Friday, October 17, 2025

The Same But Different

Growing up across the St. Lawrence from Montreal, and from the old fort on Ile Ste Helene where
re-enactors of Colonial French soldiers entertained visitors, I thought I knew what the Compagnies Franches looked like and how they fought.  They were trained as conventional line infantry, but those posted in more distant forts, adapted their dress and tactics to the woods and the winters, learning a lot from First Nations warriors.  

It was only recently that I learned that the Louisburg garrison companies, straight from France were only trained as line infantry, even when garrisoning some forts in Acadia. 


So for now, while the fight for Acadia is on, all of my tidy, close order units will represent Louisburg garrison units fighting in close order whether wearing their white coats or having left them in camp in 30C heat. The veteran detachments from New France, far from home, fighting alongside Acadians, Canadiens and First Nations, will be fielded as skirmishers, equivalent to Britain's rangers and dressed appropriately.

(A repeat of the colonial troops in the woods shot)

Now, time to get some troops on the table and roll some dice! Just need to come up with a scenario....hmm.... I think more coffee is required......,

2 comments:

  1. Looking forward to seeing these in action.

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  2. I say they look tre bien side by each! I think a nice raid on those dastardly Yorkers would be a Good Thing before the winter sets in.

    Eric

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