45 Commando Celebrated the Birth of the Corps - in what were unusual circumstances 45 Commando. RM celebrated, the Corps’ 348th birthday with a regimental dinner marking the birth of the Royal Marines at the end of October 1664.     The Royal Marines from the Assault Ship BULWARK, the Helicopter Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS and the RFA Landing Ship RFA MOUNTS BAY from the UK’s Response Force Task Group (Cougar 12) were visiting Toulon and took time out to visit nearby Nice and in the unique setting of an aquatic park with performing killer whales for the occasion the regimental dinner took place.