French Volontaires Étrangers de Clermont-Prince, 1758–1766

Created by order of 7 May 1758, composed of 1,800 men, all foreigners, including 1,000 on foot and 800 on horseback, divided into nine companies of fusiliers of 100 men each, two companies of grenadiers of 50 men and 16 companies of cavalry of 50 men each.

Each company of grenadiers is made up of two sergeants, three corporals, three Anspessades, 41 grenadiers and one drummer, commanded by one Capitaine, one Lieutenant and one Sous-Lieutenant.

The company of fusiliers is made up of four sergeants, four cadets, one fourier, one Capitaine d’Armes, six corporals, six Anspessades, two gunners, two carpenters, 72 fusiliers and two drummers, commanded by one Capitaine, one Capitaine en second, one Lieutenant en premier, one Lieutenant en second, and one Sous-Lieutenant.

The company of cavalry composed of four Brigadiers, two cadets, 43 cavaliers, and one trumpeter, commanded by one Capitaine, one Lieutenant, one Cornette, and two Maréchaux des Logis.

État-Major

One Colonel-Lieutenant, one Lieutenant-Colonel and one Lieutenant-Colonel en second without companies, one Major, two Aides-Major d’Infanterie, two Aides-Major de Cavalerie, one Aumônier (chaplain), one Chirurgien-Major, one Maréchal des Logis, one Auditeur, one Prévôt (provost), one Greffier (Registrar), two archers, and one Exécuteur de justice.

Arms of the Infantry; Fusil, Bayonet and short Sabre.

Arms of the Cavalry; Sabre, Carbine and two Pistols.

Two artillery pieces à la Suédoise attached to the infantry element.

Cavalry Uniform

Light ochre (ventre de biche) coat, red lapels, collar, cuffs and coat lining, flat pewter buttons, white boutonnières (buttonhole lace), light ochre greatcoat with red collar, red waistcoat with buttons and boutonnières as on the coat, soft boots, yellow leather helmet with red bourlet (turban) and white plume.

Infantry Uniform

Same as that of the cavalry, except for the lapels on the coat. The grenadiers have a red plume on their helmet, the fusiliers have one in white.

Commanding Officer

  • Colonel-Lieutenant, M. le Baron du Blaisel
  • Lieutenant-Colonel, M. de Rome
  • Lieutenant-Col. en second, M. le Chevalier du Blaisel
  • Major, M. de Romans

Bibliography

French Light Troops