Carson Bernard

German Field Marshal August von Mackensen, known as "The Last Hussar," photographed around 1915 at the age of 66. He lived a long life, passing away on November 8, 1945, at the age of 95... August von Mackensen was one of Germany’s most recognizable military commanders during World War I. In this portrai the is wearing the dramatic fur hussar cap bearing the Totenkopf (“death’s head”) insignia, a symbol associated with elite Prussian cavalry units. Nicknamed “The Last Hussar,” Mackensen became famous for leading several major Central Powers victories on the Eastern Front. In 1915, his forces helped break through Russian defenses during the Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive, one of the war’s most decisive campaigns, which forced the Russian Army into a massive retreat across Poland. Despite his age, Mackensen remained an active field commander throughout much of the war and became a national hero in Germany. You may have noticed the scars on August von Mackensen face. Mackensen belonged to a social class where young men, especially university students and future officers, often participated in academic fencing duels known as Mensur. In these duels, participants wore protective gear but intentionally left parts of the face exposed. The goal was not to win by striking an opponent down but to demonstrate courage and composure under pressure. Because of that, facial cuts were common and even admired. A visible scar, called a “Schmiss,” was considered a mark of honor among members of elite student fraternities and later within the officer corps of the German Empire. © Colorized History #archaeohistories