Hi all, I'm currently watching Master and Commander and there are a number of red coat soldiers aboard the naval ship. I was wondering how these men were organized, their branch of service, their number, chain of command and their organisational history later on.
Thank you!
Edit: woops! Meant 18th century!
The red coats you are referring to were British Royal Marines of His Majesties' Naval Service. They were organized much like their American counterparts at the time; Royal Marines were organized much like the Army personal wise, having Colonels and Generals instead of Captains (O-6) and Admirals. Their service was also under the Royal Navy just like the U.S. Marines Corps is under the Department of the Navy.