Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck 1870 – 1964

Biography

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck was born on March 20, 1870, in Saarlouis, Germany, into a time of profound national change. He would go on to become a distinguished German army officer whose career spanned decades of significant historical periods. His military service reflected the traditions and complexities of late 19th and early 20th century European military life.

Throughout his long life, von Lettow-Vorbeck devoted himself to military service, contributing to the armed forces during a period that witnessed dramatic transformations in warfare and international relations. His career as a professional soldier demonstrated the commitment and discipline expected of officers of his era. He maintained connections to military traditions and structures throughout his life.

On March 9, 1964, von Lettow-Vorbeck passed away in Othmarschen, just shy of his ninety-fourth birthday. His remains were laid to rest at Vicelinkirche in Pronstorf, Germany, where he was interred with military dignity. His long life had encompassed the rise and fall of empires, the reshaping of Europe, and the evolution of modern warfare, making him a living link to Germany’s complex twentieth-century history.