War of 1812 - Artefact of the Week - June 8, 2012

Royal Marines Recruitment Poster

The dramatic and bold text of this recruiting poster invited young men to enlist in the Plymouth Division of the Royal Marines during the War of 1812. Royal Marines served on board of Royal Navy warships, and as infantry and artillerymen on land. The Plymouth Division was one of four major bases for the Royal Navy during the war, and the division saw action on the Great Lakes and along the Atlantic coast of North America. The 11 guinea bounty, equivalent to roughly eight months’ pay in 1812, typically attracted men in their early twenties, though men of all ages sought positions with the Royal Marines.

Royal Marines recruitment poster during the War of 1812.
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