Compagnies Franches de la Marine

Compagnies Franches de la Marine

During the celebration of the 400th Anniversary of the city of Quebec
Active
Country  Kingdom of France
Allegiance Marine Royale
Type Army
Role Service in Outre-Mer in overseas colonies, particularly New France, Louisbourg, and other North American territories.
Size 10,000
Garrison/HQ Brest, Rochefort, Toulon, Port-Louis (Bretagne). Companies dispersed in the territories of the first French colonial Empire until 1761.
Motto(s) Per mare et terras
March Auprès de ma blonde

The Compagnies Franches de la Marine (previously known as Troupes de la marine, the later also being reshaped as the Troupes de Marine) were an ensemble of autonomous infantry units attached to the French Royal Navy (French: marine royale) bound to serve both on land and sea. These troupes constituted the principal military force of France capable of intervening and hold garrisons in outre-mer from 1690 to 1761. Independent companies of the navy and colonial regulars,[1] were under the authority of the French Minister of Marine, who was also responsible for the French navy, overseas trade, and French colonies.

In New France, they were the only regular soldiers from 1685 to 1755, when several army battalions were dispatched to North America. The Naval Department of France began using the Compagnies to defend the fur trade and the local civilians from raiding Iroquois [2] They were superseded by the arrival of large units of the army under Montcalm in 1756. The Compagnies ceased to exist in Canada after the fall of Montreal in 1760.

In 1992 the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve revived the Compagnies as a historical re-enactment unit which has toured the country.

Progression of the Troupes de la marine

Genesis

The furthest origin of the French colonial forces dates back to the creation by Cardinal Richelieu of the hundred Compagnies Ordinaires de la Mer, in 1622. These units were accordingly destined to serve as soldiers on board naval vessels of the Marine Royal. Desertions, floods, lack of funds and interest reduced considerably the initial effects. Richelieu accordingly created in 1626 the Régiment la Marine, which he is the owner and honorary commandant. Harboring the white pavilion, the regiment illustrated capability by combats all along the provincial coast until the Lérins Islands, out large of Cannes, and in the Bay of Biscay.

Richelieu created other regiments to sustain the effort of French colonization in New France, however first and foremost in the Antilles, the first French colonizers set foot in Guadeloupe and Martinique in the year 1630. These regiments did not have a longer duration of service: Régiment du Havre (1636-1642), Régiment des Îles (holding garrison at îles de Ré and Oléron in 1636-1663), and then finally régiment des Galères garrisoned at Toulon. Louis XIII created the Régiment des Vaisseaux (1638-1643). The latter was reformed another time by Cardinal Mazarin under the designation of Régiment Vaisseau-Mazarin in 1664. The regiment was then designated Régiment Vaisseau-Provence in 1658, then Régiment Royal-Vaisseaux in 1669. In 1669, Jean-Baptiste Colbert State Secretary of the Navy (French: secrétaire d'État de la Marine) and avid developer of the marine royal (French Royal Navy) and colonial efforts, created two regiments: Régiment Royal–La Marine and the Régiment de l'Amiral, which distributed their companies between Dunkerque, le Havre, Brest, Rochefort and Toulon. They adorned for the first time the grey-white uniform with blue vest.

Nevertheless, the years of 1670 witnessed significant changes administered between Colbert and François-Michel le Tellier, Marquis de Louvois, respectively between the Naval State Secretary and the Secretary of State of War. The four regiments of la marine were transferred from the secretariat of La Marine to that of the secretariat of La Guerre. Such was put in effect to meet the successive military war demands of the reign of Louis XIV, wanting to control all French units. The regiments have left the French Navy conserved then, only that of a naval designation. During the Revolution, the La Marine, Royal-Marine, Royal-Vaisseux, and the Régiment de l'Amiral ( re-baptized Régiment de Vermandois) integrated definitively the French Army, becoming respectively, the 11e, 60e, 43e and 61e de Ligne in 1791.

The Marine Royale had proud allure in 1671: France was able to align 196 naval vessels. Colbert decided accordingly to create 100 companies of "guardian-soldiers" destined to defend the naval vessels (French: Vaisseau). However, these men were redirected again towards the French Army by Louvois in 1673. Starting this date, the naval and marine officers were obliged to recruit themselves their crew. Owing to the presence of « levées » on the war or commercial sea ports, similar to the « marine press », the officers garrisoned their naval ships with defenders. However, the system found its limits quickly. The recruits were often lacking discipline and experience...and were discharged or deserted following their first campaign, ruining months of training, a reality which forced the naval and marine officers to re-visit the press and assume further responsibilities. A vicious circle and a pride for the performing French naval and marine officers who practically had a limited access of experienced soldiers until 1682.

In 1683, three companies of Troupes de la Marine were sent to Québec to contain the Iroquois who were constantly raiding French settlements and blocking commercial routes to the interior of the Canadian colony.[3] By 1690, it became clear that the forces onboard ships were not capable of defending the French colonies, and so another force was created with that specific mission in mind. This force was also called the Compagnies Franches de la Marine.[4]

Marching in Canada

These troops originally were recruited from the French mainland from among males sixteen years and older who were at least 5'5" tall. Starting in 1685, Canadian nobility was sent to France to attain a military or naval education and become officers.[5] However, throughout their history the Compagnies often did not have their full complement of soldiers, something the colonial leadership complained about to the leadership in mainland France. This was in large part due to the problems of recruitment of soldiers to Canada. The climate, and constant fighting with Iroquois, scared many French from signing up.[6] Another factor was that the French custom of having to ask for the consent of soldier to be sent to a region, which led many to refuse to go to Canada, and the French even resorting to send petty criminals to serve the Compagnies Franche de la Marine [7] Even under-strength, they served to defend the major towns of the colony, and had detachments scattered across the small fur trading posts that were so important to the economy.[8]

One of the reasons for the multi-façade orientation service ( sea and land troupe de terre as a line infantry) of the Troupes de la marine, was due to the rivalry between the Colbert family, who were Ministers of the Marine, and the Le Tellier family whom were in charge of the Troupe de Terre.[9] These bad relations led to the Colbert family sending significantly more naval officers to serve on land than officers from the Troupe de Terre [10]

Three ordinances

To render the limited access of proper naval experiences more operationally effective, the royal power decided to create new colonial troupes, with the initiative of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Marquis de Seignelay, succeeding to the secretariat of the Navy. Colbert requested from the military intendant of Rochefort, the creation of a corps of soldiers "toujours prêt à embarquer" (always ready to embark), "gens braves et capables de bons services" (brave people and capable of good services). Accordingly, are created six "companies of la marine" dependent on State Secretary of the Navy. Composed of 50 men each, units were dispersed between Brest, Rochefort, and Toulon, which became the principal war ports of France. They were "gardiens de port" (guardian of ports) in demi-solde assigned to the surveillance of the ports and royal vessels. Disposing of four months of leave per year, they remained in their homes in times of peace at the condition of reporting back to duty three to four times a year in sessions of inspection and exercises lasting three days. They were commanded by a Lieutenant de Vaisseau. They were definitely dependent of the "secretariat de la Marine" (Naval secretariat).

The royal ordinance of January 1 1685 completed this system by the second foundation of the « soldats-gardiens » (guardian soldiers). Each port consisted of 6 « escouades » (sections) of 50 guardian soldiers and six companies of 50 demi-soldes, that is 300 of each type, totaling a theoretical of 600 soldiers per port. When the guardian soldiers of the ports would embark, those in demi-solde would be called to serve in their place at full pay. The number of companies of guardian soldiers by port became ten, that is 500 men in 1686, then eleven companies, that is 550 men in 1687. 150 men, that is three companies, assigned to Havre during the same year. The units of the same port are under the commandment of a "capitaine de vaisseau".

The successor of de Seignelay, Louis Phélypeaux, comte de Pontchartrain, signed the royal ordinance of April 15 1689 which reinforced the ensemble of existing by supplementations of a company of 100 "apprentis-canonniers" (artillery-apprentices) at Brest, Rochefort and Toulon, one company of 50 "bombardiers" and six sections of 50 supplementary guardian soldiers at Brest, Rochefort, Toulon and le Havre. The ensemble of these units were regrouped under the designation of "troupes de la Marine" (Troupes de la marine). Principally mainly interested in the service at sea, these guardian soldiers could form up to a third of the equipment on which they boarded.

On December 16 1690, the royal ordinance reorganized entirely the French troupes destined in outre-mer service. The royal ordinance authorized the creation of eighty companies franches de la marine integrating at the crops of the same units, new recruits in addition to the ensemble forming the guardian soldiers, port guardians in demi-solde, the artillery-apprentices and bombardiers.

General knowledge

The Troupes de la marine wasn't any different from troupes de terre of the French Army in terms of being a Line Infantry on land or sea on board a ship. Most of the troupes de la marine regiments were transferred to the French Army, with the latter having had troupes de terre (land forces troupes) in maritime service on board ships since 1622 after the first regular specific infantry troupes of Spain and Portugal.

However their service orientation function at the corps of the three ordinances mounting the defensive of sea ports differentiated them from the troupe de terre of the French Army.

As the name would suggest, they served on ships, in ports, all the while assuring the defense of the colony. The troupes de la Marine were organized as independent from one another, in order to provide multiple divisions of an equal number. Regarding their origin, these soldiers originated from France, with the exception of some officers. Around the 1750s, three quarters of the troops were born in the territories of New France itself.[11]

Importance throughout time

These soldiers were present during the majority of New France's existence. Until 1755, they represented the only regular forces in the region. Their history begins in 1683 when the ministère de la Marine decides to procure his own soldiers so that he may defend his colonies without having to rely on the troops of the ministère de la Guerre. Within the first half of the 18th century, the ministère de la marine sent, to Canada and l'Île Royale, less than 200 recruits per year to replace lost men. At the beginning of the 1750s, they counted close to 1,600 soldiers. While the Seven Years' War raged on, the ministère augmented the number of companies to the same number contained in each. Over 4,500 recruits were sent to Canada and Louisbourg, raising the number of soldiers serving in the colonies to 6,100. France's efforts are quite great if the soldiers sent to be a part of the troupes de Terre are also counted.[11]

Territory of operation

Their territory of operation extends across what was considered New France, ranging from Acadia to the Mississippi. They were predominantly used in locations possessing forts. The troupes de la Marine reaffirmed the importance of the French homeland and protected all territories against the nearby English colonies, in an area stuck between the Atlantic and the Appalachians.[11]

Recruitment

Rifleman sword, on display at the Musée national de la Marine.

The recruitment of the soldiers for the troupes de la Marine was undertaken by French and Canadian officials in French territory. From the 1750s, the need for soldiers grew so rapidly that the state had to contact private recruiters. These individuals traveled across the kingdom in search of additional men. This what not limited to the traditionally favoured regions of the north and west, as the east and south were targeted as well. Even the attempts of the knight Alexis Magallon de la Morlière to recruit deserters and refugees in foreign lands were seen as successful.[11]

The bulk of these recruits came from the port cities of Rochefort, Le Havre, Bordeaux, Bayonne, and Nantes.[12] The vast majority of recruits came from Rochefort. Between 1683 and 1688, 66% of the 2050 Troupes de la Marine that arrived in Canada, were from Rochefort.[13]

Accomplishments in New France

The Compagnies de la Marine, eventually consisting of over 6,000 soldiers and 500 officers, greatly contributed to the defense of Canada and Louisbourg. These men served in the company of the Canadian militia and Native Americans, and quite rarely alongside the troupes de Terre. Following the fall of New France, the majority of French recruits returned to Europe, but at least 600 soldiers stayed and married in North America. As a result, they birthed many French legacies in North America, with their descendants being found across the continent to this very day.[11]

Colonies

The main bases of the Companies in France remained the largest military ports: Brest, Rochefort, Toulon, which was added Port-Louis, in the Morbihan . The colonies, the numbers break down as follows:

New France

When Governor Joseph-Antoine Le Febvre de La Barre took over leadership of New France in 1682, he soon learned that the colony did not have the forces to defend itself from potential attack by the Iroquois or other potential enemies. He quickly submitted a formal request for troops from the mainland.[8] In 1683, the Naval Department of France sent the first three Compagnies Franches de la Marine to New France. Their main mission was to defend the colonists and prevent disruption of the fur trade.[4] By the following year, the Compagnies had become a separate military force independent of regular branches of the French military.[8] The colony was also defended by militia. The force expanded by 1757 to 40 companies of 65 men scattered across the various settlements in New France.[4] Some 24 companies were also stationed in Ile Royale, principally at the Fortress of Louisbourg, and another 36 in Louisiana in the mid-1750s. A few companies were previously stationed in Placentia (Newfoundland) and Acadia.[15]

Troupes de la marine.

In the early seventeenth century, Cardinal Richelieu ordered the creation of the Troupes de la Marine to serve aboard French naval vessels. About eighty companies of one hundred men each were formed.[1] The Troupes de la Marine were dispatched by Louis XIV in 1682[16] to replace French regulars in New France, and were used to garrison other French colonies. Initially, the troops that were recruited in France and arrived in Quebec by 1683 were composed of three companies. However, the troops that arrived were raw, many of whom were unfit for battle, and overall poorly supplied [17] The number of companies in Canada steadily increased over the years and reached as many as 40 companies by the year 1757.[18] The roughly 30 companies stationed in the territory of Canada (varied between 28-35 based on the economic and military developments in France) gradually developed into the first permanent ‘Canadian’ military force [19]

The vast majority of soldiers did not live in barracks. The town of Montreal only built a barrack in 1685, which only sheltered 100 of the 250 soldiers stationed there at the time.[20] Most soldiers lived with colonists. To prevent conflict between colonists and soldiers, the Intendant, Jacque de Meulles passed legislation that stated, " an ordinance which obliged the habitants to provide no more than one pot, one chaudière, and a place for the soldier to sleep.".[21] This was later altered to include a straw bed, and place by the fire during the winter months [21]

The companies were considered colonial regulars and eventually became well trained in conventional warfare and became proficient in the native style of warfare known as "La Petite Guerre".[22] Prior to this, fighting between French and Natives was mainly between Canadian militia and their native allies, as previous attempts at engaging the Iroquois in conventional warfare was proven to be ineffective [23]

In Louisbourg, the canoniers-bombardiers company (artillery company) was established in 1743. Two soldiers were chosen from each company stationed at the Louisbourg Garrison, to be trained by the master gunner at firing and aiming cannons.[24] As a result of their extra training and duties, the canoniers were paid an additional six livres per month in compensation for their inability to earn money in the construction of forts or elsewhere, and were offered cash prizes for good marksmanship.[25] The Louisbourg artillery company was composed of 13 canoniers, 12 bombardiers, one drummer, two corporals and two sergeants, led by a lieutenant and a captain.[25]

Unit complement

Flag of the Compagnie Franche de la marine
Regulations of the Roy for the Captains and other Officers of the Compagnies Franches de la Marine on September 29 1693.

The Compagnies were varied in their makeup, and it was not until 1757 that their organization was standardized.[8] Each Compagnie was led by a Captain whose name was used to refer to it. Other officer and petty officers in each Compagnie after the 1757 standardization included a lieutenant, two ensigns, two sergeants, and three corporals as well as two drummers and two cadets who would later be eligible for officer positions.

A company of marines was usually composed of 45 to 65 soldiers, two sergeants, two corporals and one drummer, overseen by a capitaine.[26] The majority of the rank and file soldiers were lower class men recruited in France, although the officers were increasingly Canadian-born and noble. Promotions from soldiers to the officer corps were non-existent and the individual ranks were separated by large pay gaps.[27] Young Canadian-born men were usually admitted into the officer ranks by commissions as cadets or ensigns through the governor.[27] The sons of noblemen or existing officers were usually preferentially selected for positions in the officer corps as well.[27] Cadets constituted a boy or young man who served in a company and was being trained to become an officer in the future.[26] Officers would often exploit the selective nature of admittance to the corps by enrolling their boys sometimes as early as age 5 in order to receive more rations and an extra salary.[26] In 1717, the admission of officers under the age of 14 was prohibited, but the exploitation of the system continued.[26]

Service in the officer corps of the Troupes de la Marine was an important source of economic opportunity and prestige for New France's elite and there was usually a waiting list for commissions in Marine companies. However, colonial enlistment of rank-and-file soldiers was discouraged because it reduced agricultural settlement.[18] During periods of peace, soldiers received additional pay for their services in the construction of forts and roads.[28] Due to a chronic labor shortage, the colonial regulars were also permitted to increase their pay by rendering their services on local farms.[28]

Officer Corps

Prior to 1687, the vast majority of officers serving in Canada were from mainland France.[29] This is especially interesting as Canadian elites were only admitted into the officers corps in 1687.[30] The vast majority of these officers were descendants of the officers of the Carolignan-Salière regiment whom arrived in 1659 to attempt to eliminate the Iroquois [31] The usage of Canadian officers was especially important to the Ministry of the Marine, and the monarchy, as the vast majority of French officers had no desire to serve in Canada, and it was cheaper to recruit from Canada, than to transport officers from France [32] The massive debts brought to the Canadian nobility by their attempt to replicate French noble life in Canada, led to many captains skimming from the military and excess work wages of their soldiers [33] It was the Captain's duty to distribute wages.

Uniforms

Compagnies Franches de la Marine uniforms

Those serving in the Compagnies were given rations of bread, bacon, and dried peas and received a replacement uniform every other year.[4] The clothing and equipment of New France's troops were generally purchased in France and then shipped to Canada. Many records indicate that uniform and attire were altered throughout the existence of the regiment, but remained very similar to that of France's other colonies in the Americas. In the 1750s, private soldiers were issued a long collarless single-breasted coat or justaucorps of greyish white, with lining and deep cuffs of blue. Pockets with horizontal flaps were placed low on the hips, and the skirt corners could be hooked back to facilitate movement. The long-sleeved waistcoat, breeches, and stockings were blue. Accompanying this, a black felt tricorn decorated with a cockade and button, was worn very low over the eyes; its brim was edged with false-gold lace. Soldiers also wore black buckled shoes, followed by gaiters of white duck, which were fastened with a black strap and reached to the thigh. For aesthetic purposes, a white cravat and shirt were worn.[34]

Uniform differed depending on rank, as corporals wore a yellow lace around the top of the coat cuffs. That of sergeants was quite similar, but made of higher quality material, having an inch-wide stripe of gold lace edging the cuffs and pocket flaps. Sergeants wore a grey-white uniform with a red lining and red stockings. This was very specific to the Compagnies franches de la Marine at this time. They also carried halberds, a tradition which was to be found across Europe. Two gold lace stripes were worn on the cuffs and pocket slaps of sergeant-majors. Common soldiers wore a grey-white uniform lined and faced with blue. This was also a very distinctive colour of the Troupes de la Marine. Their hats were trimmed with imitation gold braid, which was a blend of brass wire and yellow cord. This difference in materials demarked the lesser ranking of the soldier. In terms of weapons, they carried a musket, bayonet, and a sword.[35] Drummers wore the King's small livery or insignia. Their blue coat had brass buttons and red cuffs and lining. Although similar to the uniform of a private soldier, it was heavily ornamented along the seams and buttonholes with the King's livery lace, featuring white chain on a crimson ground. Their waistcoat, breeches, and stockings were also red. Buff sword-belts and drum slings were bordered with livery lace, while the blue drum shells were spread with fleur-de-lis. Drummers a rank above wore the great livery, which only distinguished itself through the red triangles on white ground that appeared between the strips of livery lace.[34]

Once again, quality of material is what predominantly differed in the uniforms of officers. The coat was left unadorned, but the waistcoat was frequently embellished with gold lace. Their buttons and gorget were gilt, and hats were braided with fine gold lace. The gorget was only worn on duty, while they were armed with a gilt-hilted sword, as well as an espontoon, which was exchanged for a fusil in battle. New soldiers, or cadets, wore the same uniform as others and were only distinguished by an aiguillette of blue and white silk with brass tips. What is interesting to consider is that cadets were only to be found in Canada, Ile Royale, and Louisiana.[34]

Compagnies Franches de la Marine Officers

At full dress parades, officers carried spontoons and swords, as well as wore gorgets. If they were deemed of a higher ranking, they might wear the coveted Cross of St. Louis hung on a scarlet ribbon at the breast. In order to reward officers with long and distinguished careers, Louis XIV created the Royal and Military Order of St Louis in 1693, knighting those deemed worthy. Numerous Canadian officers received this cross for their work. Non-commissioned officers or sergeants were armed with halberds for formal occasions.[14]

While in western regions, regulars wore a casual, serviceable dress based on that of woodsmen. This included buckskin or cloth leggings, moccasins, and breeches of Indian design. There were some cases where they dressed entirely in Indian apparel, most likely for purposes of warfare. In winter, the Canadian hooded capot, woollen tuque and leggings, moccasins, and mittens were given.[34] To facilitate travel, snowshoes were used. Except during wartime, the soldiers were allowed to supplement their income with outside work, and often worked on local farms or helped build forts and roads.[8]

In regards to the carrying of ammunition, a buff leather waist-belt with brass buckles was attached to a double frog holding brown leather, brass-tipped scabbards for sword and bayonet. The sword carried was brass-hilted and had a straight blade. A red-brown leather cartridge-box was attached to the waist-belt, but it eventually came to be suspended on the right hip from a buff leather cross-belt. The standard French cartouchière of the mid-eighteenth century held thirty musket cartridges instead of nine, contrasting its predecessor, though it can be assumed that there were many different stylistic variations. The older variant was engraved with the King's arms or a white anchor and border. A small brass-mounted powder-horn was also carried.[34] The cartridge case was used to carry ammunition and a model 1728 French infantry musket, or "St. Etienne", although different types of flintlock muskets and fusils were carried at different points in the history of the units.[36] Although the exact designs of the muskets used by a unit such as the Compagnies franches de la marine can no longer be found, it is accepted that they were all of the flintlock type. Given that the colonial regulars were the responsibility of the navy, they carried navy-model muskets made at Tulle.  In the 1740s, the navy began to purchase muskets from St-Etienne that probably resembled the army's 1728 model. In 1752, the royal magazines at Montreal and Quebec contained a great variety of muskets and bayonets.[34]

Duties and requirements

The Compagnie Franche de la Marine were under strict instructions from the King in France, and some of these were as simple as remaining orderly (which includes their living quarters, marching, etc.) and obeying orders (or being arrested for a period of 8 days and having the governor-general notified), while others were quite specific, such as the regulations about leaving their designated living area (for which the soldier must have necessary engagement, permission from the commander, and will be away no longer than 8 days).[2]

They were with wood, candles, muskets and ammunition (when needed), and it was their duty to take care of their own weapon. When they arrived at their location, it was the job of the troop commander to assign living quarters, often among civilian towns.[2] They were required, once they'd reached their destination, to exercise in weapons – twice per week with the musket, once per week with a grenade. If they were absent from practices, the major would be obligated to notify the commander, who would then take charge of the absentee.[2]

With regards to tidiness, the commissioner, accompanied by the major, would inspect the soldier's weapons and living quarters, and note that captains were responsible for their soldiers' tidiness. If these were not satisfactory, the governor-general and intendant would be notified, who would then hold back the officer's pay. The officer would be required to complete training in weapons with the soldiers.[2] Once the commissioner's inspection was complete, he would fill out a certificate, asserting that the soldiers had taken care of their duties, and captains could only allow those who had done so to work.[2] In addition, Sergeants were required to visit the soldiers of their squad twice per week to keep track of there comings and goings and their behaviour in order to keep the captain up to date and to root out potential deserters.[2]

Deserters

In the situation of the desertion of a soldier, the captain-commander of his living quarter, the major of the troop, and the captain of the soldier would be required to write to the governor-general and intendant (individually), alerting them to the situation and providing the name of the soldier as well as inform them regarding the measures that had been taken to find and arrest the individual.[2]

Once a deserter is located, he is tried before the judge in the closest town, holding that his officers must also be present. If an insufficient number of officers and captains is available, the commander may call a Lieutenant who has reached twenty-two years of age to sit in council.[2]

French and Indian War

Along with the Canadian militia and France's Amerindian allies, the Troupes de la Marine were essential to the defence of New France in the late seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. With the arrival of large numbers of British regulars after 1755, the nature of warfare in North America shifted from irregular to conventional European warfare, with particular importance attached to sieges and fortifications. French army battalions were also dispatched to fight in North America after 1755.

During the Seven Years' War, the Louisbourg Garrison's residents became prisoners to the British when the fortress fell,[1] and after the conquest of 1760, many settled permanently in the new territory,[1] while others were repatriated to France.[1]

Although the strength of the force varied widely over time, by the French and Indian War, there were some forty companies serving in the St. Lawrence Valley and the Pays d'en Haut, about twenty at Louisbourg,[1] and more in Louisiana and Acadia. Large garrisons were maintained at Quebec, Montreal, and New Orleans, with smaller forces guarding posts to secure the frontiers and supply routes throughout France's vast territories in North America by the eighteenth century. Small detachments of troops were sent to protect the advance trading posts, which were integral to the success of the profitable fur trade in New France.[18]

When the French and Indian War broke out, the Compagnies were a major part of the French war effort in North America. Their experience in the colony and with war parties of French Canadien militia and native allies made them skilled in the kind of frontier fighting practised during the war. In addition to leading raids on English settlements, they had helped in the efforts to take over the Ohio Valley that preceded the war and participated in the defeat of the English General Edward Braddock early in the war.[8] By 1755, regular infantry battalions were sent to help protect the colony, and a number of the Compagnies were combined into their own battalion to serve alongside the line troops. These forces helped to defend the French fortress at Louisbourg as well as Quebec City and Montreal from attack by British armies. The Compagnies were eliminated with the fall of New France during that war.[4]

Major conflicts and commitments

Companies free men took part in every conflict involving France of 1690-1761 in Europe, the Americas and India. Their commitments are normally related to naval warfare, but note that they are very often used on land. Are listed here as their main commitments. Naval battles isolated and "helping hands" delivered during the guerrilla war in America are too many to be presented.

In Europe

War of the League of Augsburg (1688-1697)

War of the Spanish Succession (1709-1714)

War of the Polish Succession (1733-1738)

Seven Years' War (1756-1763)

In America

King William's War

Queen Anne's War

Inter War Period

King George's War

French and Indian War

In India

Third Intercolonial War

Fourth Intercolonial War (1754-1760)

Notable members

Re-enactments

The Canadian Forces Naval Reserve created a historical reenactment group of the Compagnies Franches de la Marine in 1992. They demonstrate musketry and military drill while dressed in period uniforms. These performances are advertised as family events designed to help the public learn more about military history and interact with sailors.[4]

The military unit of the heritage presentation staff at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada consists of costumed interpreters representing soldiers of the Compagnies Franches de la Marine stationed in Louisbourg during the summer of 1744. During the site's operating season, they perform daily musket firings and military demonstrations and stand guard at various locations in the reconstructed eighteenth-century town.[37]

The Compagnie Franche de la Marine exercising during the 400th Anniversary of Québec City in 2008.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Compagnies franches de la marine.

Endnotes

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Sutherland, Stuart. "Troupes de la Marine", in The Canadian Encyclopedia (Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1988), Volume 4, p.2196.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Russ, Christopher J. Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. Print.
  3. ↑ Cassel, Jay. “Troupes de la Marine,” The Oxford Companion to Canadian History. Oxford University Press, 2004.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Compagnie franche de la marine: History". Naval Reserve of Canada. Retrieved 2009-06-26.
  5. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 130. Print.
  6. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 79. Print.
  7. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 73. Print.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Chartrand, Rene; Summers, Jack L. (1981). "History and Uniform of the Compagnies franches de la marine, 1683-1760". Military Uniforms in Canada, 1665-1970. Canadien War Museum. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
  9. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 125. Print.
  10. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 125. Print.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Gilles Durand. “Les soldats des troupes de la Marine en Nouvelle-France durant la décennie 1750 : origine, recrutement et devenir.” Commission Franco-Québecoise Sur Les Lieux De Mémoire Communs. Bulletin n°30, juin 2010. Web. 21 Feb. 2015.
  12. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971.78-79 Print.
  13. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 78. Print.
  14. 1 2 René Chartrand. Louis XV’s Army (5): Colonial and Naval Troops. Osprey Publishing, 1998.
  15. ↑ Rene Chartrand, The French Soldier in Colonial America (Alexandria, New York, and Bloomfield, Ontario: Museum Restoration Service, 1984), 16-17.
  16. ↑ Sutherland, Stuart. "Troupes de la Marine", in The Canadian Encyclopedia (Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1988), Volume 4, p.2196, says they were created in December 1690.
  17. ↑ Christopher J. Russ. Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 44 Print.
  18. 1 2 3 http://www.militaryheritage.com/c_franch.htm
  19. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 49. Print.
  20. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 85. Print.
  21. 1 2 Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 87. Print.
  22. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 201. Print.
  23. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 51. Print.
  24. ↑ Greer, Allan. "The Soldiers of Isle Royale, 1720–45" (Environment Canada: 1979), p. 8.
  25. 1 2 Greer, Allan. "The Soldiers of Isle Royale, 1720–45" (Environment Canada: 1979), p. 9.
  26. 1 2 3 4 Greer, Allan. "The Soldiers of Isle Royale, 1720–45" (Environment Canada: 1979), p. 7.
  27. 1 2 3 Greer, Allan. "The People of New France" (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1997), p. 50–51.
  28. 1 2 Greer, Allan. "The People of New France" (Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1997), p. 51.
  29. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 128. Print.
  30. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 51. Print.
  31. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 119. Print.
  32. ↑ Christopher J. Russ. Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. 166. Print.
  33. ↑ Christopher J. Russ, Les Troupes De La Marine, 1683-1713. , 1971. Print.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 René Chartrand. “Uniforms,” Historica Canada. Last modified October 20, 2014. Accessed January 31, 2015. http://www.militaryheritage.com/c_franch.htm
  35. ↑ Government of Canada. “Sergeant, drummer and soldier of the Compagnies franches de la Marine in New France, 1685-1700,” Canadian Military History Gateway. Last modified March 29, 2011. Accessed January 31, 2015. http://www.cmhg.gc.ca/cmh/image-118-eng.asp?page_id=121
  36. ↑ "Per Mare et Terras". Naval Reserve of Canada. Retrieved 2009-06-27.
  37. ↑ http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/activ/activ2.aspx

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