Royal marines marriage protocol 1870s

[Paul Crook]

Hi

I have found a copy of a letter my great great grandfather William Holland wrote to his commanding officer in 1879 requesting permission to marry an Annie Smith. Is this something all members of the forces would have been expected to do at that time. Also, can anyone give me any idea how the couple would have lived in the forces after the wedding, for example would they have married quarters in those days or would the wife have stayed at home?
Any help would be much appreciated as always
Thanks
Paul

[Jebber]

In the Armed Forces  permission of ones Commanding Officer was required for the wife to be taken on strength, in other words, to qualify for allowances, and accommodation where available etc. Marriages without consent were not recognised.

Permission required for other ranks under the age of  21, and officers under 25, continued  well into the twentieth century, I remember my husband having to obtain permission.

You may find it interesting to look at the following website, although primarily Army, it will give you an insight into service life for families.

archhistory.co.uk

Jebber

[MaxD]

Another history, again army based, is Mr Thomas Atkins, particularly the chapter on Mrs Atkins https://archive.org/details/cihm_05361.  Also useful is http://www.thesocialhistorian.com/women-and-the-victorian-regiment/ which highlights the point that at that time there was a quota limiting the number of soldiers with permission to marry whose whose wives would then be borne on the strength. 
The Royal Navy (including the Royal Marines), no doubt had their own rules, can't find a specific reference to the 1880s but this earlier one is perhaps of interest.http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/women_nelson_navy_01.shtml  Google throws up a lot to look at.

Rules changed over the years as Jebber (and I) could testify!

maxD

[Paul Crook]

Thanks for the replies Jebber and maxD. Just picked them up so I'll have a look at the suggested websites later.

Thanks for your help
Paul