The Netherlands Marine Corps (Dutch: Korps Mariniers) is the elite naval infantry corps of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The marines trace their origins back to the establishment of the Regiment de Marine on 10 December 1665, by the then grand pensionary of the Dutch Republic, Johan de Witt and famous Admiral Michiel de Ruyter.
The present-day Corps is a rapid reaction force that can be deployed to any location in the world within a maximum of 48 hours. The marines are capable of operating in all environments and climates, specialising in expeditionary warfare, amphibious warfare, arctic warfare and mountain warfare. The core fighting element of the corps consists of two battalion-sized Marine Combat Groups (MCGs) which are supplemented by various combat support and combat service support squadrons. In addition, the Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF) are capable of conducting the full spectrum of special operations.
Throughout its history, the Marines have seen action in a number of major conflicts including the Anglo-Dutch Wars, the War of the Spanish Succession and World War II. In recent history the Marines have regularly been deployed in stabilisation roles such as the Bosnian War, the Iraq War, the War in Afghanistan and the Mali War. Additionally, the Corps conducts counterpiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden and provides Vessel Protection Detachments (VPDs) to Dutch merchant ships. The Netherlands Marine Corps uphold close international relations with the Royal Marines, the United States Marine Corps, the Sea Battalion (German: Seebataillon) and the Special Operations Regiment.
1665Dec, 10
The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps is founded by Michiel de Ruyter
Choose Another Date
Events on 1665
- 4Mar
Second Anglo-Dutch War
English King Charles II declares war on the Netherlands marking the start of the Second Anglo-Dutch War. - 6Mar
Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society
The first joint Secretary of the Royal Society, Henry Oldenburg, publishes the first issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society. - 12Jun
New Amsterdam
England installs a municipal government in New York City (the former Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam). - 10Dec
Michiel de Ruyter
The Royal Netherlands Marine Corps is founded by Michiel de Ruyter