Guardians of the Waves
An in-depth exploration of France's elite naval infantry, the Troupes de la Marine, from their 17th-century origins through their service in colonial expansion and naval engagements.
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Introduction
Origins and Purpose
The Troupes de la Marine, literally translating to "Troops of the Navy," represent a significant French military formation with roots tracing back to 1622. Initially established by Cardinal Richelieu under the denomination of Compagnie ordinaire de la mer, their primary purpose was to provide garrisons for the King's ships. This foundational role underscored their critical importance in projecting French naval power and securing maritime interests.
Evolution and Designation
In 1674, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Colbert, these forces were formalized into permanent colonial troops, subsequently named the Compagnies Franches de la Marine. This designation signified a strategic shift towards sustained overseas presence and colonial administration. The Troupes de la Marine continued to evolve, eventually being dissolved in the 19th century and reformed under a new designation, the Troupes de Marine, this time falling under the purview of the Minister of War and thus becoming part of the French Army.
Colonial Significance
These troops played a pivotal role in France's colonial expansion across the globe, serving in key territories such as Canada (New France), the Antilles, and India. Their dual capacity as naval infantry and colonial garrison forces made them indispensable instruments of French state policy, involved in both military engagements and the administration of overseas territories.
Organizational Framework
Historical Context of Maritime Troops
The development of dedicated European naval infantry units occurred progressively. While soldiers had long served at sea, the formal creation of regular infantry units specifically for maritime service emerged later compared to land-based forces. Spain pioneered this with its compañías viejas del mar de Nápoles in 1537 for galley service. Portugal followed in 1610, and France established its initial units in 1622. The British Royal Marines were founded in 1664.
Early Regiments and Transitions
France's initial foray into specialized naval troops began with Cardinal Richelieu's Compagnie Ordinaire de la Marine in 1622. These companies, theoretically numbering 100 men each, were later consolidated. During periods of conflict, such as the Franco-Spanish War (1635-1659), new regiments were formed for maritime duty but were often reassigned to the Army and dissolved post-war. The Régiment de La Marine, reconstituted in 1636, served at sea before eventually becoming the 11th Infantry Regiment of the line. Other regiments like Régiment des Vaisseaux and Régiment de La Couronne also transitioned between naval and army roles, highlighting the fluid nature of military organization during this era.
Reforms and Reorganizations
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the Troupes de la Marine underwent numerous reforms. Ministers like Colbert and Louvois influenced their structure and allegiance. Units were created, merged, transferred between naval and army ministries, and their manning levels fluctuated significantly based on wartime needs and budgetary constraints. Notable reforms include the establishment of the Corps royal d'artillerie et d'infanterie de la marine in 1769 and subsequent reorganizations leading into the Republic and Empire periods, demonstrating a continuous effort to adapt these forces to evolving strategic demands.
Foundational Regiments
The Genesis: Sea Companies
The earliest iteration of specialized naval troops in France emerged as the Compagnies Ordinaires de la Mer, established by Cardinal Richelieu. These units formed the backbone of shipboard security and operational readiness. They were later consolidated into a single infantry regiment, the Régiment de La Marine, in 1627, marking a significant step towards a more structured naval force.
Regiments of the Line
Throughout the 17th century, several regiments were raised specifically for naval service or transferred from army roles. These included the Régiment des Vaisseaux (later 43rd Line Infantry), Régiment du Havre, Régiment des Isles, and Régiment des Galères. The Régiment de La Couronne, named after the ship Couronne, also served this purpose before its eventual integration into the line infantry. These units often served aboard fleets, participated in amphibious operations, and provided garrisons for key naval bases.
Royal and Specialized Corps
Under Jean-Baptiste Colbert's revitalization of the French Navy in the late 17th century, regiments like Régiment Royal-La Marine and Régiment de l'Amiral de France were created. These units were directly attached to naval fleets. Later reforms saw the establishment of specialized corps, such as the Corps royal d'artillerie et d'infanterie de la marine and the Corps des canonniers-matelots, focusing on artillery and naval gunnery skills, demonstrating a growing specialization within the Troupes de la Marine.
Compagnies Franches
Formation and Structure
The Compagnies Franches de la Marine were formally established in 1690 by an ordinance from Count de Pontchartrain, creating 80 infantry companies despite opposition from Louvois. These companies were intended to provide a dedicated force for naval and colonial duties. Each company was typically commanded by a lieutenant de vaisseau (holding an infantry captain's commission) and two ensigns, supported by soldiers who were often former guardian-soldiers.
Manning and Evolution
The strength and number of these companies fluctuated significantly based on military needs and available funding. Initially comprising 80 men, numbers increased to 100 per company during wartime, reaching a total force of approximately 10,000 soldiers. Post-war treaties often led to reductions, followed by increases again as new conflicts loomed. For instance, after the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), company strengths were reduced, only to be augmented again for the War of the Spanish Succession and subsequent conflicts.
Garrison and Deployment
These companies were garrisoned in key naval ports such as Toulon, Rochefort, Brest, Port-Louis, Le Havre, and Dunkerque. Their deployment was strategic, covering both the Atlantic fleet (Flotte du Ponant) and the Mediterranean fleet (Flotte du Levant). They were essential for maintaining naval bases, providing detachments for warships, and serving in overseas colonies, forming the primary military presence in regions like New France.
Operational Mandates
Naval and Garrison Duties
The Troupes de la Marine were fundamentally tasked with ensuring the security of French arsenals and military ports. They provided essential personnel for shipboard service, participating directly in naval battles and expeditions. Their presence was crucial for maintaining order and control aboard vessels and defending key maritime installations against potential threats.
Colonial Presence
A significant aspect of their mission involved garrisoning French colonies across the globe, including North America (New France), the Caribbean (Antilles), and India. These troops were the primary military force responsible for defending colonial territories, supporting administrative functions, and projecting French sovereignty in distant lands. Their adaptability allowed them to operate effectively in diverse environments.
Combat Engagements
Throughout their history, the Troupes de la Marine participated in numerous significant military actions. They were present at pivotal battles such as the Siege of La Rochelle, the Battle of Camaret, the Siege of Barcelona, and the Battle of Málaga. Their involvement extended to land campaigns as well, including participation in battles like Malplaquet and Denain, showcasing their versatility beyond purely naval operations.
Land Service Roles
New France Garrison
From 1682 onwards, Troupes de la Marine units were dispatched to New France to replace regular army troops. They formed the core garrison across French colonial possessions in North America. Between 1683 and 1688, thirty-five companies were sent to Canada alone. These troops were vital for maintaining French control, defending against rival powers, and supporting exploration and settlement efforts.
Integration and Canadianization
Initially, officers were primarily recruited from France. However, by 1685, Canadian-born individuals began securing officer positions, leading to a gradual "Canadianization" of the officer corps. By the early 18th century, a third of officers were born in Canada, and by 1722, over half were locally recruited, reflecting the troops' deep integration into the colonial society.
Adaptability in Warfare
The Troupes de la Marine were renowned for their adaptability, excelling in both conventional warfare and the unique challenges of "guerre amérindienne" (Native American-style warfare). In conjunction with Canadian militias and allied Indigenous forces, they formed the primary defensive force in New France throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Their training and experience made them formidable opponents in the vast North American theatre.
Notable Figures
Key Individuals
Several notable individuals served within the Troupes de la Marine, contributing significantly to their history and operations. Their careers often spanned critical periods of French colonial and naval history.
- François Dupont Duvivier
- Jacques Testard de Montigny
- Michel Maray de La Chauvignerie
Notes
Clarifications and Context
The Troupes de la Marine, while distinct, often interacted with and were sometimes integrated into the broader French Army structure, particularly during extended land campaigns or following significant reforms. The distinction between naval infantry, colonial troops, and line infantry evolved over centuries, reflecting changing military doctrines and administrative priorities.
Bibliography
Key Publications
The historical understanding of the Troupes de la Marine is supported by several key academic works:
- Coste, Gabriel. Les anciennes troupes de la marine (1622–1792). Paris: Librairie militaire de L. Baudoin, 1893.
- Balvay, Arnaud. "Les hommes des troupes de la marine en Nouvelle-France (1683–1763)". Mémoires vives, no. 22 (October 2007).
- Greer, Allan. "The People of New France". Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1997.
- Greer, Allan. "The Soldiers of Isle Royale, 1720–45". Environment Canada, 1979.
- Sutherland, Stuart R. J. "Troupes de la Marine". The Canadian Encyclopedia, Vol. 4. Edmonton: Hurtig Publishers, 1988.
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References
References
- GALLUP (Andrew) & SHAFFER (Donald F.), La Marine : The French Colonial Soldier in Canada, 1745â1761, Bowie, Md., Heritage Press, 1992, p. 13.
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