James Wolfe’s first battle was The Battle of Dettingen

James Wolfe first experienced combat at the Battle of Dettingen in 1743, after missing a few battles due to illness. The battle was fought in Dettingen, a city in the state of Bavaria. James II oversaw the allied forces, and the battle isn't thought to have had much of an impact.

The battle, however, saw a particularly impressive performance from Wolfe's battalion. While Wolfe was riding, his horse was shot and killed, and during the war, his unit suffered more attacks than any other.

The battle ended in victory for the allies, and people in positions of authority were impressed by Wolfe's regiment's conduct. During the Battle of Dettingen in the German theater of the War of the Austrian Succession, Wolfe experienced his first combat encounter. King George II commanded the British forces, and it is noteworthy for being the final conflict in British history to be commanded by a reigning monarch. In spite of being shot out from under him, Wolfe displayed extraordinary bravery and composure under fire. George II's son, the Duke of Cumberland, took note and elevated him to the captain of the 45th Regiment of Foot.