Why does the Royal Marine Corps Crest say "Gibraltar" on it?

<h3>Why does the Royal Marine Corps Crest say "Gibraltar" on it?</h3>

I know Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and from strategical point of view it is a great asset to our Navy being at the entrance to the Mediterranean but it still seems odd to me that the crest refers to that specific territory.

Is there any particular reason as to why the Royal Marine Corps Crest says "Gibraltar" on it?


<strong>Gibraltar best answer:</strong>
<p><i>Answer by TB12</i><br/>This is a "cut and paste" from another site but it will explain it.



The word Gibraltar refers to the Great Siege of Gibraltar by French and Spanish forces, from 1779 to 1783, in support of the American Revolution. It was awarded in 1827 by George IV as a special distinction for the services of four of the old Army Marine regiments (Queen's Own Marines, 1st Marines, 2nd Marines, 3rd Marines) in holding that fortress against determined assaults, despite extreme privation. There are no other battle honours displayed on the colours of the four battalion-sized units of the current Corps. The Latin motto "Per Mare Per Terram" translates into English as "By Sea By Land" describing how the Royal Marines both attack and defend. The fouled anchor, incorporated into the emblem in 1747, is the badge of the Lord High Admiral and shows that the Corps is part of the Naval Service. Per Mare Per Terram ("By Sea By Land"), the motto of the Marines, is believed to have been used for the first time in 1775.</p>
<p><strong>Gibraltar</strong>
<img alt="Gibraltar" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8463999633_7b8b76a4d2.jpg" width="400"/><br/>
<i>Image by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/28041629@N00/8463999633">scotbot</a></i>
Gibraltar</p>

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