New South Wales Marine Corps
| New South Wales Marines Corps | |
|---|---|
A British marine officer c. 1780 | |
| Active | 1786–1791 |
| Country | Great Britain |
| Branch | His Majesty's Marine Forces |
| Type | Marines |
| Size | One battalion |
| Colours | Wreath of thistles and roses on white background |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major Robert Ross (1786–1791) |
The New South Wales Marine Corps was a battalion-sized unit of the British Marine Forces created to guard convicts aboard the First Fleet to Australia, and to preserve "subordination and regularity" in the colony of New South Wales. Established in 1786, the unit served in New South Wales from 1788 to 1792, and was instrumental in establishing the colony's rule of law. Study of the complete New South Wales Marine complement indicates they were chosen from the Plymouth and Portsmouth Divisions, with only one exception. Beginning with guards arriving with the 2nd and 3rd fleets but officially with the arrival of HMS Gorgon on 22 September 1791, the New South Wales Marines were relieved by a newly formed British Army regiment of foot, the New South Wales Corps.