Journals of Field-Marshal Count Von Blumenthal for 1866 and 1870-1871

Book excerpt: Includes the Franco-Prussian Map Pack with over 35 maps, plans and diagrams of the engagements of the war Graf Leonhard Von Blumenthal 1810-1900 was a Prussian General Field Marshal of forthright and upstanding principles who became a legendary figure in the German army during the Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian wars. After numerous staff and regimental appointments Von Blumenthal was assigned to be the Chief of the General Staff to the Crown Prince of Prussia, commanding the 2nd army, for the Austro-Prussian war in 1866. The post of Chief of the General Staff was intended to be that of a highly competent adviser to the royal titular commander of the army, and with it came great power of decision. It was upon the 2nd army that the brunt of the fighting fell during the short but brutal war, and its arrival at the battle of Königgratz saved the day. Von Blumenthal’s own part in the entire campaign and particularly on the battlefield of Königgratz was most conspicuous, the grateful Crown Prince said to him, “I know to whom I owe the conduct of my army”. The successful team of Crown Prince and Chief of the General Staff was revived for the struggle with the French during the Franco-Prussian war in 1870. Once again his service was nothing less than brilliant, particularly whilst herding the French Army into the bottleneck trap at Sedan. Bismarck himself said : “So far as one can see, the papers make no mention of him, although he is chief of the staff to the Crown Prince and, next after Moltke, deserves most credit for the conduct of the war. ... He won the battles of Wörth and Wissembourg, and after that of Sedan, as the Crown Prince was not always interfering with his plans.” These fascinating journals are an undiscovered gem of military writing and a particularly interesting sidelight on two often forgotten wars that still shape Europe today.