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Alexander KluckGerman military leader, Generaloberst
Date of Birth: 24.06.1846
Country:  Germany |
Content:
Early Career
Alexander von Kluck was born in Münster, Germany, in 1846. He joined the 55th Infantry Regiment in 1865 and saw action in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. After the war, he held various positions of command in the German army, including commander of the officer school in Jülich and chief of staff of the officer training courses in Annaburg and Neubreisach.
Rise through the Ranks
In 1889, Kluck became commander of a battalion in the 66th Infantry Regiment. Subsequently, he held command of the 1st Landwehr District (Berlin), the 34th Fusilier Regiment, and the 23rd Infantry Brigade (Neisse). In 1903, he was promoted to command the 37th Infantry Division (Allenstein). From 1906 to 1907, he commanded the 5th Army Corps (headquartered in Poznan). In 1907, he became commander of the 1st Army Corps. In 1913, he was appointed Inspector General of the 8th Army Inspection (headquartered in Berlin).
World War I
Invasion of FranceWith the outbreak of World War I in August 1914, Kluck was given command of the 1st Army, which was deployed in the area of Krefeld-Erkelenz-Jülich-Bergheim. His army consisted of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Army Corps, the 3rd and 4th Reserve Corps, and the 10th, 11th, and 27th Landwehr Brigades. During the invasion of France, his army operated on the extreme right wing of the German forces. On August 7, he crossed the Meuse River and advanced towards Brussels.
Battle of Mons
On August 23, 1914, Kluck's army achieved a major victory in the Battle of Mons against the British Army under Field Marshal John French. The British were forced to retreat to the line of Cambrai-Le Cateau.
Battle of the Marne
During the Battle of the Marne, Kluck's army faced a French counter-offensive and was forced to retreat. On September 9, 1914, he received orders to withdraw to the Marne River. Kluck's army played a significant role in repelling French attempts to break through the German lines and securing the flank of the German front.
Later Career
In March 1915, Kluck was wounded in action and awarded the Pour le Merite. He was removed from command of his army and transferred to the reserve in October 1916. After the war, he published his memoirs, "The March on Paris and the Battle of the Marne" (1920). He died in Berlin in 1934.
