St Malo drill

 At Fort de Petit Bé two Compagnies franches de la Marine units, one the le Lys sous l'Erable, based in France, and the other Garnison de Quebec, from Canada. They did some excellent demonstrations of the 1755 French infantry exercises and also explanations and demonstrations of 18th century infantry tactics. 

Nagara 300

 Join us as we celebrate the 300th anniversary of a true historic gem — our 1726 French Castle!

On Rededication Day Saturday, June 6, the Fort will present:

Ongoing living history demonstrations of skills and trades needed to build the French Castle

Immersive programs about soldier life

A glimpse into the historical interactions between the French and Indigenous peoples

Don't miss out! Purchase your ticket today!

https://www.oldfortniagara.org/special-events

#thingstodo #militaryhistory #familyfun

Jean Thurel 90 years a soldier

Jean Thurel: Ninety Years a Private Soldier - Journal of the American Revolution
 

Le Lys sous L'Erable

 French group. (1) Le Lys sous l'Erable | Facebook

Photo credit: Julien Danielo Author Photographer

Fortress of Louisbourg clip

 

Compagnies franches de la Marine Ralph Mitchard

 Experimenting with AI. Photo is Bath in the 90s. 

French infantry in 1766

 GRAVELOT. Planches gravées d'après plusieurs positions dans lesquelles doivent se trouver les soldats conformément à l'ordonnance du Roi de l'exercice de l'infanterie. du 1er janvier 1766.

Ordonnance du roi, pour régler l'exercice de l'infanterie . Du 1er janvier 1766 | Gallica

Pinterest for more on the French army of the 1760s

De Montcalm's Men at Carillon by Michael Kleen

 

From here

Regiment de Beauvoisis

 

from Ordonnance... pour augmenter d'un bataillon le régiment d'infanterie de Beauvoisis... | Gallica

Interesting regiment. Took part in the 1762 Expedition to Newfoundland. 

read more Beauvoisis Infanterie - Project Seven Years War

Julien Danielo Auteur Photographe

 A day in 1755 on the Petit-Bé fort in Saint-Malo. The French Marine Company invests one of the Vauban's fortifications, defending the port of Saint-Malo against any English attack. See more on Facebook

"Volontaires du Luxembourg"

 Article on this French formation in the American Revolution here

New from Don Troiani

 French Grenadier of the Agenois Regiment 1779. The Grenadier company was part of the troops in the fateful assault on Savannah. Watercolor and Gouache on paper with a bit of pen and ink. Prints will be available from W. Britain

Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau

 This July is his 300th. Wiki

Out soon

 Frontier Soldiers of New France Volume 2 explores the evolution of the French colonial troops’ campaign attire and equipment adapted for North America’s demanding climate and terrain, integrating European military methods with practical adjustments for wilderness warfare. It focuses on the material culture of the Compagnies franches de la Marine in New France from 1683 to 1760, examining their specific campaign clothing, arms, and equipment. The study highlights their adaptation to the local environment and interactions with Native American cultures, including the adoption of items such as breechcloths, leggings, toboggans, snowshoes, moccasins, scalping knives and tomahawks.

The survival of New France owed much to a strategic doctrine of raiding warfare developed by Canadian colonial officers in collaboration with allied Native American tribes and the colonial militia. This groundbreaking study provides the first comprehensive survey detailing the clothing, weaponry, and equipment used by the stationed troops from 1683 to 1760 to maintain defensive pressure on New Englanders and engage hostile Native American tribes in warfare. Drawing on groundbreaking research based on archaeology, existing artifacts, and newly discovered records, this volume highlights their exceptional ability to adapt to North American conditions, including both winter and summer wilderness campaigns.

 Here is the link : https://www.helion.co.uk/.../frontier-soldiers-of-new...

Le Régiment Gatinois, 1781 - UK

 Facebook page for their events etc, These chaps are recruiting so get in touch. 

Blog post on the latest book on Compagnies franches de la Marine

 

Here

At Fort Ti

 Fort Ticonderoga presents the 1759 Siege of Carillon two-day battle reenactment July 20-21! Through a combination of demonstrations, vignettes, narrated boat cruises, and battle reenactments, visitors will experience the British advance for Lake George. Become immersed in this 18th-century siege; featuring the constant roar of cannon, thrilling battle reenactments, and even a nighttime program where visitors are immersed in the battle for Carillon, named Ticonderoga by the British once they capture the fort from the French. 

The Battle Reenactment will take place all weekend and is included as part of daily admission. Tickets are buy one day, visit the next day FREE! 

https://www.fortticonderoga.org/news/experience-the-dramatic-1759-siege-of-carillon-battle-reenactment-july-20-21/

In the U.K. A new French regiment: Gatinois

Great news.

 https://www.facebook.com/leregimentgatinoisuk

"We would like to formally announce the creation of the UK-based 'Le Régiment Gatinois', as a constituent group of @redsandrevs and in conjunction with the US-based 18th Gatinois

The project aims to present an accurate, evidenced, progressive, and accessible representation of a grenadier company of the French Royal Army at the Battle of Yorktown, in 1781, and will work towards appearances at the appropriate 250th anniversaries of the French military presence in America. 

To achieve this, we are looking to add to our small group of experienced reenactors who, working in collaboration with well-established international living history groups and with academics in the field, are utilising good quality research to inform our impression. Our equipment and uniforms are grounded in this research and, where direct source material is unavailable, steps will be be taken to incorporate wider understandings of the period to maintain a high standard of representation.

And if you're interested in joining us, drop us a message! We're open to all who are willing to carry a musket and serve King Louis (and we're even happy to supply a moustache if necessary), or to those keen to help supply the French forces whilst on campaign.

Vive le Roi! "

Photo by kind permission of Learning & Latte

The Forts of New France Osprey

 This is a great Osprey which I recommend. Here is Fort Niagara.

Pics of my Compagnies franches de la Marine unit

 My birthday today so I am indulging myself by posting pics of my Compagnies franches de la Marine group in the mid to late 90s U.K.