This week sees the release of a new boxed set for the French and Indian War range we are distributing on behalf of Conquest Miniatures – the Compagnie Franches de la Marine.
The struggle for North America and Canada pitted Great Britain against her old enemy France once again. The victor would hold North America in their grasp – a not inconsiderable prize.
To protect her vulnerable colony of New France, units of troops were formed both locally and from the old country. Formed into companies (led by a captain from which each unit would derive its name), they fought against Indians and the British with great skill, inflicting a great defeat on General Braddock and his brave but outclassed redcoats. These units took up the name given to their forebears over 100 years previously by the Red Eminence himself, Cardinal Richelieu – the Compagnie Franches de la Marine.
They usually paraded in a white-and-blue uniform, but could also use all manner of protective clothing, and snow shoes for their winter raids, with more and more local attire supplementing their official uniform as time progressed. The soldiers of the Compagnie Franches de la Marine became consummate woodsmen by necessity, and attempted to pass this fieldcraft on to newly-landed regular infantry units, as to go to war in the American wilderness devoid of such skills was to invite deprivation and disaster.
Although ultimately defeated by the daring British officer Wolfe's raid on Quebec, the Compagnie Franches de la Marine were often outnumbered, but rarely outclassed, giving a good account of themselves in the savage fighting across the frontier.
This metal boxed set contains 20 metal miniatures (including a captain), armed with muskets, pistols, swords and tomahawks. It ably supports the rest of our French and Indian War range…
With August seeing free worldwide shipping, now is a great time to add these to your army!
