William Balck
(19.10.1858 - 15.07.1924)
place of birth:  Osnabrück
Königreich Preußen:  Generalleutnant


General Balck served as Imperial Germany's Chief of Field Telegraphy at the outbreak of World War One. Balck's father was an officer originally from England but who served in the German Army. Following his initial Cadet Corps training, William launched his military career by joining the 78th Infantry Regiment headquartered in his hometown of Osnabrück. After commanding at the regimental and brigade level, he was appointed to serve on the Great General Staff as the Chief Inspector of the Prussian Signals Service.

As War broke out,  Generalmajor Balck continued in his role as head of Field Telegraphy based out of Supreme Army Command Headquarters. In early December 1914, he was transferred to the Eastern Front with the purpose of eventually leading an infantry brigade but was wounded soon thereafter. This setback required several months of convalescent leave, but Balck returned to field duty in August 1915, serving as a division-level commander for the subsequent two and a half years. From March to August 1918, Balck functioned as Germany's Military Governor overseeing the Baltic Islands of Ösel, Dagö, und Moon (Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, and Muhu in present-day Estonia). After the War, Generalleutnant Balck wrote several books on military tactics before he died in Aurich in July 1924. His son Hermann served as a General of Panzer Troops during the Second World War. 

	Generalleutnant ................	22.03.1917
	Pour le Mérite ....................	09.03.1918