The war that this marine fought began with a French victory. On 3 July 1754, a young Virginian colonel named George Washington, dug into a crude stockade he had named Fort Necessity, was surrounded by a French and Indigenous force under Louis Coulon de Villiers of the troupes de la marine. Coulon had come to avenge his half-brother Jumonville, killed weeks earlier in a skirmish with Washington's men. After a day of rain-soaked fighting Washington surrendered — the only capitulation of his career. The Compagnies Franches de la Marine had opened the French and Indian War, and would hold the frontier for six more years.

W. Britain poses this marine kneeling in the front-rank firing position, musket brought up to make ready — the front rank kneels while the rear rank stands, doubling a thin company's volley. He wears the white Compagnies Franches coat with blue trim and cuffs, a tricorne, buff crossbelt, and white gaiters. He forms the firing line with the standing marine making ready behind him, the Compagnies Franches Officer directing the volley, and the ensign bearing the Colonel's Color.

W. Britain model 47054. 54mm scale, gloss-finished metal. Single kneeling figure on a plain rectangular base. Supplied in a window box.