum in Portsmouth, which is aiming to open this July.
Details about how you can donate to the new Museum project can be found on the NMRN website at:
www.nmrn.org.uk/donate
The following film is worth a watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KksEQmSJufs
Next RMHS Webinar - Burma Commandos 8 April 2026
Join the RMHS and military historian, Lucy Bettridge-Dyson in our first webinar of 2026. The talk, ‘Jungle Commandos: The Battle for Arakan’ in Burma 1945. Lucy’s talk will focus on the role and activities of 3 Commando Brigade at the Battles of Myebon and Kangaw.
You can join the webinar at 7pm on Wednesday 8 April using the Zoom link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87299542849?pwd=NjjmHvQzJHnIMSLUdqVlf9SUJ5U7wK.1
Meeting ID: 872 9954 2849
Passcode: 476627
A Christmas Tot….
With Christmas looming quickly….the Royal Marines Historical Society has partnered with Scotland's leading independent scotch whisky distillery to produce a beautiful limited-edition single malt bottling, just in time for your Christmas stocking. Unfortunately RMHS does not possess the required licenses to sell alcohol, so we can't supply the bottles directly.
They can be ordered online at:
https://wolfburn.com/products/rmhs-46-vol-70cl
Profits from the sale of every bottle will go directly to RMHS, and members can benefit from a 10% discount on all other Wolfburn products by inputting the code RMHS10 when you check out.
Annual Membership Increase
The annual membership fee for the Society has remained unchanged since 2019, during which time we have seen increasing pressures on our finances from increases in printing and postage costs as well as other running costs. We therefore find ourselves in the position of having to raise our fees for members.
From 1 January 2026 the following rates will apply.:
Standard membership £40. This option has the same benefits as the current offer, with a £12 a year increase.
Standard Membership Overseas £70. This option has the same benefits as the current offer, with a £30 a year increase.
Digital Membership £28. This is a new offer whereby you will receive the twice-yearly Sheet Anchor in digital format not hard copy. You will not receive the Special Publications in hardcopy but will be able to buy these at a discounted rate of 50% off, plus postage.
If you wish to keep your Standard Membership benefits you will need to cancel your Standing Order and set up a new one for the £40 value, making sure your bank cancel the existing Standing Order. The Society is not able to make changes to Standing Orders. If you do not change your Standing Order and continue to pay £28 you will be moved to the Digital Membership option.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the Treasurer at
rmhshontreas@gmail.com
The Next Special Publication: ‘From Ball to Bullet' - Muskets and Rifles of the Royal Marines 1664-2024’
From Ball to Bullet contributes significantly to Royal Marines and firearms history. There has been no serious previous study of the weapons used by Britain’ s commandos and their forefathers.
Robert Wilsey is well-placed to write this book. As a schoolboy he shot competitively at Bisley with the Rifle No. 4. He enjoyed a distinguished 31-year career in the Royal Marines retiring as Colonel, during which he deployed on exercise and operations armed with the AR-15 in the Far East, the SLR in Europe and the Middle East, and finally with the then-new SA80 in North-West Europe, the Arctic and Iraq. During the late 1990s he worked alongside the Russian Army in the Caucasus and with former Warsaw Pact nations in Eastern Europe which gave him a valuable insight into Eastern Bloc arms. He has enjoyed a long interest in vintage arms with a specialist knowledge of early breechloading rifles, about which he has written a number of books and articles.
Robert’s operational experience and detailed insight into the history of firearms come together in this authoritative and enjoyable publication. He has produced a comprehensive chronology that provides a detailed timeline of the evolution of firearms used by the Royal Marines from 1664 to 2024, linking technological advancements to military needs. The author delves into the mechanics, design, ballistics and functionality of various firearms, offering insights into rifling, ammunition, breech mechanisms, and engineering. It connects the development of firearms to specific military campaigns, wars, and operational needs, highlighting their role in shaping military history and tactics.
By focussing on the muskets and rifles on general issue to the Royal Marines, the book fills an important niche in military history, particularly in naval and amphibious warfare. The author discusses some innovative arms, such as the Nock Volley Gun, the Whitworth Rifle and De Lisle Commando Carbine and briefly describes specialist weapons such as sniper rifles, anti-materiel rifles and sub-machine guns. Detailed specifications and comparisons make it a valuable resource for collectors, historians, and technical experts alike. The book explores how social, political, and economic factors influenced firearms development, such as the adoption of rifling, breech-loading technology and smokeless powder. It examines the practical use of firearms in conflicts, from the earliest times to modern operations, analysing their effectiveness and adaptations. Overall, the book serves as a definitive resource for understanding the technological, historical, and operational evolution of British military firearms, particularly in the context of the Royal Marines, enriching military and firearms literature.
The next SP is coming soon….
