Page "Jean-Baptiste Lamarck" Paragraph 6

After his father died in 1760, Lamarck bought himself a horse, and rode across the country to join the French army, which was in Germany at the time.

Lamarck showed great physical courage on the battlefield in the Pomeranian War with Prussia, and he was even nominated for the lieutenancy.

Lamarck's company was left exposed to the direct artillery fire of their enemies, and was quickly reduced to just fourteen men – with no officers.

One of the men suggested that the puny, seventeen year-old volunteer should assume command and order a withdrawal from the field ; but although Lamarck accepted command, he insisted they remain where they had been posted until relieved.