Kaiser Wilhelm II's aide-de-camp, who had replaced general Adolf von Wittich in 1888. Plessen was a veteran of the War of 1864 versus Denmark, when Kaiser Wilhelm I awarded him a gift sword to commemorate his bravery. He was know to have been very anxious for war, especially against England. By 1918, he was the German Army's oldest living officer, remaining utterly devoted to the Kaiser until his exile.

"dienstuender General Adjutant"
Generaloberst im Range eines Generalfeldmarschalls