Berthold von Deimling
German general (1853–1944)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Berthold Karl Adolf von Deimling (21 March 1853 – 3 February 1944) was a general officer of the German Army during World War I.
Baden
German Empire
Imperial German ArmyBerthold von Deimling | |
|---|---|
 Berthold von Deimling | |
| Born | 21 March 1853 |
| Died | 3 February 1944 (aged 90) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Baden German Empire |
Branch | Imperial German Army |
Service years | 1871–1917 |
Rank | General der Infantarie |
| Nickname | Butcher of Ypres |
| Commands |
|
Conflicts | Herero Wars World War I |
| Awards | Pour le Mérite |
Deimling entered the army in 1871, following the Franco-Prussian War, and after working on the General Staff and in German South-West Africa rose to command a brigade of infantry in 1907.[1] During the Herero and Nama genocide he was initially a hardliner, railing against "humanitarian stupidity", but changed his position in 1906 after being put in command in Africa.[2]
On the outbreak of the First World War, Deimling was in command of the XV Corps near the Swiss border and commanded them during the Battle of Mulhouse.[3] He would later command forces in the First Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Verdun and the Battle of the Somme. He was awarded the Pour le Mérite on 28 August 1916.
After the war Deimling became a committed pacifist and a member of the board of directors of the German Peace Society (DFG). He was a member of the German Democratic Party. He died in Baden-Baden.
