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Max-Karl GalvitsGerman artillery general.
Date of Birth: 02.05.1852
Country:  Germany |
Content:
- Max von Gallwitz: German Artillery General and WWI Commander
- Staff and Command Positions
- Inspector of Field Artillery
- World War I
- Eastern Front
- Balkans and Verdun
- Later Commands and Retirement
- Post-War Years
Max von Gallwitz: German Artillery General and WWI Commander
Early Life and Military CareerBorn in Breslau, Germany, Max von Gallwitz joined the 9th Artillery Regiment in 1870 and became a lieutenant in 1872. He fought in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71, then studied at the Military Academy from 1877-80.
Staff and Command Positions
Gallwitz served as a brigade adjutant from 1882, and later in the General Staff and War Ministry. In 1890, he commanded a battery in the 27th Artillery Regiment, and from 1895, an artillery division in the 11th Artillery Regiment.
Inspector of Field Artillery
In 1897, he was appointed as the head of a department in the War Ministry. From 1899, he commanded the 76th Artillery Regiment, and from 1901, the 29th Field Artillery Brigade. In 1903, he became Director of the Department of Military Administration and Deputy Representative of the War Ministry in the Bundesrat.
World War I
With the outbreak of World War I, Gallwitz was appointed commander of the Guards Reserve Corps. He led the capture of the Belgian fortress of Namur in August 1914.
Eastern Front
In 1915, Gallwitz commanded Army Group "Gallwitz" in Eastern Prussia, protecting the rear of the German armies against a potential Russian attack. He also led the offensive on Warsaw in July 1915, but was unable to break through the Russian defenses.
Balkans and Verdun
In September 1915, Gallwitz took command of the 11th Army, which fought in the Balkans against Serbia. In March 1916, he was transferred to the Western Front, where he led the German attacks on Verdun.
Later Commands and Retirement
From December 1916 to September 1918, Gallwitz commanded the 5th Army. He also commanded Army Group "Gallwitz" from January to March 1918. After the armistice, he retired from the army in December 1918.
Post-War Years
Gallwitz was a member of the Reichstag from 1920 to 1924 and published memoirs about his wartime experiences. He died in 1933 at the age of 86.
