Richard Tucker
The Marines Have Landed…” The Continental Marines and the Birth of the U.S. Marine Corps
The Continental Navy and the Continental Marines forced Britain to look at the American Revolution as something far more serious than a localized rebellion of 13 colonies. Through the landings at New Providence in the Bahamas, Whitehall in Scotland, Whitehaven in England, and constant raids on British shipping, the British government had to accept that this was a global conflict. This presentation will focus on the earliest days of the Continental Marines and show that even in their first actions, the groundwork was laid for their illustrious 250-year history, making them the world’s finest fighting force. Together we will look at their operations, arms, material culture, and contributions to the American War for Independence and how they helped George Washington secure victory during the 10 Crucial Days.
Richard Tucker, MMH, is a Marine Corps veteran, lifelong reenactor of various eras, and accredited historian. Richard holds a BA in U.S. History from Keene State College, and an MA in Military History from Norwich University. He has done historical programming on the Continental Marines for the Tun Tavern Legacy Foundation (USMC 250th) and portrayed Continental Marine Lieutenant James Warren Jr. with the Plymouth Marine Corps League and Celebrate Mercy Otis Warren Society. He is the commanding officer of Baker Company, 21st Marine Regiment (WW2 reenacted) and the NCOIC of the Grenadier Company of His Majesty’s 47th Regiment of Foot (reenacted). He has published several short stories on various topics of the American Revolution and is currently editing his first novel.
