World War I German General. He began his military career at age 19, joining the Prussian Army in 1865, fought in the war of 1866 against Austria and the Franco-Prussian War 1870 to 1871. In the following years he rose to the rank of Colonel in 1896, Major General in 1899 and General of Infantry in 1906. He was promoted Colonel General in command of the 1st German Army in 1913, which invaded Belgium in the early stages of World War I. An aggressive commander, he planned the offensive against Paris to command the extreme right of the German forces in attacking the left flank of the French Army and encircling Paris, bringing a rapid conclusion to the war. After capturing Brussels in August 1914, he was almost successful in defeating France, but was defeated at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914. For the rest of the war, he retained command of the 1st German Army until severely wounded on March 20, 1915. Relieved of command, for war services he was awarded the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) and retired from the Army in 1916.
World War I German General. He began his military career at age 19, joining the Prussian Army in 1865, fought in the war of 1866 against Austria and the Franco-Prussian War 1870 to 1871. In the following years he rose to the rank of Colonel in 1896, Major General in 1899 and General of Infantry in 1906. He was promoted Colonel General in command of the 1st German Army in 1913, which invaded Belgium in the early stages of World War I. An aggressive commander, he planned the offensive against Paris to command the extreme right of the German forces in attacking the left flank of the French Army and encircling Paris, bringing a rapid conclusion to the war. After capturing Brussels in August 1914, he was almost successful in defeating France, but was defeated at the Battle of the Marne in September 1914. For the rest of the war, he retained command of the 1st German Army until severely wounded on March 20, 1915. Relieved of command, for war services he was awarded the Pour le Mérite (Blue Max) and retired from the Army in 1916.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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