Attack on de Vienne house, Beauport, Quebec 1759

This is a fictional battle, but could have happened if the British had been able to ford the Montmorency river further up from the French defences. (All images courtsey of www.cmhg.gc.ca)

Men of the Compagnie des canonniers-bombardiers of Canada move an artillery piece into place

Shown are various ranks of the Canonniers-bombardiers during the mid-eighteenth century. The men serving the cannon are wearing their waistcoats so that they will not be hampered by their coats and equipment. Sergeants and corporals can be recognized by the silver lace stitched to their cuffs, double lace for the former and single lace for the latter. The drummers are wearing the king's livery with buttons of white metal. The officers' uniforms are identical to those of their men, but of better quality. Reconstruction by Eugène Lelièpvre.


The British deployed against the French defences. The British right took some casualties from the French gunners. However, with counter battery fire, and bayonet charges by the grenadiers, the French guns were taken out.The Ottawa warriors then broke, leaving the Canadien milice to hold them back.


In the centre, the British and French guns fired on each other, the French guns held out, but were then threatened by the grenades of the British Grenadiers.

Grenadier officer, 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot, 1757-1767

The 60th (Royal American) Regiment of Foot was raised as part of an effort to create units of the British army drawn from the American colonies. The successor to this regiment is still part of the British Army in the 21st century, although it has not recruited in North America for hundreds of years. Grenadiers wore the distinctive pointed cap shown here until these were replaced by fur caps in 1768. The officers and drummers (but not the ordinary soldiers) of the 60th had their uniforms trimmed with lace. Note that grenadier officers carried muskets, unlike most infantry officers. (Library of the Canadian Department of National Defence)


On the French left, the Huron warriors attempted to hold back the British brigade. Eventually with a combination of musketry duels and bayonet charges, the warriors slowly fell back. The Compaigne Franches then came from reserve to hold the line.
Finally, the entire British army bayonet charged the French centre. Knowing the battle to be lost, Montcalm surrendered. Quebec fell, without a direct assualt.