Welcome to the web page of the Royal Grenadiers, the armed forces of the Republic of Morac-Songhrati-Meads. The Royal Grenadiers have a long and proud history of defending our nation and today form the backbone of the Government-in-Exile's attempts to regain our sovereignty. History of the Royal Grenadiers On 14 March 1882 a Royal Decree by King James I authorized the formation of the Kingdom of Humanity Royal Grenadiers. The formation of an armed forces for means of defence was seen to be vital following a number of pirate raids on Meads Island. While mainly concerned with defence issues, the Royal Grenadiers were occasionally dispatched to world hotspots, including the Boxer Rebellion and the Boer War. During World War I, the Royal Grenadiers remained stationed throughout the archipelago to ward off a rumoured German invasion but a number of young Songhrati men fought in Europe with the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF), many never to return. Throughout the interwar period, the Royal Grenadiers grew in size and helped protect the Sea of Humanity from incursions by foreign vessels. Although small in number, the Royal Grenaiders earned a reputation of being one of the fiercest fighting forces in Asia. Of course, as war was declared in 1939 and the spectre of a Japanese assault loomed on the horizon, many citizens found it prudent to relocate to the comparatively safe Australia. The Royal Grenadiers, lead by James, Earl of Goring remained on the islands to defend the Kingdom of Humanity. Brave as these soldiers were, they were no match for the Japanese military when they invaded the islands on 12 December 1939. The anniversary of this day is now a solemn public holiday known as "Martyrs' Day", as all the surviving Royal Grenadiers, including the Earl of Goring, were summarily executed. Following World War II, the Royal Grenadiers were reformed and again watched the horizons for signs of trouble. Following the nation's move to a republic, there was a prolonged debate about whether the Royal Grenadiers should keep the title "Royal" and the pomp and ceremony that accompanied it. It was eventually decided that the name "Royal Grenadiers" be retained to honour those killed in battle on Matyrs' Day. Despite an heroic defence of the islands by the Royal Grenadiers, Morac-Songhrati-Meads was invaded again and the soldiers evacuated. Currently the Royal Grenadiers are acting as a guerilla force, on standby for when the Government-in-Exile decides that the time for diplomatic solutions has finished. Honorary Members of the Royal Grenadiers In order to show its appreciation to foreign miliatry dignatories who have couragously forwarded the cause of our nation, the Government-In-Exile of Morac-Songhrati-Meads awards the titles of Honorary Brigadier or Honorary Marshal of the Royal Grenadiers. Persons awarded the title "Honorary Brigadier" holds the right to inspect the Royal Grenadiers and its military hardware at any time. Further, Honorary Brigadiers may call upon the the Royal Grenadiers to assist in the defence of their own nation. Honorary Marshals are second in rank to Honorary Brigadiers and hold the same rights as those of an Honorary Brigadier, excepting that a Honorary Brigadier will hold precedence over that of a Honorary Marshal. Honorary Brigadiers Mr AJ Brong, Minister of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of Amador Mr Xanana Gusmao, Interim President, East Timor Mr Otto Ondawame, Freedom Fighter, West Papua Honorary Marshals Major-General Peter Cosgrove, INTERFET Forces Commander, East Timor