How the miniature “Compagnies Franches de la Marine” came about

In the colonies, the Compagnies Franches de la Marine (Independent Companies of the Navy) were employed by the Ministry of the Navy. Organised as independent companies, the period of service was normally six years. The Governor could decide, depending on events, whether to prolong or not the enlistment beyond the six years. The soldiers, at the end of the period of service in Canada and in Louisiana, were encouraged to become colonists. The first three Companies arrived in Quebec in 1683. The majority of the Companies (19 out of 28 Companies as from 1740) had their base in Montreal, but many soldiers and officers were assigned to isolated forts and outposts. Until the end of 1755, they were the only regular infantry in Canada and they took part in almost all the battles until the surrender of Montreal in 1760. The official uniform of the regiment was mainly reserved for parades or the cold seasons, while, in warmer seasons, the soldiers wore their jackets and zouave trousers in garrison or during field service. The troops in Canada often adopted Indian cloth leggings as well as moccasins and straps, more or less decorated, for the transportation of the rolled-up blankets instead of the rucksack. As frequently happened, in the period under consideration and in the working environmental conditions in which they worked, even within the Compagnies Franches de la Marine, there were not only disciplined soldiers but also skilful “partisans” and irregular soldiers who were experts in the wooden territories characteristic of the French-Indian Wars.

Historical notes courtesy of Gary Dombrowski.