Commandant General Royal Marines

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The Commandant General Royal Marines is the professional head of the Royal Marines.

The title has existed since 1945, and is the most senior role in the Royal Marines. The current incumbent is Major General Garry Robison (since 29th June 2006) The appointment is held concurrently with that of Commander UK Amphibious Forces - COMUKAMPHIBFOR.

The Commandant General Royal Marines is the professional head of the Royal Marines, responsible for advising the First Sea Lord, with line responsibility for all RM units. Since the creation of Fleet Battle Staff in 2001, the role has been dual-hatted as Commander UK Amphibious Forces. COMUKAMPHIBFOR is one of two deployable 2* Maritime Operational Commanders (the other being Commander UK Maritime Force (COMUKMARFOR), with particular responsibility for amphibious and littoral warfare.

Originally the Commandant General held the rank of a full General. This has changed over the last 60 years so that the rank more accurately represents the size of Royal Marines.

Do not confuse this position with the Captain General Royal Marines, the ceremonial head.

This position is equivalent to the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

[edit] Commandant General Royal Marines

  • General Sir Thomas Hunton, 1945-1946
  • General Sir Reginald Brooks, 1946-1949
  • General Sir Leslie Hollis, 1949-1952
  • General Sir John Westall, 1952-1955
  • General Sir Campbell Richard Hardy, 1955-1959
  • General Sir Ian Riches, 1959-1962
  • Lieutenant General Cartwright Taylor, 1962-1965
  • General Sir Norman Tailyour, 1965-1968
  • General Sir Peter Hellings, 1968-1971
  • General Sir Ian Gourlay, 1971-1975
  • General Sir Peter Whiteley, 1975-1977
  • Lieutenant General Sir John Richards, 1977-1981
  • Lieutenant General Sir Steuart Pringle, 1981-1985
  • Lieutenant General Sir Michael Wilkins, 1985-1987
  • Lieutenant General Sir Martin Garrod, 1987-1990
  • Lieutenant General Sir Henry Beverley, 1990-1994
  • Lieutenant General Sir Robert Ross, 1994-1996
  • Major General David Pennefather, 1996-1998
  • Major General Robert Fulton, 1998-2001
  • Major General Robert Fry, 2001-2002
  • Major General Anthony Milton, 2002-2004
  • Major General James Dutton, 2004-2006
  • Major General Garry Robison, 2006-current


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