PLYMOUTH-based 42 Commando Royal Marines are celebrating the 350th birthday of the Corps in Gibraltar this weekend (Oct 25/26).

The Marines are also marking their historic honour – the Freedom of Gibraltar, conferred on them by the town following on from the 1704 war when the Dutch and UK Marines secured a military victory.

This renewal of the honour is signified by members of 42 Commando M-Company marching through the street.

Rehearsal is continuing at Bickleigh Camp on the edge of Plymouth for the two ceremonial events with the Marines already well practised in parade ground drills when they took over Royal Palace duties this year as part of the 350th celebrations.

The capture of Gibraltar in 1704 by the forces of the Grand Alliance occurred during the Spanish war of Succession when the Alliance was looking for a harbour in the Iberian Peninsula to control the Strait of Gibraltar and allow naval operations against the French fleet in the western Mediterranean Sea.

This battle honour remains on the Royal Marines cap badge and colours (flags) today, despite the Marines having many other battle honours to their name.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Cantrill, the commanding officer of 42 Commando, said: “This has been a year of celebrations of the past and the present.

"But it also takes the Corps of Royal Marines forward with global deployments today including the amphibious Cougar 2014 deployment and supporting humanitarian operations in Sierra Leone.

“Gibraltar has historic and current significance to the Royal Marines and Royal Navy with a major battle honour on the Rock to our name.

"One of the notable national events for the Corps birthday was taking over Royal Palace guard duties and this has given us great experience for taking to the ceremonial celebrations this Saturday on Gibraltar.’’ The Marines of M-Company will also be taking part in a typically physical challenge – the gruelling Rock Run – a running race up and down the Rock of Gibraltar which is undertaken by sailors and Marines of visiting ships.

Seriously injured Afghanistan veteran Royal Marine Mark Ormrod will be supporting the run and other celebrations.

These include a gala cocktail reception in the Convent on Saturday and a Royal Marines Band Concert in St Michael’s Cave on Sunday.

Corporal Michael Chapman, of M-Company 42 Commando, an Afghanistan combat veteran, said: “This is another great honour for the unit in an important year for us all. We are proud to be representing the Corps in a major event.’’

The organiser, Alan Hardy said: “With almost two years planning behind us for this very special occasion the Royal Marines 350th Birthday Celebrations are going to be magnificent and will not only reinforce the long standing history the Corps has with Gibraltar, but also raise funds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

With support from His Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar we have organised a fantastic weekend of fun and celebrations for participants in the Run from the UK and USA, but also for the locals of Gibraltar.”

On Sunday 26 October in St Michael’s Cave, the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will be performing an exclusive concert in the iconic cave.

From 8pm the Royal Marines Band Scotland will entertain a capacity audience with a music and visual extravaganza in aid of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

Tickets are now on sale at the Reception Office, John Mackintosh Hall and on-line at www.rmctf.org and cost £20 which is inclusive of return transfers from Marketplace and bottom Cable Car Station. Entries are now being taken for a unique Rock Run to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Marines.

On Saturday, October 25 from 9.30am Casemates Square will see the forming-up and warming-up of up to 200 runners from the UK, USA and Gibraltar – whilst at the same time being entertained by the Band of the Royal Marines.

Alongside the Rock Run will be a Postal Walk in which families and groups as well as individuals are being sought to walk 1,664 yards (1664 being the year the Royal Marines were formed) from John Mackintosh Square finishing at Casemates – with a prize for the Best Dressed young ‘Marine’.