losing three brothers in the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745 and a son in the naval Battle of the Saintes in 1782.
Born on September 6, 1698, in Orain, Burgundy, France, Jean Thurel embarked on an incredible military journey lasting an astonishing 75 years and 4 months. Enlisting at 18 in the Régiment de Touraine in 1716, Thurel's unwavering commitment became legendary.
Facing the brutality of war, he survived a musket shot to the chest at the siege of Kehl in 1733 and seven sword slashes, six to the head, at the Battle of Minden in 1759, all while losing three brothers in the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745 and a son in the naval Battle of the Saintes in 1782.
Thurel's dedication, showcased in unconventional actions during the 1747 siege of Bergen op Zoom, earned him both scolding and admiration. At 88, he declined a carriage offer and marched the entire distance to the coast in 1787, a testament to his enduring spirit.
Meeting King Louis XVI in 1787, he received a pension upon retirement in 1792, remaining a private throughout his remarkable career. Even in retirement, his legacy thrived, meeting Napoleon in the early 1800s and earning admiration for a commitment that left an indelible mark on military history.
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