Repeatedly during the first twenty years of Louisbourg's history, officials in δle Royale petitioned the Minister of the Marine in France for the establishment of a proper artillery company to man the cannon on the fortress walls and batteries. In the 1730s some men were selected from each company to receive special training in the handling of artillery, but it was not until 1743 that the establishment of a company of cannoneers was finally authorized. Composed of thirty of the best men taken from the Compagnies franches, the company of cannoneers was easily distinguished by its uniforms of red and blue. Since the numerous duties of the cannoneers prevented them from working on construction projects or doing odd jobs around town, their monthly pay was considerably higher than that of ordinary soldiers. A rather elite group, the cannoneers were the only members of the Louisbourg garrison who did not join in the mutiny of December, 1744.
Courtesy: Parks Canada, National Film Board of Canada
