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De Gannes' Military Career
De Gannes' life was centered around the military. In 1719, at the age of 17, he was appointed to ensign (carry the flag) in the Compagnies Franches in Canada. Three years later he went to Île Royale. He received his first promotion in 1725, achieving the rank of lieutenant. The following year he was temporarily posted at Port Toulouse (St. Peter's, Nova Scotia). At the relatively young age of 28, De Gannes was made captain of his own company and recruited soldiers from France.
In 1744, he received a reprimand for withdrawing troops from Annapolis Royal when he had been ordered to winter in Acadia. However, this had little effect on his military career and was given a complete pardon before his death. After the first siege of Louisbourg he returned to France on the last boat for exportation of the French residents. In 1746, he was admitted to the order of Saint-Louis (knighted). He returned to Louisbourg after the Fortress had been given back to the French and was given the title of Town Major. In 1752, he was named as King's Lieutenant of Trois-Rivières. Unfortunately, Michel de Gannes de Falaise died on October 23 before he could take up this post. His body was one of five buried under the chapel in the King's Bastion.