 |
| The experienced Regiment La Couronne |
Continuing the story of our Battle for Britain campaign with a focus on the French troops participating in the war...
Clearly the most important power in Europe and the grand puppet master of the continent Louis XIV had to have a key role in the battle for the British islands and the crown.
Since we allowed St Ruhe to survive the Battle of Aughrim and score a notable victory there it was legitimate to have him lead the French forces during the Jacobite attempt at re conquest.
 |
| Excesses committed by Regiment Fimarcon at Kirkcudbright live on in infamy |
I assumed that St Ruhe made at least one trip back to Versailles to consult with Louvois and the King. His force landed in south west Scotland during June of 1692 and proceeded to terrorize the Covenanting lands of Ayrshire, Kirkcudbrightshire, Lanarkshire and Dumfriesshire. In a dragonnades style campaign of intimidation several villages and towns were burned and put to the sword.
When the Jacobite thrust into England took place in August it was led by the French who had a very particular political twist in their brief which involved getting all of their allies killed before them!
I chose to make St Ruhe's force a mixture of regiments which had previously served in Ireland and other French forces including a sprinkling of famous names (but not too many).
 |
| French guns added punch at Ripon but did not contribute their full potential |
By the time of the final large battle at Ripon a representational group of Maison formations had joined St Ruhe but were not directly under his command but rather that of General Claude Louis Hector de Villars. These were present as a political symbol, insurance policy and emergency reserve all at the same time, demonstrating Louis support for King James, the importance of the cause, the prestige of France and not least to intimidate the amateur enemy soldiers!
Marquis de St Ruhe's Command
Brigade Duquesne
Regiment Mestre de Camp General of Horse: A French cavalry regiment of 18 models. Classed as Bullet Horse. Graded as Veteran and given the suffix of Elite.
Lord Abercorn's Regiment of Horse: An Irish cavalry regiment of 12 models. Classed as Blade Horse. Graded as Drilled.
 |
| The largest regiment of Horse in the entire campaign - Mestre de Camp General |
Brigade Fimarcon
Regiment Fimarcon: A French dragoon regiment of 12 models. Armed with flintlocks. Graded as Drilled and given the suffix of Elite.
Regiment Artois: A French dragoon regiment of 12 models. Armed with flintlocks. Graded as Drilled.
 |
| Marquis de St Ruhe's Command |
Brigade Dumont
Regiment La Couronne: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled and armed with flintlocks.
Regiment La Chartre: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled.
Regiment Zurlauben: A German regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled.
 |
| Lord Abercorn's Irish Horse faired poorly at Ripon against Raw opponents |
Brigade Leclerc
Regiment Bourbonnais: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled.
Regiment Languedoc: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled.
Regiment Famechon: A Walloon regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled.
In addition to these troops directly under St Ruhe the following French brigade served under Lieutenant General Wauchope.
 |
| General Wauchope's French are on the left |
Regiment Auxerre: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled and armed with flintlocks.
Regiment Normandie: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled and given the suffix Elite. Armed with flintlocks.
Regiment Perche: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled.Regiment Solre: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Drilled.
The King despatched in August
 |
|
One battalion (4th) of the Gardes Francaises travelled to Britain
|
4th Battalion of the Gardes Francaises: A French regiment of 18 models. Formed as Regulation ie the normal proportion of pike to shot. Graded as Guard and armed with flintlocks.
Gensdarmes of the Maison Rouge: A French cavalry regiment of 6 models. Classed as Blade Horse. Graded as Guard.
Chevaux Leger of the Maison Rouge:A French cavalry regiment of 6 models. Classed as Blade Horse. Graded as Guard.
 |
| Maison Rouge Chevaux leger |
 |
| Maison Rouge Gensdarmes |
These troops were not to be committed in battle unless to secure a momentous victory or in extreme emergency. They remained under the command of Villars who was landed without ceremony in Scotland but had true seniority during his time there. The French had an adequate supply of field and battering cannon some of which were deployed at Ripon.
In the next part we'll look in detail at some of the Williamite commands.