Helmuth von Moltke Elder

Helmuth Karl Bernhard Graf von Moltke
(26.10.1800 - 24.4.1891)
place of birth: Parchim (Mecklenburg)
Generalfeldmarschall: 16 June 1871

Prussian count and field marshal who began his military career in a Danish infantry regiment. In 1821, he joined the Leibgrenadier Regiment in Berlin as a newly-commissioned lieutenant in the Prussian Army. As a member of the general staff, he was sent to Turkey in 1835. He fought against Mehmet Ali of Egypt and also saw action in 1839 at the Battle of Nezib.

Back in Germany, as a colonel and aide-de-camp to the future Kaiser Wilhelm I, he entered into a working alliance with Chancellor von Bismarck and War Minister von Roon. Acutely aware of the effects of railways and telegraphs on military operations, he reorganized the General Staff into three geographical departments and a Railways Department. Was Kaiser Wilhelm I's Chief of General Staff for thirty-one years (1857-1888) when he directed the occupation of the Jutland during the Second Danish War (1864). Also guided the military during the Austro-Prussian War (1866) and the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71). Moltke himself directed the siege of Paris and was promoted to field marshal. Like Schlieffen, he gave serious consideration to the problem of a two-front war, but eventually opted for the Russia first strategy. His nephew, Helmuth von Moltke the Younger was Prussian Chief of General Staff at the outbreak of World War One.

Grand Cross of the Iron Cross: 22.3.1871