Regimental History as pertaining to the conflict in New France
1755-1760
The Regiment Guyenne, 2nd Battalion was assigned to General Montcalms Army in the defense of New France during the Seven Years war.
Notable Battles in New France:
Fort William Henry, Fort Ticonderoga, Fort Niagra, Fort Bull, Quebec and Saint Foy.
Timeline of major actions:
1755
In the spring of 1755, the 2nd Battalion of Guyenne sailed from Brest as part of a small force of regular army troops assigned to Canada. The Battalion landed on 23 June and proceeded with the Regiment de Bearn to Fort Frontenac, where it was to remain until ordered to Fort Niagra on 5 Oct.
Leaving a detachment of 200 men to winter at Fort Niagra with the colonial regulars, the remainder of the battalion began its return march to winter quarters in November, and arrived on 4 December. This demanding journey gave Guyenne Regiment the distinction of being the only French Line Infantry Unit to Penetrate deeply into the North American Wilderness. In June 1755 Baron Dieskau sent Guyenne and La Sarre Battalions to Fort Frontenac, which guarded the western frontier of New France. Here Montcalm would later assemble his Battalions for the attack on Fort Oswego.
Fort William Henry:
The following year Guyenne formed part of the expedition against Fort William Henry where the Battalion again found itself engaged in siege operations in the midst of lakes and forest of North America.
Fort Ticonderoga:
1758
In the spring of 1758, the British concentrated a force of some 15000 men of which 6500 were regulars, at the south end of Lake George, with the obvious intention to thrust up Lake George into the heart of Canada. Montcalm concentrated the eight regular battalions and a handful full of colonial regulars and militia 3,600 in all at Ticonderoga to counter the British threat. The men of Guyenne along with other regulars fortified the perimeter of the French position with high loopholed breastworks of logs. Fields of fire were cleared and the entanglement of felled trees with sharpened branches was placed to cover the position.
Guyenne moved to its assigned position on the right flank of the perimeter and formed three ranks behind the breastworks. As the British lines of attacking infantry reached the tangle of fallen trees they fell before disciplined French fire. The British Forces regrouped and advance again and again. On the fifth attempt solid columns of British troops led by the 42 Blackwatch crashed in to the position held by Guyenne. The attackers reached the breastworks and some highlanders scrambled over. Then at the critical moment Levi appeared at the head of the reserve French Grenadiers. The Blackwatch withdrew leaving some 500 dead and wounded.
The victory at Ticonderoga belonged to Montcalm and his regulars. This was no petit guerre, but a contest between disciplined professionals.
Conclusion of the war in New France:
1759 - 1760
Plains of Abraham - outside of Quebec:
1759
Deserted by their Indian allies French soldiers of the line stood against superior numbers and prevailed. Guyenne stood with Montcalm in the line of battle on the Plains of Abraham and returned with Levi in the spring of 1760 for the battle of Saint Foy.
Saint Foy:
1760
The arrival of British reinforcements forced the lifting of the siege of Quebec by the French and forced the final surrender of New France at Montreal.
Suplumental History
1760
Illinois first Governor was
Pierre Mendard the son of Jean Baptiste Menard, a French soldier in the regiment of Guyenne.
