Guienne Uniform
The basic French soldiers uniform was changed considerably over the 18th Century to reflect the fashion of the times. In the beginning of the century coats (justacorp's) were longer, had deep over the elbow cuffs,, buttons that went all the way to the bottom and heavy full skirting. As the century progressed the length became shorter, there was less skirting in the back, and cuffs smaller.
By the 1750's the coat was knee length, skirting was not as full - though still plentiful by later standards, the buttons stopped at the waist, and cuffs were just short of the bend in the elbow. Collars began appearing, and the clothes were tailored better to fit the line of the body. A well fitting coat of the time would pull the shoulders up & back forcing the wearer to stand more erect with their chest out.
The justacorp pockets were usually non-functional, though the waistcoat pockets were. The cuffs on the justacorp would fold over the hands in colder weather, and as such the buttons were functional.
Continental & Canadian uniform differences
"Continental or European" uniform: (1755-1763 )white dress, breeches, facings and no collar, red jacket, brass buttons, pockets horizontally furnished with three buttons, three on the sleeve, Chapeau bordered of gold.
"Canadian" uniform: (1755-1757) white dress, breeches, facings and no collar, red jacket, brass buttons, pockets horizontally furnished with three buttons, three on the sleeve, Chapeau bordered of gold.
The first Canadian uniform followed ministry of the Marine clothing specifications, and as such did NOT have a collar.
"Canadian" uniform: (1757-1760) white dress, breeches, facings, red collar, weskit, and cuffs, brass buttons, pockets horizontally furnished with three buttons, three on the sleeve, Chapeau bordered of gold.
Replacement uniforms after 1757 in Canada were identical to those worn by the rest of the Regiments battalions still in Europe. This was due to the ministry of war assuming responsibility for all military operations in Canada ( instead of the ministry of Marine ).
Specifics on what was issued to the soldiers, can be found here. This list is not inclusive, and may actually have more than what some individuals really carried. As the war went on troops in Canada did not get re-supplied due to the English blockade, and as items wore out they were replaced with local substitutes when/if available.
Select: details of the standard uniform
Select: details of additional field equipment carried
Select: details of winter issue items
Select: details of the muskets used
Minimum uniform components for the re-enactor:
Since we strive to recreate a military unit, certain items of clothing are required to present a standard appearance. Other items beyond these listed here are optional, and you will probably want as time goes on. ( Tent, camp items, civilian clothes)
Dress components: -1st Year
White wool Justacorp w/ functional red cuffs and collar, white serge wool
lining on turnbacks, brass domed buttons, three buttons on non-functional
pockets, and cuffs
White Gaiters w/ black garters, 13 buttons.
Black felt hat, low crown, gold lace, black military cockade.
Small clothes: -2nd Year
Linen shirt, thin choker style collar. Not the later 1770's period larger
flap collar.
White wool pants w/ French fly.
Red sleeved waistcoat, lined with linen, three buttons on functional pockets.
Fatigue Cap, red Facing, white cone, embroidered yellow Bursting bomb insignia
for grenadier, or flur-de-lise for fusilier units.
Buckled shoes
Black cravat
Red socks over the knee in length
Weapons: -3rd Year
Model 1754 St. Etienne or other period French
musket w/socket bayonet.
30 hole French cartridge box French double 'D' buckle, w/ embossed infantry
crest.
Two hole waist belt 1747 pattern & frog, French double 'D' buckle w/ bayonet
and sword holder, tomahawk for general line troops, sword for corporal's,
sergeants, and officers.
Field equipment -3rd Year ( Some of these items are considered optional for the reenactor)
Canteen
Knapsack
Small calfskin bag with hair still attached
Personal hygiene, and camp items carried
in knapsack or small bag
For winter and other chilly climates the cold
weather gear would be issued.