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Field Marshal von Mackensen: The Iron Hussar

An in-depth chronicle of a distinguished German military leader from the Prussian era through World War I and his complex postwar years.

Biography 👤 World War I ⚔️

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Early Life and Career

Origins and Military Beginnings

Born Anton Ludwig Friedrich August Mackensen on December 6, 1849, in Haus Leipnitz, Prussia, he hailed from a family with agricultural ties. His father, Ludwig Mackensen, ensured his son received a solid education, initially preparing him for a career in estate administration. However, young August felt the call of military service, enlisting as a volunteer in the Prussian 2nd Life Hussars Regiment in 1869.

The Franco-Prussian War and Early Recognition

His military career was forged in the crucible of the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). During this conflict, he distinguished himself by leading a charge, earning a promotion to second lieutenant and the Iron Cross Second Class. This early recognition foreshadowed his future military achievements.

Education and Return to Service

Following the war, Mackensen pursued studies at Halle University. However, the military life beckoned, and he rejoined the German Army in 1873, returning to his former regiment. His career trajectory accelerated when he was appointed to the prestigious General Staff in Berlin in 1891, bypassing the traditional War Academy preparation, a testament to his perceived potential.

Mentorship and Imperial Favor

Mackensen found influential mentors in War Minister Julius von Verdy du Vernois and later, Alfred von Schlieffen, Chief of the German General Staff. His sharp intellect and dedication impressed Kaiser Wilhelm II, leading to his appointment as adjutant to the Kaiser in 1893. This pivotal role provided him unparalleled access and influence, culminating in his ennoblement as 'von Mackensen' in 1899.

World War I: A Field Marshal's Ascent

The Veteran Commander

At the outbreak of World War I in 1914, Mackensen, at 65, was already a seasoned officer. He commanded the XVII Army Corps, which was quickly deployed to the Eastern Front. His decisive actions in the early battles against the Russian invasion of East Prussia, including Tannenberg and the Masurian Lakes, earned him commendations and the Pour le Mérite award.

Eastern Front Victories

Mackensen's strategic acumen shone brightly on the Eastern Front. He took command of the Ninth Army and led successful offensives, notably the Gorlice-Tarnów Offensive in 1915. This campaign, characterized by overwhelming artillery superiority and rapid advances, pushed Russian forces back significantly, leading to his promotion to Field Marshal in June 1915.

The Serbian Campaign

In October 1915, Mackensen was entrusted with commanding a multinational army group for the renewed campaign against Serbia. Despite respecting the Serbian soldiers' tenacity, his forces achieved a decisive victory, crushing effective resistance. His campaign was noted for its strategic coordination and successful execution.

Romanian Conquest

In 1916, Mackensen led another multinational force into Romania. Exploiting a pincer movement with German forces advancing through the Carpathian Mountains, his army group crossed the Danube and captured the capital, Bucharest, by December 1916, shortly after his 67th birthday. This victory earned him the Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, the highest Prussian military honor.

Key Campaigns and Leadership

Eastern Front Operations

Mackensen's early involvement in World War I saw him commanding forces against Russia in East Prussia. His rapid deployment and tactical success in battles like Tannenberg were crucial in repelling the initial Russian invasion, establishing his reputation as a capable commander.

Serbian Campaign of 1915

The campaign against Serbia in 1915 was a significant undertaking for Mackensen. Leading a combined force of German, Austro-Hungarian, and Bulgarian troops, he orchestrated a successful invasion that overwhelmed Serbian defenses. His respect for the enemy's fighting spirit was noted, even amidst military victory.

Romanian Campaign of 1916

The conquest of Romania in 1916 marked another major success for Mackensen. His army group's strategic advance and capture of Bucharest demonstrated effective combined-arms operations and contributed significantly to the Central Powers' position in the war.

Nickname: "The Last Hussar"

Mackensen's distinctive Hussar uniform, particularly the death's head insignia he often wore, contributed to his iconic image. He became known as "The Last Hussar," a moniker reflecting both his personal style and his command of cavalry traditions, even as warfare evolved.

Postwar Life and Complex Allegiances

Post-War Internment

Following the armistice in 1918, Mackensen was interned by the Allies in Serbia for over a year. Despite being on a list of accused war criminals, the charges were eventually dropped. He retired from the army in 1920, disillusioned with the post-war political landscape of Germany.

Monarchist and Nationalist Support

In his retirement, Mackensen remained a staunch monarchist and nationalist. He actively supported conservative and nationalist groups, often appearing in his World War I uniform, symbolizing a connection to Germany's imperial past. He initially supported Paul von Hindenburg over Adolf Hitler in the 1932 presidential election.

Relationship with the Nazi Regime

Upon Hitler's rise to power in 1933, Mackensen became a visible, albeit largely symbolic, supporter. He participated in regime events like the Day of Potsdam and was appointed to the Prussian State Council. However, he privately expressed strong disapproval of the Night of the Long Knives and later voiced concerns about Nazi atrocities in Poland, though he continued to support the regime publicly.

Enduring Criticisms and Legacy

Despite his reservations, Mackensen's continued public association with the Nazi regime led to him being suspected of disloyalty by Hitler's inner circle. His iconic image and military prestige were co-opted by the Nazis, even leading to Elastolin figures and military units adopting his uniform's aesthetic. He died in 1945, having lived through numerous German political eras.

Family and Personal Life

First Marriage and Children

In 1879, Mackensen married Dorothea von Horn, the sister of a fallen comrade. They had five children: Else, Hans Georg (a diplomat), Manfred, Eberhard (who became a Generaloberst), and Ruth. His first wife passed away in 1905.

Second Marriage

Two years after his first wife's death, Mackensen married Leonie von der Osten, who was significantly younger. This union further shaped his personal life during his later career and retirement.

Religious Affiliation

August von Mackensen and his family were adherents of the Lutheran Protestant faith within the Evangelical Church of Prussia.

Distinguished Honors and Recognition

A Plethora of Accolades

Field Marshal von Mackensen received an extensive array of honors throughout his distinguished military career, reflecting his service across multiple German states and allied nations. These accolades recognized his battlefield successes and leadership.

Among his most significant awards were:

  • Prussia: Pour le Mérite with Oakleaves, Grand Cross of the Iron Cross, Order of the Black Eagle.
  • Bavaria: Military Order of Max Joseph (Grand Cross).
  • Austria-Hungary: Military Order of Maria Theresa (Grand Cross).
  • Bulgaria: Military Order for Bravery (1st Class).
  • Ottoman Empire: Order of Osmanieh (1st Class).

He also received honorary doctorates from universities and had a class of battlecruisers named after him, SMS Mackensen.

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References

References

  1.  Theo Schwarzmüller, Zwischen Kaiser und "Führer". Generalfeldmarschall August von Mackensen. Eine politische biographie. (Munich: Deutsche Taschenbuch Verlag, 1995), 17–29.
  2.  The withdrawal of Mackensen’s army from Romania
  3.  1945 Radio News, "1945-04-15 CBS World News Today" at around 14:25, at archive.org.
  4.  Rangliste der Königlich Preußischen Armee und des XIII. (Königlich Württembergischen) Armeekorps für 1914, E.S. Mittler & Sohn, Berlin 1914, p. 101
  5.  Handbuch über den Königlich Preußischen Hof und Staat fur das Jahr 1908, p. 39
  6.  Erhard Roth: Verleihungen von militärischen Orden und Ehrenzeichen des Königreichs Bayern im Ersten Weltkrieg 1914-1918, Phaleristischer Verlag Michael Autengruber, Offenbach am Main, 1997, ISBN 3-932543-19-X
  7.  Regierungsblatt für Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Verleihungen des Militärverdienstkreuzes, XIX.Veröffentlichung, 13.10.1916
  8.  luise-berlin.de
A full list of references for this article are available at the August von Mackensen Wikipedia page

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