Originally Posted by
ordoprinceps
Napoleonic historians,
Originally Posted by
ordoprinceps
Does anyone know if French Marines were in any significant combat on land between 1799 and 1815?
The first dedicated unit of French Marines was formed in 1622 as the Regiment de la Marine. My understanding standing from Prince Essling (a very helpful site contributor) is that they were army infantry assigned to ships during the Napoleonic period. I have found vague and seeming conflicting data on their history so far. This is because they have had so many different names and I do not speak French so the official website (French Government) for the Troupes de marine as they are called today is not very helpful to me. I do no some very basic French only but can’t read the site.
I would welcome information from any history buffs on this site.
Google translate of the historical page at http://troupesdemarine.org/tradition...re/hist003.htm comes out as (I have not checked the translation):
OLD NAVY TROOPS
It is therefore now no more of these troops we have just seen defending the colonial empires of the metropolis be sent as reinforcements, but other troops specially developed to fight alongside the sailors on their ships, to land in the territories bombed or blocked, including creating an embryonic organization and go out to new horizons.
It was in 1622 that Cardinal Richelieu created, under the name of "ordinary companies of the sea", one hundred companies that are intended to form the garrison buildings.
They took four years later the name "Marine regiment" which had only a fleeting existence, because most of its elements perished in a shipwreck. It was reformed in November 1635 and took part in all European conflicts: it was created to fight on sea, the circumstances did he accomplishes his career on the continent. This regiment became the Revolution, the 11th Infantry Regiment Metropolitan.
In 1636, is recorded créationd'un "Regiment du Havre" which will graduate in late 1649, and a "regiment of lsles" which lasted until 1663, then a "regiment of the Galleys" and based in Antibes Toulon, also until 1663. That year, the regiments of the Isles Galley and merged to form the "regiment of Ships" in garrison at Lorient, then entered the service of the East India Company.
In 1638, rose to the Bordeaux "Regiment of the Crown", which will be merged into the regiment of Aquitaine in 1658. Also in 1638, and Bordeaux, rose the "regiment of Ships", by Archbishop Henri de Sourdis Escoubleau, for the sea service becomes "Ship-Richelieu" in 1641, "Ship-Mazarin" of 1643 to 1650, "Ship-Candale" and again "Ship-Mazarin" until 1661, then "Ship-Provence". Of course, he fought on land.
On September 4, 1669, following its excellent performance before Tournay, the king rewards him by giving it the patent of "Ships of the Royal Regiment". He continued his career on the continent and became, in 1792, the 43rd Infantry Regiment mainland.
On December 20, 1669 formed the regiment "Royal Marine" and the regiment "Admiral", the latter becoming the latest "Vermandois".
From 1686 to 1690, we record the creation of independent companies of the Navy in Brest. Rochefort and Toulon, for the custody of the arsenals and the armament of the vessels, which will campaign with Duquesne, Tourville, Jean Bart, Duguay-Trouin d'Estrees and also on earth, and the colonies.
December 15, 1719, at Besancon, consists in the pay of the East India Company, a battalion raised in Alsace, by the Chevalier de Karrer, who will serve in the colonies and will graduate in 1762.
An order of 24 September 1769 set up a "body of infantry and royal marine artillery" is replaced by 18 June 1772 the "Royal Naval body" composed of eight regiments called "ports". They name-ment Brest, Toulon, Rochefort, Marseilles, Bayonne, Saint-Malo, Bordeaux and Le Havre. Their flags are, for the first time, the marine anchor. They each include two battalions, a bomber and a gunner. This organization had no existence longer than the previous since December 26, 1774, the eight regiments were disbanded and replaced by a "body of Royal Marines' up to one hundred rifle companies, which was his tower removed in 1786.
On 14 June 1792, a decree of the National Assembly reconstituted four regiments of marines, for custody of the ports and arsenals and serving riflemen on board warships. Each had two battalions of eight companies to ninety men. They like their predecessors were removed and placed in the Marine Artillery who undertook dice when services riflemen and gunners. There were more Marines until 1822.
THE COLONIES OF SERVICE
He was assured by troops of the Army made available to the Minister of Marine. A deposit had been established in the Isle of Re, composed of four companies of recruits and playing at the same time the role of deposit of isolated colonies. These raw colonial troops were formed in legions bearing the name of the colony to which they belonged. However, under the order of 10 February 1771, troops from Guyana (8 companies of 50 men) took the name of "national troops cayenne", those of Saint Pierre and Miquelon (a company) " infantry company of the Islands "and those of Senegal, at Goree maintained (4 companies), were named" Volunteers of Africa ".
In 1773, these legions were already transformed into regiments which had taken the following names: Cape Town, Port-au-Prince, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Isle de France, Isle Bourbon, Pondicherry and Port Louis. They were two battalions of nine companies, one grenadier. This reorganization survived until January 21, 1775. At that time, were combined into a single regiment those of Isle de France, the Isle of Bourbon and Port Louis. He was known as "regiment of Isle de France" to four battalions of ten companies. Black slaves were recruited to serve as drums or musicians: first attempt to create indigenous troops.
A deposit, similar to the Ile de Ré, was created November 26, 1775 in Lorient. In 1778, our colony of Madagascar considered the crown area received a garrison who took the title of "independent company of Madagascar".
September 1 of that year three legions were created so-called "foreign volunteers of the Navy." There had, moreover, in Rochefort, a company of gentlemen cadets for the service of the colonies.
Changes, deletions, transformations succeeded for several years. On July 25, 1781, deposits of recruits on the island of Ré and Lorient were united to form an "auxiliary battalion regiments colonies".
Between the years 1804 and 1808, the emperor withdrew all officers who were in the colonies. Only the 66th line in Guadeloupe remained until 1812. They made use, settlements, local militias organized by the governors.
When in 1814 France took possession of the colonies that the peace treaty handed him, additional battalions were formed in some regiments of the metropolis. In 1816, two legions of infantry numbered 88 (Legion of Martinique) and 89 (Legion of Guadeloupe) were held in the island of Ré and Oléron, then there was a battalion of Bourbon, a battalion of French Guiana, a battalion from Senegal. This garrison perished in part in the wreck of the Medusa. West Indies, during the breakup of departmental legions, the garrison troops were transformed into colonial battalions. In Senegal, as reinforcements were sent a battalion of the 1st Africa (1819). Another battalion was sent to St. Louis, the "battalion of Senegal", while one who was there became "battalion of Gorée."
The holding of colonial battalions consisted of a dress-beige jacket with collar, cuffs and piping royal blue.
CREATION OF MARINE INFANTRY
An order of August 7, 1821 created the same time two regiments of infantry and an artillery regiment in the service of marine arsenals and troops on board. The uniform was similar, as to the cut, than the line infantry with red collar, hood and gray iron button stamped with an anchor for the infantry. This organization remained only five years. Then, in 1828, three regiments were established to be specially assigned to colonies: Senegal, Guyana, West Indies, with a deposit in France. In 1831 two regiments were reorganized with marine deposit Landerneau, a third was established in November 1838 and the name of marines was again adopted. Each regiment consisted of 30 active companies. The first regiment had 10 companies in Brest, Cherbourg to 5, 15 and Guadeloupe. The second had five companies in Brest, Rochefort 10, 15 in Martinique. The third had 15 companies in Toulon, 6 to Cayenne, in Senegal 3, 6 to Bourbon. These companies were on strength of 3 officers and 115 men. The duration of the colonial service was four years. The uniform was the same as the line infantry but the button was stamped with an anchor and had the caption: Marines. In the colonies, it was the white linen trousers.
In 1843, the occupation of Nossi-Be, Mayotte and the Marquesas Islands demanded an increase in staff. The first and third regiments went to 46 companies, the second at 38.
In 1845 the uniform was changed and it consisted of a tunic and a blue cloth jacket, gray trousers iron blue, a shako and a cap (small cap), of shouldered wool red (yellow for elite companies). The staff knew of the weapon of the general officers. Colonel of the 1st regiment resided in Guadeloupe, the second one in Martinique, the third one in Toulon. Out-rank companies had their headquarters in Brest, Rochefort and Toulon.
In 1854, the body of marines was stationed not only in Cherbourg, Brest, Rochefort and Toulon, but also in Cayenne, the Antilles, Senegal. in Reunion and in Oceania. The total was near 15,000 men. That year, the 120 companies that comprised the body of marines were divided, for administrative purposes into four regiments with central portions in Cherbourg, Brest, Rochefort and Toulon. The colonels were in residence at the central portion.
In 1857, after downsizing they had the following breakdown:
1st Regiment: 18 companies in Cherbourg, 8 in Martinique.
2nd regiment 22 companies in Brest, 8 to Guadeloupe, four in Oceania.
3rd Regiment: 17 companies Rochefort, 9 to Cayenne.
4th Regiment: 22 companies in Toulon, in Reunion 5, 5 in Senegal, at Goree 2.
On June 5, 1856 was established a battalion of marines, training, designed to provide on board vessels of the fleet service of musketry and landing parties. The Marine Corps was therefore only intended to be used on land.
In 1857, the number of companies was reduced to 118. They were on strength of 100 men, officers and troops including children. In 1867 they were increased to 130 men.
REORGANIZATION OF 1868
The number was too low to fill the many organizations he had to meet. The length of military service was reduced to five years. She no longer allowed to send that once the men in the colonies and even that does not leave them there for three years. The latter measure was also long called for. The body was reorganized so definitively.
The four regiments, maintained, formed a total of 140 active companies:
the first regiment in Cherbourg 17, 5 in Cochin China, 5 in Martinique, six in Senegal.
2nd Regiment: 21 in Brest, 10 Cochin China. 5 to Guadeloupe.
3rd Regiment: 17 to Rochefort, 5 in Cochin, in Reunion 4, 5 in New Caledonia, Tahiti 1.
4th Regiment: 21 Toulon, 11 Cochin China. 5 to Guyana. 2 in Japan.
The body of the Marines arranged a staff with a general of division Inspector General (of Vassoigne), two deputy inspectors general of brigade, and two brigadiers who were, the governor of Guyana French, the second senior commander of troops in Cochin.
As we shall see later, the Marines participated in the Crimean War and the War of 1870 by forming an entire division on the model of the line divisions. A new outfit, which still existed in 1914, having been modified details, was adopted. It was a dark blue jacket, across the chest with two rows of brass buttons stamped in relief of an anchor encâblée, trousers blue gray cloth piped with scarlet, a gray cloth coat of iron blue. The collar of the tunic was a badge of one color, hit an anchor scarlet. The cap was the same cloth as the tunic, piped a cord of scarlet wool, and an anchor well on the front. Shoulder pads wool daffodil. White linen trousers to the colonies. Officers wore essentially the same outfit, they were first with a tunic of blue cloth end, cross-chest, gold anchor, gold braid epaulettes said line. Thereafter, they carried the same tunic, black, that infantry officers.
March 31, 1878, a cork helmet was adopted for all the colonies.
In 1888, the companies stationed in Annam, in Tonkin and Cochinchina formed three regiments march, and on 1 March 1899, four regiments of the metropolis were split, they formed the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth Thus, the first and fifth were stationed in Cherbourg, the second and sixth in Brest, the third and seventh in Rochefort, the fourth and eighth in Toulon.
Regiments of Cherbourg, Brest and Rochefort had two parts companies in Paris, while the seventh was a battalion in Lorient. It was only a transitional measure until other four regiments were formed, numbered from 21 to 24, including two held garrison in Paris (1901). Almost the same time, the three regiments march of Tonkin, Annam and Cochin China took the numbers 9, 10 and 11. The elements of New Caledonia took the number 12. Three battalions were finally held in Senegal, Martinique and Reunion.
ORIGIN OF BLACK TROOPS
The organization of a corps of "sepoys of India" (the Persian name Sipahi, which means "warrior") dating back to the mid-eighteenth century the last sepoys were dissolved after the transfer of facilities India - had shown that it is possible to create similar body with the other natives of the colonies. The attempt was made to Guyana, did not give encouraging results, was then applied to Senegal, where they formed, under the Second Empire, a company of black soldiers (1853). Then a body of native infantry under the name "Senegalese sharpshooters", to four companies with white frames and as uniform, a fez, a hooded cape, model of Zouaves, a bolero jacket and a blue cloth with yellow , pants called "Turkish" in blue cloth or cotton. Gradually, the number was increased to form a regiment (1884). There was also skirmishers Gabon (1887), Hausa (1891) Annamite, the latter forming a regiment; Tonkin (1884), Volunteers of Reunion (1883-1885), skirmishers Sakalaves which were employed during the campaign in Madagascar 1885, or even sharpshooters Comoros, Diego-Suarez.
If we are to believe the history of the first regiment of Senegalese riflemen (published after the 1914-1918 war, presumably with the means at hand as at 31 December 1921 and who was born in 1925), the native of Senegal appeared to have, for the first time, was used from 1804 to 1809, for the defense of St. Louis and Goree against the English. Shortly after the return of these two points to France, the Minister of Marine ordered in 1819 to make a new call to "companies of colored men." He was raised in 1822 by commitments, a number of blacks, simply attached to the European troops of the colony, that is to say, the battalions of Senegal and Goree (1822), the African battalion (1823 ) and the 16th Battalion of Light (1825). Moreover, dice, 1827, began the use of Senegalese outside, about 200 Ouolofs were sent to St. Mary of Madagascar in order to occupy this island. In 1831, others were sent to Guyana.
So it's a handful of men that come from the troops which we had in West Africa, Equatorial Africa and who participated in the actions of Morocco and Madagascar.
In 1828, a decree of the governor of Senegal created a company of one hundred black men framed by three officers, three NCOs and four French corporals. This company was split in 1853 and provides a garrison at Goree. In 1857, a decree of July 21 formed a battalion of Senegalese soldiers. A second battalion was formed in 1880 and grouped into two battalions a regiment in 1884. A third battalion was his assistant in 1890.
In 1892 the regiment consisted of 15 companies: six in Senegal, six in Upper River (Sudan), 3 in Dahomey. The same year, the extension of the occupation of Sudan led to create a "Rifle Regiment Sudan". In 1893, six companies of Dahomey formed a regiment of two battalions. The original regiment was reorganized in 1896 to twelve companies. He took the name of the first regiment of Senegalese riflemen May 7, 1900.
MARINE ARTILLERY
The gun was used for the first time on board ship by the Venetians in 1381 in a war against the Genoese. In France, the "lieutenant of artillery of the Navy" were created in 1645. We know that the Navy took his great expansion with Colbert and many cannon foundries were opened from 1663 to Toulon, Lyon, Rochefort, Saintes, in Burgundy, in the Nivernais, in Angoumois. Schools of artillery were established in 1666 in major ports. The creation of the marine artillery officially dates back to February 16, 1692, companies bombers were born in Brest and Toulon. A third in Rochefort in 1694. Existed in 1761, nine brigades of artillery, naval shore. An order of September 24, 1769 put up the "Royal Corps of Artillery and Marines," three brigades, and then, in 1772, a further order it replaced by that body, uniform, "the royal body Navy "as we have said before. In 1786 we see a show "Royal Corps of seamen gunners" composed of nine divisions attached to nine squadrons of the Navy. In 1792, the Navy was equipped with two artillery regiments, three companies of laborers, four companies of apprentices.
This was the foundation of any organization that we experienced until 1900.
Once the Revolution, the Marine Artillery plays a role in all campaigns at sea but also ashore. The body, in 1795, was divided into seven half-brigades to three battalions between Brest (3), Toulon (2), Lorient (1) and Rochefort. It was made up of battalions overseas, in Santo Domingo and Martinique. In 1803, the demi-brigades were abolished and replaced by four regiments, the first in Brest, the second split between Genoa, Toulon and Brest, Rochefort in the third and fourth in Lorient. A battalion was part of the expedition of General Junot in Portugal in 1807. In 1809 was formed a "battalion of the Danube" composed of workers of the Navy. In 1813, a decree to pass the regiments of the Navy in the War Department. The artillery of the Navy which included all of the old infantry units arrived in Mainz in the middle of March and formed the bulk of the 6th corps commanded by Marshal Marmont. She distinguished himself at the battle of Lützen where she belonged to the division of General Compans. This division was brought before the village of Starfield. Troops calmly cashed fire of enemy artillery and the first regiment, commanded by Colonel Emond, endured the shock of a terrible cavalry charge.
"The enemy, says the report of Marshal Marmont, after counting the fatigue of a long day, soldiers and weapons are lying in its sheath, arrived at 10 pm, with a cavalry division of elite which we found to our position. " According to the Monitor May 9, 1813, the regiments of marines covered the battlefield of the flower of the cavalry. The losses were considerable, the first regiment charged 742 killed and 350 injured, one third of its workforce out of action Allies, deceived by the long blue coats of marine artillery regiments, believed to be dealing with remnants of the Old Guard escaped the disaster of Moscow.
The story of the campaign 18 13 Germany is also filled with the exploits of the division artillery. The four regiments were completed on several occasions. In Leipzig, the first lost 1,420 men and the second, 1178. The total loss of the naval artillery during the campaign chiffrèrent killed by 2412. 7,291 wounded, 2,319 prisoners on a staff, initially, of 17 338 men.
The artillery regiments also participated in the 1814 campaign, fighting the Rothiere, of Champaubert, Vauxchamps. Of these two campaigns of 1813 and 1814, he returned, in all and for all, that 695 fighters.
Of course, under the Restoration, we had a new "Royal Corps". The number of regiments was reduced to one, in 1822, he was very twenty-four companies scattered across the five major military ports, with five companies of workers. There was also "Directions colonial artillery" in Martinique, Guadeloupe, Bourbon, Senegal, Cayenne. In 1825, the service of the Colonies went to war and returned to the Navy in 1829.
That year, the Madagascar expedition counted among the troops of the expeditionary force, a company of artillery and two companies of black Senegalese, called Yoloffs, whose executives were provided with artillery. They fought against the Hova and Yoloffs particularly distinguished themselves, in making entrenchments Ivondro River, Aug. 25, of Fort Tintingue at Foulpointe October 27, at Pointe-à-Larrée November 4.
For the expedition to Algiers in 1830, an artillery battalion of the Navy was made available to the War Department and participated in the invasion, the defense of entrenched camps of Sidi Ferruch and Staoueli, as well as 'to attack the Emperor's Fort.
From 1832, detachments of artillery were embarked on the vessels, as additional crew for the service of gunnery. A detachment was part of the expedition Kuma, Senegal, in 1833. A strong battalion of three companies, was in the Mexican expedition (1838-1839), the capture of Fort Saint-Jean-d'Ulloa (27 and 28 November 1838). It was a bomb thrown by one of two bomb which he was armed, who blew up the powder magazine and the park of San Miguel bomb which led to the surrender of the fort. In the attack in force from La Vera Cruz, the main column consisted of two and a half companies of marine artillery and two companies of sailors. At the vanguard marched Lieutenant Commander Prince de Joinville. In June 1840, two companies were part of the expedition of La Plata.
In 1840, the artillery regiment of the Navy, in recent years reduced to 12 companies, was increased to 40 compa-nies with a workforce of 4,272 men. But was reduced to 30 companies in 1842 by following the disappearance of political tension with England.
It's that year he received a new flag. It was indeed private emblem since the fall of the Restoration. He was officially presented by Colonel Prayeux, May 1, 1843. Colonial expeditions took place: that of Fouta, Senegal, in 1843, with 500 soldiers, 500 coolies and a detachment of artillery for the service of four mountain howitzers. The insurrection of Tahiti (1844-1846) launches a section of howitzers. Two companies involved in shipment of Morocco in 1844. The bombardment of Tangier, rockets "to Congreve" are launched by naval gunners, then it is, August 15, the bombardment and capture of the island of Mogador. In 1849, this is the expedition of the Grand-Bassam, always in Senegal, during which a bloody affair took place in Yaou, March 15. The same year, the Marine Artillery played a decisive role in combat tray Hellville, during the suppression of the revolt of Nossi-Sakalava. In July, even in Senegal, a strong column of 420 Europeans and 250 coolies punishes the villages of Dimar. In February 1850, a company of 1,600 men of marine troops is sent to Montevideo, during the civil war which ravaged the Republic of Uruguay. Under the Second Empire, held an expedition against the Bissagos archipelago (February 1853) in Senegal. Then the following year, this is the Crimean War, which launches for the first time, large forces of infantry and naval artillery.
French Napoleonic Marines in land combat?
Ordoprinceps
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