The term 'Marine' is a bit of a misnomer, it was rare

the Marine who had actually seen the sea never mind

a boat. The only connection to the sea is that as colonial

troops they were charged with protecting Frances'

overseas interests and fell under the jurisdiction of the

board of Marine.

Since the last full company of Marines that were actually

sent to New France arrived in 1683 is it doubtful if many

of those actually serving in the ranks at the time of the

conflict were even still very French!

So they weren't really Marines and weren't particularly

French who were they? To sum them up you would

have to describe them as the first true fighting

Canadians, fourth or even fifth generation French,

highly skilled at woodland fighting, they were also

skilled tradesmen, allowed to develop various

professions part time while fulfilling their military

duties as the most commonly seen representatives of

colonial French power.

Younger men of the Marines were scattered

throughout New France and acted as policemen and would often be seen settling disputes and keeping the peace while their older members would enjoy the kinder comforts of town and garrison duties. The various companies would be mustered together at times of crisis to act as light infantry in support of their more regular distant European cousins.