French Military Guide
Uniforms, weapons, and accoutrements of the Compagnies Franches De La Marine at Fort Toulouse.
When the Ministère de la Marine (Ministry of Marine) was organized in 1669, the overseas colonies came under its jurisdiction. A separate establishment of colonial troops, distinct from the marines serving on ships, was created. These were organized as independent companies and paid by the Ministry of Marine.
The Compagnie is to be well-disciplined and follow the orders of its superiors and field commanders at all times. As a military unit, the members of the Compagnies Franches De La Marine are required to maintain uniformity that is easily recognized on the field. While Marines are required to have a full uniform, the officer in charge may decide appropriate attire for off-duty or woods battles at his discretion.
New members are expected to acquire all essential clothing and equipment within one year (two years for the musket). While building their attire, new recruits are to observe existing members and seek guidance from their sponsor. If in doubt, please ask, especially before making large purchases.
Note: All marines start as a Soldat Recrue (Soldier Recruit). However, they may be promoted to Fusilier Marine (Marine Fusilier) any time after the six month probationary period. The book, Fort Toulouse, The French Outpost at the Alabamas on the Coosa by Daniel H. Thomas, is required reading before receiving any promotion.
Petite Habillement
Uniforms were issued annually to the company commander. He would then withhold the money from the soldier's pay to cover the cost of the uniforms. One year the marine might receive le grand habillement (large clothes) and the next le petite habillement (small clothes). The basic daily working uniform would be the small clothes, especially in the frontier post such as Fort Toulouse.
Once enlisted, recruits of the Troupes de la Marine were forwarded to the Isle of Ré, near Rochefort, France. There, they boarded the ships bound for the colony to which they were destined. For the voyage, the recruit was issued a frock (with 18 brass buttons), a pair of breeches, a pair of shoes, stockings, a shirt, a wool cap, a comb, a woolen blanket, and a sailor's hammock.
La Chemise (Shirt)
Shirts should be made from 5–6 oz white to off-white linen (preferred) or cotton. The collar is short and should use two thread buttons. Cuffs are narrow and should use link buttons or thread buttons. One heart in front at the bottom of the neck opening.
Required for first 3 eventsLa Cullote (Breeches)
Breeches are blue woolen serge and are cut in the French fly pattern. Fit is high waisted, loose in the seat, and snug in the thigh. All buttons are brass. The material should be cut on the bias (diagonal) to allow some stretch.
Required for first 3 eventsLe Veste (Waistcoat)
The waistcoat is blue woolen serge lined in blue serge or natural linen. All buttons are brass.
Les Bas (Stockings)
Stockings should be of blue or grey wool. Normally worn with the tops under the breeches.
Required for first 3 eventsLe Cols (Stock)
The cravat is 5–10 inches wide by 74 inches long. Late in the 1740s the cravat was often replaced with the stock. The stock is approximately seven inches long and buckled or tied at the back of the neck.
Le Bonnet (Fatigue Cap)
Fatigue cap can either be a knitted red or blue toque, or a blue woolen cap.
Le Guêtres (Gaiters)
Gaiters should be made of heavy white canvas with 16–18 black leather buttons. The top of the gaiters should come to mid-thigh and should be fitted to the leg. The bottom should have a leather or canvas stirrup to hold the gaiter under the foot.
Les Souliers (Shoes)
These were buckled shoes of black leather. The buckle is of plain brass and the leather is preferably the rough side out. Center seam moccasins may be substituted for shoes.
Required for first 3 eventsLe Grand Habillement
At this time the remaining items of clothing, which comprise the full uniform, are considered optional but highly desirable for authentic portrayal.
Le Justaucorps (Coat)
The coat is made of natural white wool broadcloth and lined with blue woolen serge. The cuffs are blue wool. The three buttonholes on the cuff are functional, holding the cuff in place when rolled up. The skirts should have functional hooks and eyes for turnbacks. At the top of each side split should be sewn a large button on which the sword belt rests.
Le Capot (Winter Coat)
Capots were similar to the justaucorps, of unlined wool, well-tailored, with cuffs, a hood. No fringe or capes. The front would be closed with the sword belt or a red or blue wool sash. Colors could be natural white, blue, brown or gray.
Le Chapeau (Tricorne)
The French tricorn hat was made of black felt and was cocked using hooks and eyes. A black bow-style cockade is on the left side. The hat is trimmed in metallic false gold. This is the standard military hat worn when under arms.
Required by end of first yearAccoutrements
The common marine was basically armed with a musket, a sword, a bayonet, a cartridge box and sword belt on which to append these items. Once in New France, the sword often remained in garrison and was replaced by a tomahawk or hatchet.
Le Fusil (Musket)
From the 1690s to the 1740s the musket carried was predominantly the Marine model made in Tulle. During the 1740s the Ministry of Marine bought the 1728 style muskets from St. Etienne. Acceptable muskets include: French Model 1728, Charleville Model 1763 altered to Model 1728, Tulle Marine, Fusil de Chasse, Fusil de Grenadier, Fusil Fin, Type C or D French trade fusil, and British Trade guns. Not acceptable: Brown Bess, Hudson Bay/Northwest English trade guns, rifles and odd muskets.
Required by end of second yearLe Ceinturon (Sword Belt)
The sword belt was made of buff leather and always worn with the uniform. This belt must have the correct French buckle and may be of the early style for plug bayonet and sword or the later style with the double frog for the sword and bayonet scabbards.
Required by end of first yearLe Gargoussier (Cartridge Box)
The waist mounted cartridge box was russet brown with the flap trimmed in buff leather cut in a sawtooth pattern and a buff anchor sewn on the center of the flap. The box had a wooden block which was bored for nine rounds of ammunition.
Le Casse-tête (Tomahawk)
A small hand ax that served as both weapon and tool. Governor Kerlérec noted it would be "in every way more suitable" for the soldier, useful for cutting stakes, firewood, opening trails, building boats, and undermining entrenchments.
L'Épée du Soldat (Sword)
The soldier was generally issued a sword. The rigors of moving through the bush caused the sword to be replaced with the tomahawk or axe in the field. For our portrayal, swords are not required. For a person of the rank of sergeant or above, the sword is highly recommended.
Additional Equipment
Powder horn with narrow buff shoulder belt; haversack of heavy linen canvas, four feet long and two-and-a-half feet wide, folded in half; couteau jambette (clasp knife) or period belt knife; one or two solid-color wool blankets; period cup, eating utensils, plate and/or bowl; oil lamp and period bottle (recommended).
La Tente (Tent)
The standard military tent is the wedge tent. The French Model 1750 measures 8'x8'6"x7' with a bell at the rear. Fort Toulouse will provide some tents.
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