Forces of the Confederation of the Five Duchies - The Duchess du Burgoyne`s Own Fusiliers

 

The Duchess du Burgoyne`s Own Fusiliers

Commanding officer: Brevet Colonel Christophe de la Côte D'or

Motto: "I serve"

Garrison/HQ: Cerisier

Nickname: The Cherry Blossoms

Origin

The Duchess du Burgoyne's Own Fusiliers were raised in 1668, during the War of Independence, by Duke Henri du Burgoyne to serve as his personal bodyguard. They were originally known as the Duke's Own Bodyguard.

The War of Independence

The regiment served under Duke Henri du Burgoyne throughout the 1669–1671 campaign in Volgar, including the Battle of Hen-Bei in July 1670 and the Battle of Iytstelbel in 1671, which brought the campaign in Volgar to an end. The Burgoyne forces joined those of the other Duchies in fighting in the Nine-Month Campaign at Saufend in August 1672 and took part in the storming of the earthworks there.

On the renewal of hostilities in 1673, the Cherry Blossoms were assigned to protect the artillery of the Duchy of Burgoyne. They were consequently equipped with lightweight muskets, or 'fusils', and became known as the Duke du Burgoyne's Own Fusiliers. The regiment served throughout the various campaigns of the War of Independence, including the battles of Sainte Marguerite, Falaise de l'Abbé and Vallée des Ormes.

In 1688, the Five Duchies finally secured their independence from the Kingdom of Volgar. However, in the final hours of the war, Duke Henri du Burgoyne was killed by a stray shot. The loss of their beloved leader caused consternation throughout the Duchy of Burgoyne, and from that point onwards, the Duchess du Burgoyne's Own Fusiliers would no longer be led into combat by their liege. Instead, command of the regiment in the field was entrusted to a brevet colonel.