Francs-tireurs

[cyclone]

Anyone familiar with the subject-matter?

Edit for clarification: Were they regarded more as civillian-sharpshooters, or as partizans, both, neither....?

I do know the concept goes back to a Prussian War or two, and that their status with the Hague was loosely defined/followed.

 

[smellie]

Usually used to mean 'irregulars'.

Word actually means 'free shooters'.

Generally regarded more or less as unofficial troops (if you were really lucky) or (if you weren't) as terrorists. Really good way to get hanged.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dryzen]

In the French sense, evolution of the Franc-Archer, it would mean a sunday drilled irregular force (militia or club), at least originally.

 

[snowhunter]

When I lived in Paris, I was told that in the later parts of the 1800's the mayor streets or Paris were redisigned in such a way that it would be easy to place canons at the intersections, with lots of room to fire at irregular, Parisian forces, who at the time had roamed the streets of Paris.

Members of these irregular, Parisian forces, were for the most part, sumarily executed by french government firing squads, when ever they were found.