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August Karl GoebPrussian general during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871.
Country:
 Germany |
Content:
- Prussian General in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
- Service in Spain
- Return to Prussia
- Military Campaigns
- Austro-Prussian War (1866)
- Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
- Battle of Gravelotte
- Battle of Bapaume
- Command of the 1st Army
- Later Career
- Honors and Legacy
Prussian General in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
Early Life and Military EducationAugust Karl von Goeben was born in 1816 and joined the 24th Infantry Regiment in 1833. Despite struggling with military discipline, his passion for warfare led him to resign and offer his services to Don Carlos in the Spanish Carlist Wars.
Service in Spain
As a junior lieutenant in the Carlist army, Goeben exhibited exceptional bravery, suffering severe wounds and enduring lengthy imprisonment as a prisoner of war. He escaped once and was later exchanged.
Return to Prussia
Upon Don Carlos's abdication, Goeben returned to Germany without funds. He published his memoirs, "Four Years in Spain," which caught the attention of Prussian military leaders. He was inducted into the General Staff and forged a close relationship with Helmuth von Moltke.
Military Campaigns
Goeben served in the Bavarian campaign of 1849 and fought in Morocco as part of a Spanish expedition in 1859. He gained prominence in the 1863 Danish War as commander of the 26th Infantry Brigade.
Austro-Prussian War (1866)
Commanding the 13th Infantry Division, Goeben won a series of decisive battles against Bavarian, Hessian, Austrian, and Baden forces. His victories inspired Prince Friedrich-Karl to adopt "Goeben Forward!" as his battle cry.
Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871)
Early VictoriesAs commander of the VIII Army Corps from July 1870, Goeben played a key role in Prussia's early victories. He assisted General von Kameke at Spichern and led a triumph at Mars-la-Tour.
Battle of Gravelotte
Despite heavy casualties, Goeben's corps successfully repelled French assaults at Gravelotte. After the surrender of Marshal Bazaine's army at Metz, Goeben and the I Corps advanced towards Amiens.
Battle of Bapaume
On January 3, 1871, Goeben faced a numerically superior French force at Bapaume. Despite the odds, he rallied his troops and held his ground, preventing a complete defeat.
Command of the 1st Army
Appointed commander of the 1st Army on January 8, Goeben masterfully concentrated his forces and launched a successful offensive on January 19. This victory earned him the Iron Cross, 1st Class.
Later Career
After the war, Goeben commanded the 2nd Rhine Infantry Regiment No. 28 and later the VIII Army Corps, where he died in 1880. He was highly regarded by his chief of staff, General Graf Heniques, but others, such as General von Krechmann, criticized him for self-promotion.
Honors and Legacy
Emperor Alexander II of Russia awarded Goeben the Order of St. George, 4th and 3rd Class. In his honor, a battlecruiser (SMS Goeben) and a Bundeswehr barracks were named after him.
