Royal Netherlands Marines Museum

T

he Museum of the Royal Netherlands Marines Corps (RNLMC), located in the heart of Rotterdam, is a tribute to the history of the Netherlands Marine Corps. Situated within the historic Wijnhaven area, this museum not only offers a deep dive into the marines’ past but also stands as a monument to Rotterdam’s resilient spirit and rich maritime heritage.

Founded in 1665, the Netherlands Marine Corps is one of the oldest naval infantry units in the world, with a legacy of bravery and service spanning centuries. The museum vividly captures this journey, showcasing a comprehensive collection of artifacts, documents, and interactive exhibits. From the early days of the corps’ establishment during the Anglo-Dutch Wars to its modern-day operations in international peacekeeping and anti-piracy missions, visitors are taken on an immersive journey through time.

Wijnhaven location

The location of the museum itself is steeped in history. Rotterdam, a city that rose from the ashes after the devastation of World War II, is a testament to resilience and reconstruction. The Wijnhaven area, once a bustling hub of maritime trade, now houses the museum in a setting that reflects the city’s maritime significance and its continuous evolution. As visitors explore the museum, they are not only engaging with the history of the Dutch Marines but also with the broader narrative of Rotterdam’s transformation from a war-ravaged port to a vibrant, modern metropolis.

In essence, the Museum of the Dutch Marines offers a dual narrative: it is a celebration of the marine corps’ enduring legacy and a reflection of Rotterdam’s indomitable spirit. This unique confluence of military history and urban resilience makes the museum a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the profound connections between the city’s past, its maritime roots, and its present-day identity.

What to expect

The museum is part of a series of “national” military museums. Even though it is not as big as the museum in Soesterberg it is worth a visit. The history of the Dutch marines goes back to 1665. It was founded on 10 December 1665 during the Second Anglo-Dutch War by the then grand pensionary of the Dutch Republic, Johan de Witt and Admiral Michiel de Ruyter as the Regiment de Marine.

In the museum there is an area amed at kids, “Marines one a mission” including a mini indoor obstcale course. You will first get a short briefing that explains the objectives of your mission. Then it is up to you to successfully accomplish the mission. This must be a great way to find out what it means to go out on a mission as a marine and to see what kind of skills it takes.

Alongside this highly detailed model of the amphibious warfare ship HNLMS Johan de Witt, various special exhibits, including loans from the Rijksmuseum have found their way to the museum. These include an original hat from 1817 as worn by a so-called ‘hoedjesman’ (literally a ‘hat man’, i.e. a naval infantryman wearing this particular type of headgear, with the hat referred to in English as a topper) and a sabre which was used on board of the gun boat commanded by Van Speijk.

You may also find several mini-exhibitions provide an overview of the Marine Corps missions from the 1970s to the present, including peacekeeping missions (Uruzgan), and anti-piracy (Somalia).

During the missions in Somalia marines from the Maritime Special Operations Forces (MARSOF) were deployed to detain and search suspected pirate boats using intercept vessels. In the museum you can find several displays about this elite unit.

Another part of the museum is about about the role of the marines during the attack on The Netherlands in 1940, which had taken place close to the museum.

You may find a selection of paintings a all terrain vehilcle, diorama’s, uniforms and equipment, ship models and probably there is something in the museum for everybody who is interested in the marines. The collection includes an original hat from 1817 as worn by a so-called ‘hoedjesman’ (literally a ‘hat man’, i.e. a naval infantryman wearing this particular type of headgear, with the hat referred to in English as a topper) and a sabre which was used on board of the gun boat commanded by Jan Van Speijk.

The Marines Museum collection is huge and varied and is specifically aimed at the cultural-historical heritage of an elite unit of the Netherlands Navy: the Marine Corps. The recommended age is 8+.

Trivia

The motto of the Dutch Marine Corps is Qua Patet Orbis meaning As Far as the World Extends.

The RNLMC first elite CT unit was called the Bijzondere Bijstandseenheid Mariniers (BBE-M). It was formed in 1973 in response to the Munich Olympics terrorist incident. The BBE-M first earned widespread recognition in the 1970s, when they assaulted a Dutch train hijacked by Malaccan extremists and freed the hostages on board. The BBE-Ms skills were again put to the test, during ‘The Hague siege’ in 2004, when four policeman of an Arrest Team (AT) in The Hague, were injured by a hand grenade thrown by homegrown terrorists cell called the Hofstadgroep. The BBE-M was called in to help. After a sniper from the Koninklijke Marechaussee border guard/military police Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB) shot one of the terrorists in the shoulder, the BBE-M breached the house using a frame charge and made a successful arrest. In 2006, the BBE-M was renamed into the “Unit Interventie Mariniers” (UIM). The operators however still prever to use the name BBE instead of UIM.

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