Fritz von Below facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fritz von Below
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| Born | 23 September 1853 Danzig, Province of Prussia, Kingdom of Prussia now Gdańsk, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland |
| Died | 23 November 1918 (aged 65) Weimar, Free State of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, Weimar Republic |
| Allegiance |  German Empire |
| Service/ |
Prussian Army |
| Years of service | 1873–1918 |
| Rank | General der Infanterie |
| Commands held |
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| Battles/wars | World War I
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| Awards | Pour le Mérite with Oakleaves |
Fritz Theodor Carl von Below (born September 23, 1853 – died November 23, 1918) was an important general in the German Army. He served during World War I. General von Below led soldiers in major battles. These included the Battle of the Somme, the Second Battle of the Aisne, and the Spring Offensive in 1918.
Contents
Life and Military Career
Fritz von Below was born in Danzig, which is now Gdańsk, Poland. He began his military career in 1873. By 1912, he was given command of the XXI Corps. This was a large group of soldiers.
World War I: Early Years
When World War I started, Below's XXI Corps fought on the Western Front. This was the main battle line in France and Belgium. In 1915, his corps was moved to the Eastern Front. There, they took part in the Second Battle of the Masurian Lakes. This battle was fought against Russian forces.
For his success in these early campaigns, Below received an important award. On February 16, 1915, he was given the Pour le Mérite. This was a very high military honor in Prussia.
Leading the 2nd Army
On April 4, 1915, Fritz von Below was promoted. He became the commander of the 2nd Army. In 1916, his army faced a huge attack. This was during the Battle of the Somme. This battle was one of the largest and bloodiest in history.
So many soldiers joined the 2nd Army that it became too big. Because of this, it was decided to split the army. On July 19, 1916, the 1st Army was created. It was formed from the northern part of the 2nd Army.
Below then took command of the new 1st Army. The 2nd Army got a new leader, General Max von Gallwitz. General Gallwitz also helped coordinate the actions of both armies. For his successful leadership during the Battle of the Somme, Below received another award. On August 11, 1916, he was given the Oakleaves to the Pour le Mérite. This meant he had received the award a second time.
Later Commands and Death
In June 1918, Below was appointed to command the 9th Army. This army was still fighting on the Western Front. However, Below became very sick with pneumonia. Another general, Johannes von Eben, had to take over his command temporarily.
Fritz von Below died on November 23, 1918. This was just after Germany signed the armistice, which ended the fighting in World War I. He is buried in the Invalidenfriedhof Cemetery in Berlin.
Family Connections
Fritz von Below had a cousin who was also a German commander. His cousin was named Otto von Below. People sometimes confuse the two generals because they had the same last name and both fought in the war.
See also
In Spanish: Fritz von Below para niños
