The large number of pieces of artillery installed on the fortifications of Louisbourg on Île Royale called for a corps of specialists in addition to the squadron of sixteen infantry-artillerymen trained, since 1735, by the master gunner. In 1743, Île Royale received the authorization to form the first unit of colonial artillery in the history of the French army: the Canonniers-Bombardiers company. Initially it consisted in a captain, a lieutenant, two sergeants, two corporals, twelve bombardiers, thirteen gunners and a drummer, for a total of two officers and thirty men. Bombardiers specialized in handling mortars and gunners specialized in cannons. In 1750, the number of soldiers increased to fifty and of officers to three. In February 1758, a second company was organized in Louisbourg.

     Since 1698 there had been a school of artillery in Quebec City where each regular company sent soldiers by rotation. This school is sometimes referred to as an artillery "company," but a true company of gunners-bombardiers was not formed until 1750 in Quebec City. It included four officers and fifty artillerymen. The majority remained in Quebec City, but part of the company was detached to Montreal and to certain forts in the West and in the Ohio Valley. A second company was raised in Canada in March 1757.

     In Louisiana, an artillery school was formed in Mobile in 1744, following the Canadian custom of instructing a soldier from each infantry company in the handling of artillery. An ordinance of December 1759 stipulated the formation of a company of gunners-bombardiers in Louisiana.

     The gunners-bombardiers were considered elite soldiers. Well paid, they were recruited from among the best soldiers of infantry companies with aptitudes for artillery, and in reviews, they held the right of the line - the place of honour. They marched ahead of the infantry in parades. In Canada and in Louisbourg, they participated with distinction in numerous sieges and combats.