PRUSSIA’S REBEL
The name of Schill is rarely recognised outside of Germany, even by history enthusiasts. This fact is surprising considering that this officer’s revolt was discussed all over Europe at the time, and happened just at the point the French public was becoming tired of the constant state of war triggered by Napoleon’s Imperial regime.
The beginning
Ferdinand von Schill was born in Wilmsdorf (Saxony) on 6 January 1776. His father was an officer and had served for Austria, Saxony and Prussia. Still young, Schill joined the Prussian cavalry and during the war against France, he was a sub-lieutenant in a dragoon regiment of the queen and was wounded at the battle of Auerstadt. Despite his injuries, he managed to escape captivity.
Schill then served on the island of Rügen before fighting at the fortress of Kolberg, besieged by the French from March to July 1807. During the siege, Schill was ordered to find supplies and given intelligence missions by Major von Gneisenau. The same year, the young officer was tasked by King Frederick William III to form a
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