French Troupes de las Dragonnes

The first of the Troupes de las Dragonnes were created in 1648, by decree of King Louis XIV upon the advice of Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne, vicomte de Turenne and Marshal General of France, one of his chief military advisors. Turenne oversaw the initial organization of the Troupes. Dragons were provided to the service from many of the noble families, including three dragon wings from Turenne's own family. 

Rank, Insignia, and Uniform

Ranks and insignia in use in 1775-1776:

• Captain - Blue leather with golden embossing and gilt rings and buckles
• Lieutenant - Blue leather with silver embossing and gilt rings and buckles
• Ensign - Blue leather with gilt rings and buckles
• Sergeant - Blue leather with silver embossing and silver rings and buckles
• Corporal - Blue leather with silver rings and buckles
• Cadet - natural leather with silver rings and buckles
• Private - natural leather with brass rings and buckles

The uniform of the Troupes consists of a grey-white woolen coat faced in blue with copper fastenings, a blue waistcoat and breeches lined with yellow, and blue knit stockings. In addition to their harness differences, the officer's uniforms feature braid trims and embroideries to differentiate from lower ranks. Women in the ranks of the Troupes wear long coats and waistcoats.

Dragons of the Troupes

Heavyweights

Middleweights

Lightweights

The Troupes in North America

The first Troupes dragon wings arrived in North America in 1776 on "vacation" in order train the Continental Air Forces which had just recently been organized. The majority of the French dragons arrived with the main body of the French Armies following the Treaty of Alliance with the Continental Army in 1778.

Founding Date

1648

Type

Military, Air Force

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Experienced

Related Species

• Dragons